Nice to see other BLUEFINS getting restored. I have a 16' DREAMCATCHER I rescued a few years back from the scrap heap. Bought it for $700.00 with a piece of junk trailer & DOA FORCE 35 which I tried to revive.
The first year I tore it down to the ribs & replaced the floor & returned to same configuration as when I purchase with a side console.
Since the FORCE was not savable & most of the waters I fish are electric only I jettisoned the FORCE (GOOD RIDDANCE). It has been replaced by a 10 HP tiller & I did away with the console & any unneeded weight...lite is right.
Over the next few years I made refinements to better suit my use & it is still a work in progress. This year I a added a front casting deck, moved the front trolling motor battery to the rear to offset the weight of the casting deck. I used an aluminum extension ladder to make a frame an used 3/4" hardwood plywood with 2 coats of deck sealant & two coats of SPAR urethane. This set allows me to have all of that area beneath the deck for storage & a place for my dog to get out of the sun. Plus I finally have a place to put the giant *** Musky net with tripping over it. It also fits the pedestal seat & post with room for a cooler too.
BLUEFINS may be slow & heavy but they are extremely strong & stable. A lot times when the water is rough & the wind blows I see other tinboats getting rocked out there but my baby is stable.
I plan on adding a new post with more pictures detailing the trilogy of my BLUEFIN restoration once I am done.
