el_cheapo
Well-known member
Hey guys, This is an awesome forum with tons of sweet projects. I recently Bought a 14' 1966 Richline v bottom, or semi V I'm not really sure. Came with a 75 mercury 110 (9.8) that starts easily and runs well, (Can be a little underwelming pushing the boat our gear and 2 guys up river) but I cant complain. Also came with a Minn Kota 40 Pound thrust bow mounted trolling motor.
I had a few questions, first off the boat leaks but not so badly that I'm convinced I should do anything about it. After 2-3 hours theres a little puddle in the middle of the floor I just take a car detailing sponge and soak it up and wring it out over the side. I do it again after another 2-3 hours. Is this pretty normal for older boats, Should I be concerned?
Number 2, The gas motor has no electric start, I'm assuming since it's not really meant to connect to a battery I cant use it to charge my trolling motor battery while underway? Or maybe there's something I'm missing.
Number 3, the Transom has some flex to it, wooden board in it is still sturdy but where the aluminum around it connects to the gunnels (I think, top of the sides) is kind of a weird connection with some loose bolts and screws that I cant do much about. There are bolts stuck through it I cant figure out a way to get a wrench to, theres a screw stuck under it where it should be over it in a place that I cant get out. I'm really worried to start drilling out anything or doing anything too serious since it holds water and the engine just fine right now, just has some flex where the aluminum isnt as tight as it could be with other parts.
I've attached some pictures that should kind of explain what I mean.
I had a few questions, first off the boat leaks but not so badly that I'm convinced I should do anything about it. After 2-3 hours theres a little puddle in the middle of the floor I just take a car detailing sponge and soak it up and wring it out over the side. I do it again after another 2-3 hours. Is this pretty normal for older boats, Should I be concerned?
Number 2, The gas motor has no electric start, I'm assuming since it's not really meant to connect to a battery I cant use it to charge my trolling motor battery while underway? Or maybe there's something I'm missing.
Number 3, the Transom has some flex to it, wooden board in it is still sturdy but where the aluminum around it connects to the gunnels (I think, top of the sides) is kind of a weird connection with some loose bolts and screws that I cant do much about. There are bolts stuck through it I cant figure out a way to get a wrench to, theres a screw stuck under it where it should be over it in a place that I cant get out. I'm really worried to start drilling out anything or doing anything too serious since it holds water and the engine just fine right now, just has some flex where the aluminum isnt as tight as it could be with other parts.
I've attached some pictures that should kind of explain what I mean.