It's Official... I Have A Project. The "dream 12'er". 2024
Master Bait'r reply :
Officially got this aluminum semi-v 12'er + trailer from my brother for a measly $400. I needed a small boat so I could bring out my stepson now that he's old enough to really fish- the 8' fiberglass dinghy I've got now was just a bit too small and is super heavy for it's size. I figured 12' is big enough to spend a day in but small enough to move by hand if need be.
The set is extremely solid despite being neglected for a while and the project is set to begin next week. The seats are being taken out immediately, the whole thing is getting power brushed clean as a whistle and then the fun begins. I am a custom metal fabricator, certified TIG welder and have full access to a pretty darn good sized metal shop with a host of sheet metal capabilities so I've made up my mind to create my dream 12er all in-house.
The list so far:
1. Delete all seats
2. Create bracing across front to accommodate platform and bracketry for battery holder
3. Create front platform out of diamond plate aluminum that gives *just* enough room underneath for the throw arm of an adjustable shop stool and storage space. (1 lockable storage compartment)
4. Create padded combo racks on sides to hold rods and reels safely and securely (I also want to box out the top and tip end to give a "shelf" along the sides)
5. Probably recreate the rear seat as it was in stock form, but with lockable storage in the middle and seating receivers to either side of it for an adjustable/removable stool topper like the front.
6. Make a carpeted floor and make sure the floor has proper mounts and a pvc runner for battery wiring.
7. Paint the entire boat gloss grey
8. Rhino line the diamond plate surfaces and contact points of the hull
9. Run wiring and install floor
10. Install trolling motor
11. Fish like a maniac with my stepson.
I already have everything except the the paint, plywood (for the floor), carpet and stools. I want this to be the cleanest meanest 12'er that ever was... And for a very small budget given that I'm doing all the custom building myself.
All said and done it looks like I'll be on the water in a perfect little boat for around $600-$650 and that's if I get really nice carpets and seats. I'm really excited for a good custom project, it's been a while!
A-Jay reply :
Congrats ~
Good Luck with your Build.
A-Jay
mcgreggor57 reply :
Looking forward to following the progress.
Master Bait'r reply :
Thanks guys! It's not everyday I get to apply my trade to something enjoyable, so that will be nice for a change. Considering it's a low-budget project it'll still have a big payout to me in terms of enjoyment. I can't wait to take that little boat from worst to first and enjoy the heck out of it.
slonezp reply :
If you're adding weight, consider adding floatation
Matthew2000 reply :
Looks like the boat I use for a small lake in Ohio. Almost identical actually except we fixed ours up and painted it red.
Joedodge reply :
To cool man. Nothing like a budget project! And doing the work yourselves. Awesome to hear about another trade worker in this site! Proud to be one myself. And your right it's not often we can relate our trade to fishing or enjoyment. Teach your step son and pass it on! My boy is 7 and we are doing similar but not as involved to a canoe. America doesn't need anymore silver spoon fed brats who think they know it all by 14. My hat is off to you sir
thomas15 reply :
Keep us updated on the progress. May I ask, are you going to use the TM as the main propulsion or will you add a gasoline outboard?
BTW, when I was a kid, my Dad (assisted by my brother and me) built two boats, a 14' flat bottom bay skiff and a 19' Comet class sailboat. There was nothing as satisfying as fishing from a boat you made yourselves (or in you case rebuilt).
Master Bait'r reply :
On 4/24/2015 at 7:53 PM, thomas15 said:Keep us updated on the progress. May I ask, are you going to use the TM as the main propulsion or will you add a gasoline outboard?
BTW, when I was a kid, my Dad (assisted by my brother and me) built two boats, a 14' flat bottom bay skiff and a 19' Comet class sailboat. There was nothing as satisfying as fishing from a boat you made yourselves (or in you case rebuilt).
Thanks for the positive encouragement guys. For a low dollar build it's got me really excited. It's a perfect project for the kids to help with too.
I'm going electric only for now. I want to keep it really light, easy and just clean clean clean. I don't have a lot of money to put into it but I'm really good with my hands and have a lot of scrap and machines so I'm looking forward to really doing this right top to bottom but also keeping it as minimalist as possible. It is after all a 12'er. This boat will be for just quietly tiptoeing around the bigger ponds and smaller lakes around here, so it doesn't have to be much. It can't be much, I hope to be able to carry it over short portages with a friend. 
Speed also means less than nothing in this project as it will be a tool to teach basic boating safety and responsibility to the kids as well- a safe, easy stepping stone if you will.
I'm going to take a ton of pictures as things progress and I will definitely keep this thread updated. Hopefully I can get it into the shop this weekend if I have time to start breaking it down and fabbing up the front platform and measuring for the side wire racks. I've even moved all my fishing gear to the shop to make sure everything is accounted for in design and it all fits/works like it should.
Oh and before I forget, Slonezp- I've even got big foam beams for flotation that'll be hidden under the front deck and rear seating. Safety first!! 
Matt
Turtle135 reply :
nice! can't wait to see the progress
merckxrider reply :
I have an aluminum 14' v-hull with a 1972 evinrude fastwin. I take it all over our lakes and out in the salt flats. Please post pics as you go. How are going to take the original seats out? And I would like to see how you'll do the floor. I put a plywood extension casting deck on the rear seat with a little storage underneath. The front seat has a plywood topper. On both seat additions I have shirt post drop swivel seats that I can pull out for standing. A flush bow deck is installed. My son can stand on it, but it's not big. I use it if I put I've of my trolling motors up front. I would like to pull the original seating out of this boat, put in a flat floor and make my swivel seats the main seats. I also need to have a casting deck available for better sight fishing. This boat is a keeper for handing down to my boys. I will end up with a modest 16' flats skiff.
Master Bait'r reply :
Been working on it a bit. I'm using 1x1 aluminum square tubing that's hand notched to fit right into the hull rib supports and welded in for the floor joists.
The original seats were all corroded and rusted in place so I cut off the bolt heads and tapped the bodies out with a thin rod. I'm re-using the rear brackets but that's it. The rest of them are coming out.
Still in the mock-up phase as you can see. The long angle is simply to provide a straight baseline for joist alignment.
It's still a bit out from being done but it's coming along very nicely. I think the hardest part is going to be notching the wood floor board and making the rounded taper fit perfect.
Master Bait'r reply :
All floor joists are now welded in. I just need the next aluminum shipment to come in so I can finish framing my front platform and then I'm good for wood.
Joedodge reply :
Looking great man!
Master Bait'r reply :
Thanks! I had to scrap the idea of a diamond plate front platform, as I just don't have enough. Somebody must have commandeered my sheet for a project and not returned it or told me. Oh well. The good news is that it lined up perfectly so that I can use an unbroken 8' sheet of plywood for the whole floor section and another full piece for the platform. The foremost visible support in the pics will be used for a cross brace below the front seat, and the front platform area will be of pretty good size. Considering there is no middle seat, it should be. The weight savings by using the aluminum square tubing is crazy, it weighs next to nothing but is very strong. It also sucks to weld it in a strange position like that but hey it doesn't have to be sexy, just hold a floor up nice and solid.
I should say that the only option I'm leaving for the middle seat will be a cross-braced receiver hole for an adjustable stool- which will be able to be removed from its normal place in the rear bench in case of a dead battery if someone needs to row.
Getting really excited as it begins to take real shape. She's gonna be a beaut.
Joedodge reply :
Awesome! Can't wait to see more pics man!
Master Bait'r reply :
How she sat when I stopped for lunch today.
Getting really close. Finalizing the alignment now and adding a few more cross beams. Once it's really clamped I'll tack everything up, take out the platform and weld it all up. When it's all solid I can reinstall and weld it in, connect the front mount and finish the gussets for around the seating area.
A-Jay reply :
Nice Job ~
Clearly - you have skills.
A-Jay
TX18_E90 reply :
Can I recommend you foam fill under the flooring. They make a pourable foam. You have to lay the floor first and pour in 1" holes in floor. Use plastic squares to cover holes. Floor covering makes it all clean looking.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 4/30/2015 at 9:18 PM, TX18_E90 said:Can I recommend you foam fill under the flooring. They make a pourable foam. You have to lay the floor first and pour in 1" holes in floor. Use plastic squares to cover holes. Floor covering makes it all clean looking.
I will definitely look into that. I was planning on gluing down regular styrofoam-type stuff once the wiring is run but that sounds much better.
Completely finished and installed the front platform, so that means pretty much all the welding is done except for putting the hatch piano hinges in and doing some rear seat bracing along with the battery trays. Easy stuff 
The largest opening in the platform with the extra bracing is where the seat is going, and that section will act as a hinged top to access storage underneath. Might do another for the far-forward section but we will see.
In any case it's on to wood and carpet. Once the floor is perfect the rest of the boat will get paint while the floor is being carpeted. Once that's all finished, wham bam thank you Ma'am- Put it all together and get out on the water!
As it looks more and more like a boat my excitement grows. She gets closer every day!
I might take tomorrow off to go fishing though
Joedodge reply :
Looks great man! Keep in mind some of the spray and pour in foam is corrosive to aluminum
Dogmatic reply :
I *** your metal working skills. I have the same project boat, but had to use wood. A small light boat became very heavy, very quickly. Good luck.
curtis9 reply :
On 5/1/2015 at 6:31 AM, Dogmatic said:I *** your metal working skills. I have the same project boat, but had to use wood. A small light boat became very heavy, very quickly. Good luck.
I had an old feather craft I was looking at a similar build using wood, but sold it because I was worried the boat would be too heavy.
Master Bait'r reply :
^
That is definitely the truth. I've looked into it and the wood gets heavy really fast. I'm not even putting any of the plank seats back in because they're just too heavy for what they are. You could make a boxed aluminum plank seat frame with a sweet padded seat and still be lighter. It is a tough metal to work with though, very finicky under the torch. The only wood in this project will be the one sheet of plywood for the floor and if I had the sheet stock it would be coarse rhino lined diamond plate.
It's kind of funny how many people all of a sudden want this thing IRL though, everyone from my UPS guy to one of the metal salesmen to my mobile electronics/wood/carpeting guy who doesn't even fish haha... Maybe I should start Craigslist rehabbing boats on the side one of these days! My Uncle who is a disabled veteran even saw it and wants me to make him a 14'er with a low Barca lounger in the middle so he can actually stay out on the water (he is a photographer and loves to fish) without being sent into excruciating pain within an hour- I told him "Pick up a 1448 and your seating of choice and it's DONE." So we will see I guess haha. Little tin boats! Who knew everyone in the world wants one?! 
Master Bait'r reply :
One thing that's driving me crazy when I look at the boat though is the lack of care used in assembling it. I realize things are still totally fine and well within factory spec but if you look you can see that the foremost lower support beam is visibly crooked, as are the rest of the bands in varying degrees. I even had to offset the bow mount to compensate for this after the platform was made straight. This is because of the hull bands, which were installed off-kilter in the factory. When I'm making a structure off of it I'm measuring to exact numbers, having two sets of angles sucks. Have eight really makes it very hard to make straight. I cannot wait until there is something covering it. There's nothing I can do and I've fully compensated for it but it's making me itch every time I see it... Things off by small degrees, ugh. Even though it's all been accounted for and the end result is muy bueno I can't take structural things like that not being all straight and aligned.
barrycam reply :
On 5/1/2015 at 8:29 PM, Master Bait said:One thing that's driving me crazy when I look at the boat though is the lack of care used in assembling it. I realize things are still totally fine and well within factory spec but if you look you can see that the foremost lower support beam is visibly crooked, as are the rest of the bands in varying degrees. I even had to offset the bow mount to compensate for this after the platform was made straight. This is because of the hull bands, which were installed off-kilter in the factory. When I'm making a structure off of it I'm measuring to exact numbers, having two sets of angles sucks. Have eight really makes it very hard to make straight. I cannot wait until there is something covering it. There's nothing I can do and I've fully compensated for it but it's making me itch every time I see it... Things off by small degrees, ugh. Even though it's all been accounted for and the end result is muy bueno I can't take structural things like that not being all straight and aligned.
Don't leave us hanging.... More pictures please!
Master Bait'r reply :
Haha I took a little break from working on it over the weekend so I could go fishing, my apologies. 
Just finished up the floor board. Just need to pop a few holes in it for the seating and she's ready for carpet. I'm pleasantly surprised how light it still is too.
Already cut the pieces for the platform, but forgot to take a pic. I'll try to remember before I leave for the day.
Master Bait'r reply :
Drilled the holes to mount the seating. Although the diamond plate platform section still needs to have the rear face brake bent (that's why is looks like it's sticking out so far) and the sides dialed in, it's getting pretty close.
I also got paint today. Smoke Gray gloss enamel. Hoping to get sprayed before the weekend. Everything except the lower half of the hull and the corner brackets are going to be gloss gray. (Carpets and all flooring will be black)
So what do you guys think of the layout? I figured I don't need a middle seat because it will be primarily a Trolling motor driver and I usually bring a cooler anyways.
A-Jay reply :
Sweet.
Do you think that the diamond plate platform will be loud ?
Metal on metal tends to transfer vibration fairly well.
A-Jay
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/7/2015 at 4:20 AM, A-Jay said:Sweet.
Do you think that the diamond plate platform will be loud ?
Metal on metal tends to transfer vibration fairly well.
A-Jay
It certainly does, which is why I'm lining the frame with rubber stripping. I don't want a loud clang when I'm putting the lid/seat back down. It will also equalize the height of the DP and the wood a little.
Joedodge reply :
Man it's really coming together!!
barrycam reply :
really looking great, thanks again for the pics.... please keep us updated.
Master Bait'r reply :
Thanks guys, I definitely will continue to update the thread as progress is made. I have been lucky enough to have some free time to work on it but I have to hammer down on some actual work for a while. Hoping I can do another stint on 'er before the weekend, as I'd really like to get it all smoke gray and at least the main floor treated with water sealer and carpeted so it's ready for install. I have to finish the seat/storage lid area before I can paint though, as it needs welding and I don't want to grind off new paint and have to reapply again.
Pretty much giving u on CL for a decent trolling motor though, they are spending about 30 seconds up before they're sold if they're a decent price/model. Probably going to grab one of those brand new cheapo Minn Kota 30lb jobbers for peace of mind and cleanliness just to get it over with.
Edit: Trigger pulled. Brand new Minn Kota cheapo 30# thrust should be here Monday.
Crutch reply :
Loving this thread, would love to see an update soon! I'm always impressed with this kind of craftsmanship.
Master Bait'r reply :
Yeah I've got the itch bigtime to wrap this up. I'm having a tough time locally sourcing a good heavy gauge aluminum piano hinge for the front seat area. I may have to just settle for thru-bolting a few heavy hinges on after I brake bend the platform edges for strength and weld in the cross members. Oh, and carpet... Which will be grabbed tommorow.
Really just waiting on that stuff and the pourable foam and TM to come in. I've got everything else. Might get to actually paint it tomorrow too!
Joe. reply :
Can't wait to see er when she's done. Looks awesome. 
Master Bait'r reply :
Finished the diamond plate portion of the front platform and the battery tray today. Tomorrow morning I'm welding in the tray and she's ready for paint! Can't wait. Also poly-sealed the deck plywood so that will be ready for carpet hopefully tomm or weds.
Motor showed up too, right while I was on lunch break. Perfect!
This might actually be a boat by the weekend!
Joedodge reply :
Oh man sounds awesome!!
Matthew2000 reply :
We need pics !!!
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/12/2015 at 7:34 AM, Matthew2000 said:We need pics !!!
I'll take a bunch tomorrow after I get painty with it for sure. I can't wait for it to be all shiny and one color!
mcgreggor57 reply :
Definitely a great transformation. Looking forward to seeing the finished boat,
Master Bait'r reply :
Front platform is finished but I can't mount it until I paint everything (platform will be the same gray as the rest of the boat btw). Going to skip my lunch break and get the battery tray welded in so I can be ready for my weather and work window when it appears out of the fog of the work week.
If these T-storms come in this afternoon, I will keep working on it. If not, I'm going fishing. I need it BAD!
Dogmatic reply :
Just wondering about the height of those seats?
Master Bait'r reply :
The seats are a little higher but I wanted them that way. All of the extra weight is mounted dead center though, and the battery and floor will also lower the center of gravity. I'm not anticipating issues but there's always sitting in the middle on the cooler while we move if it's less sketchy.
Master Bait'r reply :
Also I mounted the battery tray, rearmost floor supports and power brushed the whole thing. I am going to soap 'er up after lunch and scrub it good, wipe it down with acetone tomorrow morning and then paint it. Planning on skipping lunch just in case.
Here she sits before scrub down.
Goose52 reply :
Looking good ! You can see the "sweat equity" that you have in her !!
Josh Crye reply :
man, this really makes me want to get my fishing boat back out. haven't used it in a couple years. mines a 14' v hull. plywood casting deck. I had plans to revamp the casting deck to put accessible storage under it. before I had to remove the whole casting deck to gain access. only thing under it was battery, and I had an onboard charger, so didn't really have to get under it much. but I want to add a hatch so I can put other stuff under it as well.
I always wanted to remove the 3 bench seats, im no welder, so I would have to pay someone to make the modification. but now a close buddy is a fantastic welder/fabricator, so I might con him into helping me out!
thanks for the push to get her back out!
one thing I would suggest(if its not too late), I think you mentioned black carpet, that's going to get real hot in the sun. I put green carpet which still gets pretty warm but not as bad as my buddies with black carpet.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/14/2015 at 9:06 PM, Josh Crye said:one thing I would suggest(if its not too late), I think you mentioned black carpet, that's going to get real hot in the sun. I put green carpet which still gets pretty warm but not as bad as my buddies with black carpet.
Yeah I am going to get carpet now, thinking a dark gray might be best. We will see what kind of selection the boat building supply place has. I'm headed over there now.
Just finished painting the interior. Man, it looks so good!!!
MikeA57 reply :
Just curious about using plywood for the back floor... What thickness are you going with and how much will it weigh with the plywood compared to if you had used aluminum? Was it cost or availability that stopped you from using aluminum?
That thing looks great!! Congrats!!
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/15/2015 at 12:49 AM, MikeA57 said:Just curious about using plywood for the back floor... What thickness are you going with and how much will it weigh with the plywood compared to if you had used aluminum? Was it cost or availability that stopped you from using aluminum?
That thing looks great!! Congrats!!
I believe I went with 11/32" ply if I'm not mistaken. Seemed to be the best mix of weight and stability. There will also be foam under the floors too so not worried at all. It has also been waterproofed so I didn't need the uber heavy PT ply.
The plywood is around the same weight as if I had used 1/8" dp alum flooring, maybe slightly heavier but I think the dampness of the wood will be nice. Too much aluminum on aluminum and it's just a big clangy loud mess- So a little bit of everything- I didn't have enough and now I'm glad I didn't. I think the wood floor is where it's at.
Overall it's still going to be really easy to carry though, the weight I took out with the old seats was surprisingly high and the weight of the things I'm putting in is generally very low. Just the plywood, seats and front hinge platform add weight. **battery and motor of course but for basic dry weight purposes, it's surprisingly close**
Fwiw to the guy above, the store didn't have a lot to choose from so I went with a light gray. It's going to look killer!!
Master Bait'r reply :
Carpet work has begun
Kids really kickin in a hand on the details
"Science experiment" with the foam to test expansion... They were amazed that we could stand on it 30 mins later or so.
hardwoodcd reply :
Awesome project! Can't wait for more pics!
no39 reply :
Very clean work. Excited to see how it ends.
Josh Crye reply :
looking good! that grey color is going to be nice on those hot days, shouldn't be too hot. cant wait to see the finished product.
you've really got my gears turning now, im getting my old aluminum boat out this weekend to spruce her up a bit, she hasn't seen lake water in 2 or 3 years (plenty of rain and kids playing in her though)!
just what I need another project, im telling the wife its your fault!
BassMaster17 reply :
I love DIY projects, I modified an old paddleboat for fishing, and man was it fun, turned out smokin hot too. Keep us updated man
Master Bait'r reply :
Big day today.
Conduit completely ran
Laid down the foam in two stages, the second of which I bolted down the floor so it could all press out into the voids properly and stick it all together like glue. Makes the floor super strong too!
Front seat/ battery hatch is completely installed as well.
All that's left to do today is prep and paint the hull, the front platform and the edges of the floorboard. Then she will be ready to carpet and that's the last step.
Carpet's going to look so nice! A smidge more monochrome than I was hoping for but no big deal. (The front platform is going to be the same gray as the boat.)
Joedodge reply :
Man that's sweet!!!
gardnerjigman reply :
Looking awesome!
Master Bait'r reply :
I got 'er fully prepped, flipped over and the hull cleaned completely and it's all set for paint.
I'm heading back tonight after dinner to paint everything that needs painting and then she's going to sit for a 48 hour cure with about 10 fans. I won't be back until Sunday evening so that will be plenty of time to harden up.
I'll make sure I take some pics before I leave for the night.
I'm going to have a hard time naming the boat after all this.
Mougi reply :
I was thinking about adding some decking to my jon boat, and using some expanding foam to fill some gaps. Is there a way to keep it from sticking to the plywood so i can keep it removable if I need to. i was thinking about putting a plastic layer between the ply and foam? Thoughts?
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/16/2015 at 7:10 AM, Mougi said:I was thinking about adding some decking to my jon boat, and using some expanding foam to fill some gaps. Is there a way to keep it from sticking to the plywood so i can keep it removable if I need to. i was thinking about putting a plastic layer between the ply and foam? Thoughts?
Yes that will work.
Got everything and I mean everything painted up.
Before
After
It's all glossy gray now! Hope the shine doesn't make me crazy out on the water. Anyways, she's going to sit and cure for 2 days before I lay the carpet but she's pretty much done save for some small cabinetry-type work up in the very front.
Exhausted but very excited. Can't wait to get this beauty wrapped up!
jtharris3 reply :
That is looking great!
Big C reply :
Wow. That has really come a long way. You should be proud of that.
thomas15 reply :
Love your work! Your making me want to do one of these types of projects myself!
Master Bait'r reply :
Thanks guys, really happy with the progress so far and I am having a ton of fun doing it. This has been like an adventure and an art project in one. I don't know why I never did this before, it is fun as heck to make a cool boat. I might have to do this more often.
Master Bait'r reply :
The boat has been sitting while I dealt with the loss of my brother but now that I'm back in the shop I'm set on finishing it up and naming it after him. I've already got plans to go out with a bunch of our mutual friends fishing once it's completed.
Hoping to have time to glue down the carpet today so we can run wiring and be a battery away from a running working boat.
A-Jay reply :
Very sorry to hear about your brother.
My heart felt condolences to you and your family.
A-Jay
Master Bait'r reply :
Carpet is glued down and cut. All that is left is the foremost hatch (don't care about it right now) and the battery (tomorrow). "Tim's Lucky 7" will have her maiden voyage this weekend!
I can't wait to get 'er out there!
HoosierHawgs reply :
Glad to see you are back at it! She looks like a beaut! Good luck fishing this weekend!
nosdog2 reply :
Great work!
Joedodge reply :
Very sorry for your loss.mthd boat looks great man amazing progress
Hi Salenity reply :
That looks great!
What foam did you use?
nicksmurf111 reply :
Oh wow! I have a very similar boat, and it looks like the exact same trailer. I've been looking for a wider 14'er though. I like going hunting, and sticking a 300lb hunting partner in the front of my boat makes it float like a bathtub. VERY nice work!
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/29/2015 at 3:48 AM, Hi Salenity said:That looks great!
What foam did you use?
It was a 2 part foam, and it was the 2lb density. Expands 30:1 and is quite strong once it dries.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 5/29/2015 at 9:12 AM, Master Bait said:It was a 2 part foam, and it was the 2lb density. Expands 30:1 and is quite strong once it dries.
Was it a closed cell foam?
Master Bait'r reply :
On 5/29/2015 at 9:37 AM, Hi Salenity said:Was it a closed cell foam?
Yes. It is made for flotation. It's also quite rigid, made the floor very nice and sturdy.
Turtle135 reply :
beautiful work! thank you for sharing all the photos
Master Bait'r reply :
Battery has been acquired. It's a big mother though, so I have to trim up the battery tray a bit so it will fit under the hatch. Getting crazy close now!
Master Bait'r reply :
What a beautiful night last night. Tim's Lucky 7 worked like a dream! We only grabbed a few dinks but it was just nice to be out again.
Shane
Yours truly
A-Jay reply :
A Hearty Congrats ~
Seeing a project from conception, through the challenges that inevitably come during construction, and on to completion is most gratifying.
Here's to years of memories and many big bass aboard Tim's Lucky 7 ~
A-Jay
livemusic reply :
I *** people who can build stuff like that, looks awesome!
Master Bait'r reply :
Took a cool pic of it all finished up with the front hatch etc.
That little trolling motor gets that baby moving!! Really surprised at how well it pushes that tub around. Ran it for 4 hours and it still had about a 75% charge too which is great.
I still may elevate the front battery hatch so I can put the seat mount back underneath the surface, I like the way it looked better that way but there were battery clearance issues. Didn't feel like handling it before I got it out on the water but I will likely resolve it eventually.
Master Bait'r reply :
One more note- the semi-v has a tendency to list side-to-side pretty badly but I must admit that the center mounted stools almost completely negate it. Gives plenty of room and even at their highest position you still feel planted and secure. Reaching overboard for a fish is the only time both people really need to be aware in the least, and that is a relief to me.
Hi Salenity reply :
If it doesn't bother your feet, that lip from the seat base will make a handy place to sit things...
nicksmurf111 reply :
Do you have a 9.9 to strap on that thing? Mine flies with one...over the max hp on the tag, but fun.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 6/1/2015 at 9:10 AM, nicksmurf111 said:Do you have a 9.9 to strap on that thing? Mine flies with one...over the max hp on the tag, but fun.
Haha no this is an exercise in restraint and basic boating safety for the kids as well as making something nice for myself. A 9.9 would likely cost as much as the whole boat and trailer unfortunately.
HoosierHawgs reply :
May I ask what the end cost was? It seems like a fun little project.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 6/1/2015 at 10:38 PM, jakob1010 said:May I ask what the end cost was? It seems like a fun little project.
Let's see, I will add it up...
Boat & Trailer: $400 (actually $300 since my late brother's fiancee wouldn't accept the final $100)
All Paints & Supplies: $65
Aluminum stock: $60
Carpet and glue: $30
Expanding foam: $40
Seating (3 stools): $100 (two normal and one w drawers)
Trolling motor: $100
Battery: $75
Wiring and conduit: $20
Hardware & hinges: $20
Plywood and sealer $40
Total: $850 all said and done. Not bad for how she sits now, I must say! I also have a whole bunch of materials left over so that's cool. I have enough carpet to just about do a whole other boat, almost enough paint for a whole other boat and trailer as well as some aluminum stock still left. There are definitely ways I could have- and will- save money next time. Rookie mistakes might cost a bit more, but at least no corners were cut and I'm very happy with the end result.
Honestly thinking about starting to do this type of thing for extra cash on the side. Picking up a boat/trailer off CL and refurbing it is actually pretty fun and it would be a great way to pay for my hobby if not more.
nicksmurf111 reply :
Sounds like you made out.
Does the trailer need to be titled in your state? Some states only require weight slips and pictures to get a license plate on a utility trailer. My trailer cost almost 3 times as much, only because I needed to buy one with good paperwork.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 6/1/2015 at 11:06 PM, nicksmurf111 said:Sounds like you made out.
Does the trailer need to be titled in your state? Some states only require weight slips and pictures to get a license plate on a utility trailer. My trailer cost almost 3 times as much, only because I needed to buy one with good paperwork.
Yes, although it is very lax. I've been told you can simply bring in a Bill of Sale and request a title. For cars it's a big deal in this state but for boats it's more or less just checking in.
Also that cost does not include any labor or charge for custom fabrication, design etc obviously, which if I was selling them it would have to.
nicksmurf111 reply :
I was able to get a new title for my boat with the last owner's registration. For trailers, my state wants to tax everything, so you need receipts (new materials), plans, inspection, notary, wait for the state to review the paperwork...and so on.
Master Bait'r reply :
Wow yeah none of that here as far as I know but I will keep you posted when I go to handle all that.
He obtained the boat from a storage auction and it came with 0 paperwork aside from the existing numbers and tags.
Big C reply :
Congrats on finishing the project. Looks awesome.
Quarry Man reply :
Looks great!
XpressJeff reply :
Outstanding job!
What a project for you and your stepson. I wish someone taught me some of the skills used when I was a younger lad!
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