Boat Rebuild

[jcadahia]

Hey guys, doing my first rebuild. Bought this last week. Have wanted to do this since I was 18. It is a 14 footer and has a 6 horse evinrude. Got the boat, trailer, motor, anchor, oars, and rear trolling motor for 600. Any pointers would be helpful. I want a casting platform on the front.

 

[Ttexastom]

Welcome aboard to the forum. You are in the right place to learn how to correctly mod. Fish out of your new boat a few times if it is seaworthy. Be careful and wear a life jacket. Go thru the search section and read completed boats. There are a lot of ideas out there. Make sure that all your paperwork is in order, before starting any mods!

 

[jcadahia]

Has anyone tried using chainlink fence top rails for the supports/frame structure for the decking. Thinking about trying it but wondered what thoughts yall had. Looks like they are lighter than 2x4's and i would think more resistant to rot...

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Don't use anything steel on your boat. Aluminum, stainless steel or wood, and never pressure treated wood.

 

[jcadahia]

No pressure treated wood for the deck either. I was thinking of using pressure treated plywood for the deck floor

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

No pressure treated wood for the deck either. I was thinking of using pressure treated plywood for the deck floor

No pressure treated wood for anything not even for the bunks on the trailer. The copper used to treat the wood is a dissimilar metal from the aluminum and will cause corrosion.

 

[jcadahia]

Need to change my bunks out now..

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Need to change my bunks out now..

You could cap the bunks with PVC downspouts cut to fit.

 

[jcadahia]

OK, i just ended up recutting them out of non treated wood.

 

[Msky_Hntr]

Following to see how this one turns out. Looks like a nice start.

 

[Ttexastom]

Before you build a front deck, make note to check for rivets leaking. This comes into seaworthy part. Either go to lake or fill partly with water and be prepared to mark places for water escapting. I hope you do not have any leaks, but this is common in riveted boats. There is a good read in the search area about building decks and how wide a boat should be, to have decks. Proceed slowly, know you want to do and enjoy your project.

 

[jcadahia]

Before you build a front deck, make note to check for rivets leaking. This comes into seaworthy part. Either go to lake or fill partly with water and be prepared to mark places for water escapting. I hope you do not have any leaks, but this is common in riveted boats. There is a good read in the search area about building decks and how wide a boat should be, to have decks. Proceed slowly, know you want to do and enjoy your project.

Thank you for the heads up Ttexastom. This is my first rebuild. I did fill it with water and there were some leaks, i sealed them from the outside with 3m 5200 which i heard works well. I have the decking cut but not attached yet as i am waiting for the wire to arrive. Going to put the battery in the middle and run 6awg up to the bow for the troller. 6 gang switch panel up front as well for bilge, courtesy lights, nav lights, 3 open for further expansion if needed.

 

[Ttexastom]

Very good, looks like you are off to a good start. Will be anxious to see future progress.

 

[jcadahia]

Build is still going as parts come in the mail.

Wiring came to run up to the bow but i haven't done it yet. I need to wait for the switch panel that is supposed to come this weekend.

The trailer cable came, front wheel thing, nose bumper etc. I put those on and took it on the water today. Spent about 2 hours on the water and pretty much took on no water. Flipped the handle on a transom troller and used it on the front which worked well. A bag chair is the perfect height to put your feet up, however i have seats coming. Here are some pictures!

 

[jcadahia]

Any thoughts on this carpet for the decking. I was just going to leave it painted with porch paint, however this is a great price for indoor/outdoor carpet. The boat is stored outside however covered.

https://www.menards.com/main/floori...88-c-6542.htm?tid=-5338881387673916439&ipos=1

 

[Ttexastom]

Guess that depends on what you use your boat for. Catfishing can cause problems if slime gets on carpet. Personally i like a painted surface, it can be repainted, or touched up. Carpet is nice. Last boat that i bought new was a bass boat, kept it for 26 years. Carpet looked good still when sold. Have a 15 foot jon and 24 foot pontoon. Both have painted floors. Carpet is nice. If i were only bass or crappie fishing would vote for carpet. Still have to vacuum regular to keep it looking nice though. Really your call, when it comes decision time though.

 

[jcadahia]

Yeah, i'm not sure really what i am going to do. I don't really want to pull the deck up again to carpet it. Also, wiht the flexing of the aluminum i wonder how quickly it would damage the corners where it wraps under the plywood because i have a floating wood frame in there, so i would assume it moves a little....

Looks like it is on sale for a bit, the boat is only for bass fishing really..... i'm gonna have to think about it.