Basstracker TX17 First major project

[Duckmagnet]

Hey guys, I have a Bass tracker TX 17 that I picked up this summer. It was supposed to be a winter project, but progress has been slow due to lack of aluminum welder.....or the skills to use it. I have gutted the boat, and am now in the process of rebuilding the Transom. It has some pretty severe pitting to the point of holes thru. I am now trying to decide the best manner in which to repair said holes, any suggestions? I also have an issue with some cracks in the bottom that I didn't notice prior to purchasing. They are right at the end of the floor ribs so repair will be difficult. Input on that would be appreciated as well. I appreciate all input on this project as it gets going. Im planning on making this into a nice fishing and Duck hunting rig. Already have the paint, gonna go with aluminum floor with Non slip rubberized flooring. Still deciding on seats, placement of seats, and motor. thinking side console with controls. Thanks for any ideas and happy building.

 

[Duckmagnet]

Anyone have suggestions for fixing the cracks in the bottom of the boat?

 

[harleydoc]

Well you could have the welded up or patch with with solid rivets and some 5200 and new plate might work if you have some sheet metal skills. If you do patch the you need to drill and hole on both sides of the crack to keep it from running.

 

[hueydr]

Nice boat. In order for us to help could you mark the cracks with a grease pencil (circle them?) and take a wider field of view photo? Can you take photos from both sides of the hull? It's hard to tell from the pics that you posted. Don't worry, they can all be fixed (?$$?).

 

[Duckmagnet]

I'll get some new pics of both sides of the cracks this weekend. How about pitting on the Transom anyone had to fix these before? some go all the way thru so im not sure the best way to proceed. should I have the rear replaced? or are they Patchable? I was going to put a piece of 1/8 inch aluminum on the inside and seal the two together. and possibly put another piece sealed to the outside as well. Does this sound like a good course of action?

 

[hueydr]

Just as with the cracks, seeing is believing. The more pictures the better. Can't help without good info. This is a nice tin that looks as if it want's to be in the water. Can't wait to see the mods. Whats the open water time at your local fishing hole in Maine? Maybe you should mount some skates under the tin!!

 

[Duckmagnet]

sorry for the Delay but the we have had a Serious cold snap here lately -15, so the boat has been sitting alone in the cold garage. I got some pics of the pitting, as well as more pics of the cracks. some better than others, but it's still on the trailer so it's hard to get good ones.

 

[Duckmagnet]

anyone got more input on the cracks, and the pitting? Thanks

 

[Loggerhead Mike]

Just about every tracker I've seen that age including mine cracks at those stress points. Best to just save up and have it welded

 

[Duckmagnet]

Thanks that's what I was thinking to. But the pitting I'm not sure on. Thinking JB weld on the inside, smoothed out and sealed, with A sheet of 1/8th inch aluminum over the top for the inside. Still not sure about the outside, but possibly the same.

 

[TNtroller]

no advice on the repair of cracks and pitting, but when you get around to re-habing the trailer, DON'T use PT wood for the bunks. Is the pitting on the bottom near the bunks or another location, could not tell from the pics.

 

[Duckmagnet]

The pitting is on the inside of the Transom, from the Wood being soaked. I am replacing it with two pieces of aluminum, and some Plastic bathroom stall divider material. When I do get around to replacing the bunks, I am going to use composite bunks like i did on my last trailer.

 

[hueydr]

It's hard to tell if the welding was there before the cracks or a repair of the cracks but I will relent to those with the same boat with the same issues (Loggerhead Mike). I would have those ares reinforced (a good sized doubler on the inside to help distribute the loads) during repair to prevent (hopefully) the same problems down the road. As far as the pitting, that's pretty extreme. I would like to see a member with extensive aluminum training give advice on that one. Keep it up, 'cause it's gonna be a good one. =D>

 

[Duckmagnet]

I would love to hear the advice of an experienced aluminum worker. And thank you. I have high hopes for this boat

 

[Duckmagnet]

Well Progress has been slow due to the wet weather and a change in my financial situation. But I did purchase three sheets of 4x8 aluminum 1/8" for the floor the front deck, and to help with the rebuild of the transom. Now I just need to get to the sheet metal shop and get the sheets cut to fit the Transom. I am going to do one against the outside of the transom, after Jb welding and sanding it flat. I am going to seal the two together with 5200 than put the 1 inch plastic that's heavy rugged stuff than put another layer of 1/8" aluminum to sandwich the plastic and make the transom good and rugged, along with never needing to be replaced. Once I finish with the transom I am planning on tackleing the cracks in the floor and reinforcing them. I am just trying to decide on what product would be best to seal the bottom with. Steel flex? or Gluvit? I would appreciate any and all input on my project. Thanks guys and good luck with your own projects