I grew up around boats, but this is my first one of my own. Bought this boat about a year ago on a fully rusted trailer that barely made it home. Boat was in good shape for its age, so we slapped a 9.8 on it and called it good. Then I started reading this forum and doing my research and the addiction began. I soon realized some knucklehead rebuilt the transom with PT wood and put that on my to-do list. Soon, I bought a decent trailer - on older caulkins with only mild rust. Painted the seats, added a depth/fish finder, anchor, all the little necessities we needed for fishing. Caught Puget Sound crab and salmon all summer and fall in it - had a blast.
Fast forward to this spring - I rebuilt the transom with good wood, resin, paint, and aluminum. It's now bulletproof for years to come.
Just finished the deck on it yesterday. Did the front first (bolted in with a hinged storage door in the center), then the middle section, which is removable since we use it for fishing most of the time. The deck is great for the dog and the lady when we just want to hang out on the lake. Added a quick-release seat up front.
We refurbed the trailer, too - sanded, primer, paint, new suspension, bearings, bearing buddies, new winch, lights, wiring, and hardware. Pretty much a new trailer!
WHEW. I'm ready for a break and ready to get back out on the water and enjoy this thing! Took her out for a run today and it was great. Got our dog to hop in, too. She didn't want anything to do with the boat last year, I suspect because of the curved bottom and slick aluminum. She's part of the reason we built the deck. She jumped in immediately. Still getting used to the engine noise and motion, but she did pretty well out there.
Let me know what you think - love to hear any input or questions!
Fast forward to this spring - I rebuilt the transom with good wood, resin, paint, and aluminum. It's now bulletproof for years to come.
Just finished the deck on it yesterday. Did the front first (bolted in with a hinged storage door in the center), then the middle section, which is removable since we use it for fishing most of the time. The deck is great for the dog and the lady when we just want to hang out on the lake. Added a quick-release seat up front.
We refurbed the trailer, too - sanded, primer, paint, new suspension, bearings, bearing buddies, new winch, lights, wiring, and hardware. Pretty much a new trailer!
WHEW. I'm ready for a break and ready to get back out on the water and enjoy this thing! Took her out for a run today and it was great. Got our dog to hop in, too. She didn't want anything to do with the boat last year, I suspect because of the curved bottom and slick aluminum. She's part of the reason we built the deck. She jumped in immediately. Still getting used to the engine noise and motion, but she did pretty well out there.
Let me know what you think - love to hear any input or questions!