First boat

[fishnkamp]

Sorry, I did not realize the Suzuki outboard had its own built in fuel tank,  my mistake !   This actually makes it easier. I would take some plywood and nail it to 2 2x3 boards. I would cut the plywood to fit pretty snug in the back. This means it will fit tight enough not to move without having to be screwed down or permanently attached . Next make a small four sided box or use a battery box to store like a 1 to 3 gallon gas can. Screw the box down to the new floor and maybe use a bungee cord to hold the gas can in place. This accomplishes my goal of having more than enough fuel to run for the day. It will also reduce the amount of space needed to fit fuel storage and batteries. Next take some screws and screw down the two battery boxes in their place Add some rubber or a piece of wood inside the battery boxes so the screws do not harm the batteries.Often times this is not needed because the boxes often have raised sections that elevate the battery slightly. At this point I know you have one battery and one power center. Use what you have for now but design for two in the future. It is a safety thing. You fish on one and when it dies you have  a second full battery ready to bring you home. 

As for dad's seat I would build my floor frame and once I located the perfect spot for his seat I would add a piece of  plywood inside the frame Then when I installed the plywood floor I would have essentially a double thick area to screw the adjustable seat post into.  An alternative and possibly better way is to build the frame and mock up the plywood floor. Add a second piece of plywood to the bottom of the floor section that dad's seat will mount. You can screw the two pieces of plywood together.  Next mark the holes for the seat mount,drill and through bolt the seat mount using long enough bolts that you can add washers and nylock nuts on the bottom of the plywood. Now just fit the floor section in place and screw it down to the frame. Obviously the frame must be made to clear the doubled plywood section. I would make the double section just a bit bigger than the flange area of the seat base. I want dad's seat to be securely installed.

Take a look at this swivel adjustable seat base. This is the one Ed used on his boat.  He actually did his floor in sections so it was easier to work with. His frame is all one totally nailed together, but the floor panels he  screwed down onto it are actually made in three sections. Take a look at these pics. Now realize you do not need the elaborate frame that he built, He was covering over 16 feet and raising the deck in order to build in under deck storage areas. You are essentially just building a flat floor with storage in front and behind your seating areas

 

https://www.amazon.com/Wise-8WP21-18S-Adjustable-Boat-Pedestal/dp/B001603LD6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_200_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0WAX8BWQK0BSDQ04P3T8

 

 

[Anon2578455]

Perfect,  thanks for the writeup.  That sounds simple enough.  Update on the trailer,  I had to leave it at the shop.  My mechanic was laughing cause even the hub on one wheel was entirely wrong,  he went out to pick one up for me. So the wheel with the bearing that was too large also had a larger hub.   I am so glad I went to get the trailer checked out prior to continuing to use it.  So now I have new bearings,  seals and 1 new hub.  He said I should grease spring/fall and other than that,  said I should be good.  Picking up the trailer in the morning as I had to go to work.  Should have some pictures from tomorrow over the weekend. 

[Anon2578455]

We are in the water.  So I changed my mind a bit.  I have a few leaks,  so I need to address that first.  I am nuking the floor,  opting instead to build nice benches. I will buy new seats / swivels to mount on the benches. Other than being a tad small,  it's working out just fine.  Thanks 

 

[Anon2578455]

Some newbie questions. Are 14ft boats normally tippy feeling when you move? I could not stand as it felt as though the boat would tip.  I was originally planning on moving the rear seat offset to allow for easier motor steering,  but now second guessing that idea.  Let me know if there is a way to stabilize the boat more. 

[thomas15]

First good that you had a successful first time out. It's going to take some time to get your seamanship skills up and to get used to your particular boat. I think I mentioned up thread that with a small boat you need to move smoothly and quietly and stay somewhat low.

[Anon2578455]

OK,  I am buying materials tomorrow to redo the inside and water seal the boat.  2 main questions in my design. 

1.The front of the boat,  if I extend the flooring a bit,  it would be a bad idea to put a seat up top with a pole right?whenever my dad moved in the current seat,  the boat listed pretty good.  The other option is to remove the front deck and restore it to a bench with under seat storage. 

2.  With the rear bench, I am going to restore it and create under seat storage.  My question is,  with the boat being tippy,  should I offset the rear seat to make motor steering easier?  I am worried that the boat will lean too much.  If I don't ofset,  what is the best way to steer? 

[fishnkamp]

There is no way I would do anything upfront except make it a storage area.  I would remove its seat all together and turn it into a closed storage area with a door on the vertical surface. Build around the original bench  Now I would put in a flat floor from your rear bench/ seat area to the front storage area. I would remove the middle bench.  Somewhere between the middle bench and the front deck I would mount that  adjustable seat post made by Swivel Eze. The fact that the base to that seat will be lower down on a flat floor and a bit further back from the front V will help some with being less tippy feeling. I would move dad's seat back a foot or foot and a half, just enough that he can sit comfortably, without being too close to the front deck getting in the way of casting, and not too close to your seat and getting in your way when you are casting.  I would leave your seat centered, again for balance.  Before you do too much rebuilding do some testing. Take out the middle bench.. Splash the boat at the ramp with say 10  foot long lines tied to the dock ( I want to do some testing with the boat floating but not far away from the dock). Have dad or someone younger with you. Have them sit in your seat in the back. I want you to sit on a bucket turned upside down.  Move the bucket forward and backward to see where you fit best and see how moving it changes the stability of the boat.  Maybe you could even temporarily install a several of 2x3's running side to side and a piece of plywood cut to size and nailed to them to mock up a flat floor.  That is how I would begin to mock up the floor plan. You want the floor to be flat on the sides and supported along the center so how the boards underneath will take some playing with. 

[Anon2578455]

I do not think I will be doing a floor to save costs. Not only that,  with my long legs,  if I do a floor,  I will have to raise all seats higher.  Also the boat is shallow in the rear and deeper in the front,  so I will lose some extra depth up front.

 This was my plan.  I was going to install 2x12 for my rear seat to rid myself of the center support.  I was also going to box in the rear seat,  make an area for a gas can back there and some storage.  I am also going to redo the transom wood as it's in poor shape.  

Next for the bottom of the boat and all seat benches,  I got a roll of deluxe grade navy blue carpet at a great price of free.  The bottom of the boat will be cleaned etc and carpeted up until the water line on the sides.  Then the upper top line of the inside/outside of the boat will get rust oleum navy blue. 

From your plans I will actually remove the center seat and relocate it closer to the front and install the bench there, maybe 6-12 inches further forward.  I will build a 2x12 bench again with under seat storage for tackle/life jackets.  The front of the boat will have the same size storage.  I was thinking of putting the battery up front to be closer to the trolling motor. The boat is small,  and if there is a motor,  gas,  battery and my 250lbs all riding in back,  it probably won't bode well. 

Outside the boat,  wire wheeling all seams and then sealing with gluvit or the like. Bondo fill the top line holes,  install transducer board as discussed.  Will use a white gel coat bottom paint.  The navy on top of white should look great.  The rear transom would will get stained to look great.  I will get lights wired in.  

Basically the seating is my only question mark left.  I guess I turn the boat into a 2 seater and go from there. I wonder if I can mount the pedestal on the aluminum floor without a plywood floor? 

[thomas15]

15 hours ago, petes67bird said:

..........Basically the seating is my only question mark left.  I guess I turn the boat into a 2 seater and go from there. I wonder if I can mount the pedestal on the aluminum floor without a plywood floor? 

No, that would not be a wise move. I wouldn't have anything subject to that much stress attached to the aluminum hull /floor even with a plywood floor. Just my opinion.

[CrustyMono]

On August 23, 2016 at 10:06 PM, fishnkamp said:

Fall is coming and you know guys will be dropping their prices. I totally understand the money issues today. I have another idea. Look for a 16 foot used squareback canoe. Like this http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/boa/5746518048.html  Then go buy a 30 pound thrust electric trolling motor and a deep cycle battery. The trolling motor could be a Bass Pro Prowler brand new ( one of the least expensive available) or a used trolling motor. I fished out of a boat like this. If you do this then next year you could start saving towards something else but these are pretty nice and stable.

I like your idea, fishnkamp. Pete I am also looking into a small boat. You can get a small 12 foot v hull and put a casting deck on the front 2 thirds. This works well for my friend and I.

[Anon2578455]

So couple more pictures of the progress.  Inside painted.  Seats raised a bit and we moved the middle seating slightly forward as there will not be a seat directly at the front,  that will just be storage. Also we raised the eats closer to you top of the boat to allow a bit more comfort for our long legs.  The boat is really comfortable only with 2 people,  so that's what we decided on. Here are a couple pictures.  Carpet etc will be in shortly.  

[fishnkamp]

WOW what a terrific job you are doing. Looks look it is going to have a brand new like. I know I shared my friend Ed's progress on his project. He has finished it up except some more cosmetics which he will finish in the spring. It is completely solid and dry, no leaks and the framing and decks are done. He has been using it since mid August.  Check out his latest pics

http://www.*/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=130307.100

By spring you will  have her all ready and you and dad can get some big ones. Thanks for posting some updates.  When you are all done do not forget to throw a backyard party. You need to treat dad and your neighbor to some nice steaks, roll up some potatoes in foil and add a few ears pieces of fresh corn on the cob. The trick is to start the potatoes early then throw on the steaks. Wrap the ears of corn in aluminum foil with some real butter and some Old Bay Seasoning. I know you may not use that seasoning but you need to get some authentic McCormick Seasoning's Old Bay. If you need me to I will ship you some from here. I lay the potatoes and corn on my top rack and cook all of it with the lid closed.  When you turn the steaks (about every 5 to 20 minutes roll the corn over. When it is done you are in for a superb dinner treat. You will not want to boil corn again. To spice it up throw on some skewers of shrimp, peppers and onion pieces.  Enjoy!!!!

By the way I had more surgery on my toe a few weeks ago and am hoping to go back to work soon.

My wife had pulled a promo sticker off a UTZ brand bag of Chips. There was a number and promo website on the rear. They were running a promo with the Baltimore Ravens, our football team. They were giving away Ravens merchandise.  We did not win the backpacks or drink holders etc. Instead we won airfare for two on Southwest Airlines, 2 nights hotel accommodations at the Dallas Fort Worth Embassy Suites, tickets for a special tailgate party and two tickets to the football game between the Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas the weekend before Thanksgiving. We could not believe it when they called. We were two of 12 winners, it sooo cool.

[CrustyMono]

no title no go

[Anon2578455]

On 10/30/2016 at 6:44 PM, CrustyMono said:

no title no go

What do you mean?   All titles and registration have been returned to me and are in my name now.  

 

Thank you so much for your recipe.  We always grill corn being in the middle of corn country.  I literally have the farm about 2 blocks from my house where we pick our own vegetables.  I don't have the old bay seasoning,  buy I will look it up and try it out.  While we are on the topic of grill food,  here is one of my favorite sides.  Take a head of cauliflower,  and take all the leaves off. Bs often one stick of butter and spread it all over the head of cauliflower.  Sprinkle some seasoning and then douse it in partisan cheese.  Wrap it in foil and put it on your grill at 400 degrees for 45 minutes.   I can eat the whole thing on my own,  it's that good. 

 

That is great news that you had successful surgery,  I will be so happy for you when you get back out on your feet.  It really is a trying time when you are physically limited ,  so hearing you are on the upswing is fantastic !

 

The contest win is amazing.  I haven't been that lucky but that will be a great getaway for you two.  Not sure how far San Antonio is from there,  but the Riverwalk is a place I hear is beautiful.    Hope you guys have a safe trip and let us know how it goes,  the stadium is supposed to be jaw dropping ! 

 

I will post some more interior pictures shortly,  carpeting and seats almost done.  Hopefully the goop coat it solves all the small leaks.  They weren't very bad,  but still would be nice to be rid of them. Your friends boat looks great as well! Have a good night. 

[fishnkamp]

Do me a favor. Send an email to me at fishnkamp@comcast.net. Include your home address.I will slip a can of that stuff in a box and send it out to you. Maryland is the home of  theMcCormick Spice Co and they churn out tons of that stuff and we blue crab eaters devour it.

[Anon2578455]

So as we were finishing the cubs game,  I went to check my wife's seasoning,  and we have some in our cupboard.  To be honest,  I don't remember ever seeing it or trying it.  I will have to try it as you say!   I usually use the McCormick bacon molasses seasoning for my burgers and some of their other rubs. 

These are a few of my go to's 

[Anon2578455]

Almost done! 

[J Francho]

What a transformation!

[Anon2578455]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

What a transformation!

Thanks.  All that is left is the carpet floor and wiring for the lights,  fish finder and battery. 

[fishnkamp]

I am totally impressed.  You and dad are going to have some fun next spring! Wow.

[Anon2578455]

15 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

I am totally impressed.  You and dad are going to have some fun next spring! Wow.

Thanks.  The transom didnt get replaced, and it is now painted over which isnt ideal, but I can always get that changed out in the future.  Overall, the boat is coming out better than I thought.  I will get some better lighting in the photos once it is all done.

[fishwizzard]

That boat looks amazing.  I have been idly thinking about buying a boat and have been reading a few threads, this one especially has been an inspiration.  I need another project like I need a hole in my head, but your $400 boat is given me the itch really badly!

[Anon2578455]

On 11/2/2016 at 6:30 PM, Bunnielab said:

That boat looks amazing.  I have been idly thinking about buying a boat and have been reading a few threads, this one especially has been an inspiration.  I need another project like I need a hole in my head, but your $400 boat is given me the itch really badly!

To give you some ideas of what I spent.  

400  boat/trailer plus my trades. 

60 each for the seats/swivels on Craigslist 

About 80 for wood,  1 of 2x12x12 untreated,  1 of 1/2" marine grade plywood,  I found in the scrap section 1 of the 1/4" plywood,  3 of 2x4's and a couple other scraps from the scrap heap of my local hardware store.

40 for deluxe carpet.  Menards had the deluxe marine carpet on sale at 32 cents, end of year sale

A little under 100 for all the paint,  topside,  bottom,  primer and goop coat it to seal all rivets/seams

80 for miscellaneous such as rivets, wiring,  screws,  tape, adhesive, sandpaper, fire extinguisher  etc. Again look at the clearance areas. 

I also put 100 total in for all the hubs/bearings to be replaced earlier.  I still need tires next year. 

 

Total investment not including thebtitle/registration is just about 1200. Boat should be done tomorrow,  I will get better pictures of everything. 

[fishnkamp]

You failed to add the "value" of your time and labor. I realize it is offset by the pride of having done such a nice job. It is felt every time you and your dad get to catch a fish in it. See there are lots of things you can buy with money. I doubt you could buy anything that will mean more to you and your dad then having this boat to enjoy together.I am so happy I got to go on this ride with you.  Enjoy the memories for a lifetime 

 

[Anon2578455]

Thank you so much fish.  I have to add the value of all the help here who guided me through all my tough choices.  I learned a lot so far but I know I have only scratched the surface of what I will learn in the upcoming years.  Thanks again for everything g,  your kindness and wisdom as well as everyone else here is truly invaluable !