1994 Spectrum 16 Sport Rebuild? - Bouncing ideas around

[thill]

And this boat is NOT robust at all. I thought the same, but it is an optical illusion, probably because the gunnel height is so tall. That is very good in my book, but it's shockingly light, especially since the underfloor and under-gunnel areas are full of foam. Not worried about it sinking, at least. It's definitely going to float!

Believe it or not, light is good for my intended use, so not a problem. I want something I can push off a sand bar when fishing shallow, if needed.

 

[LDUBS]

Sounds like our boats are very similar when it comes to weight. My hull bottom and sides are 0.8" thick. I think that might be on the thinner side for an 18' walk thru. Total dry weight is 750#. Add 215# for the 50 HP outboard. It is rated for 60 HP max.

I sure agree about the benefits of a light boat. Pretty easy to muscle it around.

 

[thill]

I don’t know the gauge of this boat, but I’m happy with it. It’s physically light but feels very solid in the water. I'm pretty impressed with the ride.

I think I messed up, not bringing the boat on this trip. Feels funny asking to use someone else’s boat, but maybe I’ll get over it soon.

 

[Stand Up]

You can use my boat anytime. Although we are a bit far apart. However, if you're in the Edmonton Alberta area, let me know, cause we're going fishing.

 

[Sieben]

I got a boat that was abandoned at a property. Free with purchase of the trailer. Great hull, but the interior is trashed, motor blown, transom soft. Here are a few pictures:

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The hull is solid, no damage, 16'-5" long, 6' 5" wide with dual consoles, front platform with livewell. Now that I have found the last known owner and will get the title eventually,

I'm actually considering this boat as a replacement/upgrade to my 16' Princecraft, and I'm trying to think it out. I'm considering it because...
1. This boat has a flat floor with no bunks
2. This boat is rated for 70 HP, so it should be a little more sturdy for bigger water
3. I might like having the full windshield for cold/rainy days, especially if I add a Bimini top. Or I can open it up, my choice.

besides the work it needs, the only negatives I can think of is that it will be heavier, slower and fuel-thirsty, My current boat uses ounces of fuel, not gallons on a typical trip.


That being said, this is what I'm thinking right now as far as sequence:

1. Get title in my name before doing anything.
2. Empty and clean out boat, pull seats and carpet so I can see what I'm dealing with.
3. See if it's just the center of the floor that needs help, or if the whole floor needs replacement. Notice that they replaced the ski locker cover with PVC board.
4. Check how difficult transom replacement access is. Some boats are easy, some are a royal pain.

Then come questions about what I'm going to do with it...
1. Keep the dual consoles and glass for protection from the elements or take one and make it an open side-console? (I do crappie fish in the winter)
2. Replace the carpet as-is or leave the sides carpeted and use Nautolex vinyl on the floor?
3. Add a simple passenger seat or just put a cushioned cooler there?
4. What HP motor? I have an Evinrude 50 that I should be able to get running on short notice, but also have a 3-cyl 60. I even have a parts motor for the Force 70 that I could probably use to get the current motor running, but Force 70's are the worst of their motors. Love the 90's, 120's and 150's, but I've never seen a 70 where the center cylinder didn't have issues. Fuel delivery, I suspect. Doubt I'll go that route.
5. Move the livewell from the front to the back, or add a 2nd livewell?
6. Of course, I could always do the minimum, leave it mostly as-is and just sell it.

If you have any thoughts good or bad, please comment. Thanks.

Hi there. Use Cossa board for the new transom. It is lighter than plywood, does not rot. Can be fiberglassed in. It is designed just for transom replacements. Comes in 4' x 8' sheets.
John

 

[thill]

Have been busy this week, but did some minor work to the 16 Sport.

Replaced the old CD player with a bluetooth version, and replaced the old speakers. I also replaced the driver's side coaming panel, as the old one was done for. I also got the Minn Kota Riptide installation done 100%.

The biggest thing I did was to fabricate/instail rub-rail mounted nav lights. I did these on my Princecraft, and I'm just as happy with this set, although installation was a bit more challenging. On the princecrat, they mounted directly to the aluminum, on this one, I had to cut a insert and them mount the lights to the insert.

Either way, they look good, and the trolling motor won't interfere whether it's up or down.


Before you ask, YES, they are USCG approved if installed correctly. (0-112 degree viewing angle) On my last boat, I asked the coasties when getting a courtesy inspection, and they were happy to see a set installed properly. I followed the same guidelines when installing these.

 

[thill]

You can use my boat anytime. Although we are a bit far apart. However, if you're in the Edmonton Alberta area, let me know, cause we're going fishing.

That's an awesome offer, and I appreciate it. Just found you on the map, and I see a lot of lakes. I'll extend the same offer to you if you are ever in Virginia, visiting Washington, D.C. or whatever.. Depending on the time of year, it can be from okay to really world-class. Come in Late March if you want big Rockfish, May-June, if you want big red drum and an assortment of other fish:

 

[LDUBS]

Awesome catches. Those rockfish look suspiciously like what we call stripers out here.

Those nav lights look like they will be highly visible. If you get a chance and don't mind post a closer view of how you did the insert for those lights. It looks like it was from the factory.

 

[sonny1]

While in the Navy at Norfolk a shipmate asked if I would be interested going after some rockfish. His dad had a boat and Saturday rolled around off we went out to the Chesapeake Bridge. I caught the first fish and was disappointed. Told them I had caught stripers before on the west coast in the Delta and really wanted to catch a Rockfish. They got a good laugh.

 

[Stand Up]

That's an awesome offer, and I appreciate it. Just found you on the map, and I see a lot of lakes. I'll extend the same offer to you if you are ever in Virginia, visiting Washington, D.C. or whatever.. Depending on the time of year, it can be from okay to really world-class. Come in Late March if you want big Rockfish, May-June, if you want big red drum and an assortment of other fish:
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OMG! What the hell have you been feeding those fish. They're bigger than the neighbors dog.
Thanks for the fishing invitation. I'll certainly let you know if I can pull it off. Much appreciated.