New Boat, New to me anyway

[Crab Pot]

CuttyHunker/Brewcrafter,

I will replace the impeller and I'm sure the carb needs a good cleaning, may rebuild it while it's off.

I'll be sure to post progress photos.

Steve

[Crab Pot]

First day of demo in the books.

The boat looks way bigger without seats.

I sure this boat was once owned by a drywall contractor, every screw I've pulled has been one length of drywall screw or another. They would have never held up in brackish and salt conditions. Drilling out the factory rivets is next, but not this week.

I'm going to Sand Mountain (Nevada for those that don't know) to get my high-power sand dune fix on Thursday and I need to prep!

Steve

[Crab Pot]

Demo Day Two Complete.

Tore out the majority of the deck, all of the seating, V-notches on the bow, and the fuel deck. Haven't decided if the steering console deck is worth the effort.

My little rodent friends didn't make it, but they sure did stink for being as small as they are/were. The rear deck and fuel deck hard foam was a maze of little rodent tunnels. They must have had easy access in and out in Nevada but not on my side yard. No one report me to PETA please... 

Under the decks was a time capsule of fishing gear, all rusted out of course, but I could tell what it was. My shop vac is going to a workout as will my pressure washer.

I have to work Saturday and Sunday so till next time,

Steve

[oldmanjoe]

   Looks good and a hundred pounds lighter !

[Crab Pot]

Day Three Demo.

Demo 99% Complete: Only 99% because I have a bunch of rivets to drill out.

All the old plywood is gone. All the old electronic wires are gone. All the old foam (what a mess) gone. Drilled the PVC conduit path for the new electronics.

Fun part starts now. I have a blank slate. 

[Midway Tommy]

Hopefully it will be positive level flotation when you get 'er done.

[MolBasser]

Looks like a great project.

I'm eagerly following.

[jgp12000]

I imagine the maiden voyage will be rewarding,fish will be jumping in the boat!

[Crab Pot]

Hopefully it will be positive level flotation when you get 'er done.

Tommy,

Funny you mention balance because it has been on my mind. I am replacing the plywood back to factory, every piece. I saved the old ones as templated. However, the former owner/s gutted a lot of the stern floatation foam out to add storage. I don't like the idea of taking a wave and will be restoring it back to factory specs.

Two of the areas are aft at each corner. They used to be filled with foam; they currently house two batteries. The six-gallon fuel tank used to sit in front of the motor. I have a 20-gallon tank from one of my old boats that I will be using which needs to go more forward.

With just the weight of two batteries and the fuel I'll be stern heavy but here's the kicker, I want to install a 40 or 50 horsepower four stroke motor as well. Which are also heavy.

So, I will be playing the balancing game. My intent is to move the two batteries to the center seat bench, or maybe to the forward bench seat, and put the fuel tank directly behind the center seat to get more weight forward.

I know some may be thinking why a 20-gallon tank, but I also carry a spare battery. This boat will be used for near shore fishing and I like getting home.

I have my work cut out for me.

Looks like a great project.

I'm eagerly following.

It's definitely aggressive for a 16' boat.

I imagine the maiden voyage will be rewarding, fish will be jumping in the boat!

jgp12000, one of my life long high school buddies can't wait to catch the first fish in my new boat. Which he has done for the past 5 or 6 boats...   

[Crab Pot]

Roughed in the electrical conduits and all three benches.

Got a lead on another boat. This one may turn into a flip...?

[jgp12000]

When I speak of Christening a boat some do this with champagne before
The maiden voyage but any good boat trip needs "fishin" food.

Hopefully the fish are biting too good to eat but I always take something just in case I get "hangry".

My private selection are kippers,saltines,LA hot sauce.
BBQ beanie weenies,& prairie belt sausage.Beef jerky as well.

Our tradition was the passenger has to pass the skipper a kipper on a cracker slathered in hot sauce & announce aloud "a kipper for the skipper"! That's how we did it anyways
An English butler accent adds a nice touch .

[Midway Tommy]

I was thinking more on the line of positive flotation to keep it upright at the surface if it takes water and preventing it from sinking to the bottom of the sea or lake.