$500.00 budget, Free 60's Alumacraft, first project

[Spencer31st]

Yeah, and you know what they say about one man"s junk. As far as surplus goes - still need to buy 2 batteries, wiring, fishing rod holders, transom hardware, and build a new transom. Still should come in with enough left over to buy bumpers for the boathouse so it doesn't get knocked around too much.

 

[worminken]

Spencer,

Where, in AL, are you located?

Ken

 

[wildmantorry]

Um, yeah...I'm probably gonna steal the bucket w/ tackle storage idea.... looks like a good way to get some semi-waterproof storage w/o alot of space.

RTR!!!

 

[sixgun86]

Um, yeah...I'm probably gonna steal the bucket w/ tackle storage idea.... RTR!!!

I put it under my coat as soon as I saw it :-

Good idea

 

[Spencer31st]

Ken, I'm in Pinson.


The tackle box was $8 at Wal-Mart.

 

[J.P.]

Still should come in with enough left over to buy bumpers for the boathouse so it doesn't get knocked around too much.

PET bottles or pool noodles make good boat bumpers. old tires for the dock. just sayin'..... :wink:

i wish i had a friend like yours.
congrtas on the build. this being your first makes it even more amazing.

 

[Busbey]

how did you apply the paint? spray gun? can? roll?

please post an up close picture with some reflection. looks awesome! i have a 1950 alumicraft i am about to paint.

 

[Spencer31st]

Believe it or not, brush. The paint I used hardends to a glossy finish if you use the right amount, I still need to post what the paint is. If you apply too much then it gasses out and causes tiny air bubbles to form. It's pretty expensive at $100.00 a gallon but that is the benefit to having a buddy that owns a waterproffing business.

 

[Spencer31st]

Self explanatory

 

[Busbey]

Believe it or not, brush. The paint I used hardends to a glossy finish if you use the right amount, I still need to post what the paint is. If you apply too much then it gasses out and causes tiny air bubbles to form. It's pretty expensive at $100.00 a gallon but that is the benefit to having a buddy that owns a waterproffing business.

i plan on using Rustoleum Brightside whatever... i want it to glass/smooth/shine more so than a rolled on look but dont want the hassle of using a spray gun.

 

[Spencer31st]

Autumn can get further away from the bank than me right now, but not for long.

 

[Spencer31st]

Uploading from my phone so this is taking a while but I got the front TM mounted tonight.

 

[Spencer31st]

Home with a sick child today so while she napped I decided to get the back motor mounted. Gears are reversed so it responds normally.

 

[Spencer31st]

Since I wasn't sure about the year of my boat I called Alumacraft and the operator put me through to Russ Swenson Alumacraft Vice President. Very cool conversation, he called me back and looked up the number on my transom support for me. Turns out this is a 1956 model F, I was not expecting it to be that old. I think I will change the title of this thread with the new info.

 

[Brine]

Nice build Spencer. Hope to see some pics of the fishing buddy riding in the new rig soon.

 

[Spencer31st]

Thanks, looking forward to it. Would not have been able to do it without the wealth of knowledge here thats for sure!

 

[fender66]

VERY SWEET!

Why can't I keep my life this simple. #-o

 

[Spencer31st]

One thing has been bothering me, the red oil based below the waterline since it will be in the boathouse all the time. Decided to sand it down, put all new stainless hardware in and paint it with the waterproofer. Have an older battery and hopefully will get it in the water tomorrow for testing. Won't be finished till I get 2 new ones though.

 

[Spencer31st]

Just some scraps until I can build/get something better

 

[Spencer31st]

Leans a little to the right, perfect - the battery will go on the left. I was amazed that I felt comfortable standing on the front deck. Much more stable than I thought it would be.