Bass Fishing Forum

My Brother-in-Law did a hell of a job on my 16' Ouachita flat bottom boat.  I have quite a bit of grinding that needs to be done because the old aluminum had to be CLEAN before the weld would hold.  All in all, I think it still looks great.  Here is a picture of the new transom:
(https://imageshack.com/i/poF5juVPj)
There is no more wood in the stern of this old girl.  BIL and I talked and he got it done.  Wood has been replaced with an extruded aluminum box that should be more than adequate to hold my 6 HP outboard and the biggest transom mount trolling motor I can afford after selling the Grumman.  Here is a picture of that:
(https://imageshack.com/i/pn36hEaMj)
(https://imageshack.com/i/po6SzFfkj)
My nephew has lent me a Mercury 6 HP four stroke to use on it or I can use the 6 HP two stroke Johnson I have downstairs. 
Not wanting to put a lot of holes in this new transom I decided to go with one of the plastic blocks that you mount the transducers to.  It is installed and sealed with 3M 5200, it isn't going anywhere.  Because of the pressure treated plywood that was used in here before I also have those pin holes in the bottom of the boat.  I have sealed the whole area on the floor and up onto the transom with 3m 5200 and it will get coated with Marine Tex on the outside and inside.  You can see that in the picture above.
Here is a picture of the transducer block installed:
(https://imageshack.com/i/pnMlnC1zj)
Here is a picture of the new bow section he installed.  WOW, you should have seen it before.  There must have been fifty holes in the old one.  I almost hate to drill it and put the bow hook, navigation light, trolling motor and anything else up there.  It is well supported and I can even put my big butt up there.  Here is what that looks like:
(https://imageshack.com/i/pnKrRpwcj)
My plans are to put the "plastic wood" supports in for the floor using 1X4 Azek for four stringers.  I will bind them together with the same.  I want to put double supports for two bell type pedestal seats.  Then cover the supports with exterior grade plywood that has been sealed, primed and then color coat with sand for traction.
It is going to be awhile before I can do much because I am waiting to sell the 14" Grumman reservoir rig I have.  That should get me most of the rest to complete the Ranger and the Ouachita. 

Looks good kris and I know you can't wait to get it all together and out on the water.

You betcha LipRipper.  Once the Grumman sells I should have at least enough to finish the Ouachita.  Most expense will be the 24v transom mount and electronics.  This boat will see multi-purpose with the TM and an outboard of less than 7.5 HP.  Gotta get the Ranger done also.

Your going to be busy  ~sweat

Congrats on getting your boat back.  Keep us updated with pictures has you get things added.

Boy that looks good. He does nice work.

Thanks Bob.  Gotta do some trim up here and there but I love it.  I am going to coat that whole rear section with Marine Tex to make sure it doesn't leak.  The boat will get inverted so I can work on the bottom and coat all the rivets with 5200 and paint it with truck bed coating.  It has already been coated once so I am just re-coating because it is so hard to get off. 

Well, the Grumman has sold and he will pick that up today or tomorrow.  My neighbor gave me the Azek that I need to do the floor support.  All of it is one-inch thick, four inches wide and there are four pieces over fifteen feet long with other smaller pieces.  The floor area is thirteen and a half feet long and four feet wide.  Being a true flat bottom it is just that FLAT.  My plans are to use the long pieces for stringers on the aluminum supports the entire length of the boat.  Then some struts to hold it all together.  Where the bell style pedestal seats will go will get some extra support.  The livewell area will also get some additional support.
I have my ideas sketched out on paper and think this will be great for my Grandson, Jordan, and I to fish out of when completed.  Pictures later today of the Azek and hopefully cut to size.

It's coming together nicely and quickly now ~c~

It has to Mike, I own two boats and neither are ready for the water, lol.
Well, here are a couple of pictures of improvements done today.  First is two pictures of the rear section of the floor support.  This is Azek, "Plastic wood", so that I don't have to worry about rot down there where it is most likely to come in contact with it.  I always overbuild because I am not a little guy and it will be equipped with 4 Group 31 batteries and a livewell for bait.  Here are two views of the rear section floor supports:
(https://imageshack.com/i/pnx61Ubfj)
(https://imageshack.com/i/pnkRf6pRj)
I also have changed out the winch stand to a different design by my BIL.  Still have to make some mods but it will work real well when complete.  Also put a new dolly on the trailer because the old one has been missing some pieces since I got it.  I also had to grind off some metal left where I cut off the old one. 
It turned out that the new winch stand didn't work right with the hull design so I switched it back to the old stand.
This week will be CRAZY at work since one of the Managers is on vacation.  More to come as time permits.

Looks like the "Fleet" all lined up in a row. ~roflmao

Welcome to Fifth Street Marina.  I deliver the Grumman tomorrow to Parkton>

Looking great. I love projects like this. Enjoy!

Today I really didn't have time to do much with the boat since I was asked to deliver the boat I sold.  so I did go out and try to decide how I was going to handle the floor to the bow.  So I am standing there looking and saw that a four inch wide board would not make it all the way to the bow because it would run out of width.  So I am thinking should I go to a six inch wide board?  That would work but be a lot of work to figure out.
Now I am not a professional wood guy but most everything I build out of wood would hold Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus.  I had leveled out the boat yesterday so I could determine what I needed to keep the floor level.  So out of curiosity I picked up one of the four inch wide board and put it as far forward as I can.  I then put the other end on top of one rear section stringer.  I thought, Wow that looks pretty good and grabbed the level.  Guess what?  IT"S LEVEL!  This will put my front deck up four inches higher than the rear deck.  It will also give me the room to put in a foot pedal tray for the trolling motor. 
Now I know what I am going to do with the floor going toward the bow.

It's looking good, want to see it when it's done.
Rodney

Here are a couple of pictures that I shot the other night.  The supports in the rear of the boat are approximately six foot long.  The open area in the boat is approximately thirteen and half feet long.  I think I will keep the front deck no longer than six feet.  That means I have to extend the rear section a bit, two to three feet, to make it work.  Then I have to figure out if the trolling pedal pan can be used with the large front deck.  I may be contacting Minn Kota to see if they have long cables available. 
Here is a picture of the boards I just sat on the rear deck supports for hahas. 
(https://imageshack.com/i/poABGHKEj)
They will be shorter but I know now that it will work.  When I dropped the level on the board this is what I found.
(https://imageshack.com/i/poux8rTIj)
As you can see, there is room under that raised deck for storage, I just have to figure out how I will access it.  Got a club tournament tomorrow and then a few days to work on it before I go back to work.  With the weather we are having I am glad it is under my Maple tree.

I like how it all falls into place and you try something out and it works !

I got a chance to do some work on the boat this morning so I figured I would send a couple of pics.  I did install a CE Smith Jon boat support bunk on the tongue.  This thing is great btw.  It is a two foot bunk that crosses the tongue and give a lot more support when I am working on the boat.  For the fifty couple bucks I thought it was a really good investment.  No picture on this but one will follow later in the week.
I did add the extension to the rear floor support today.  It is actually about eight feet now.  I know it is hard to tell the difference but, believe me, it's in there.
(https://imageshack.com/i/pnkRf6pRj)
the front deck will be about six and one half feet long and four foot plus wide.  My next step is to cut the plywood for the floor and figure out how I am going to put Plano box storage in the end of the front deck.  I also need to make sure I have sufficient room for my LeBroc TM pedal pan which should be here soon.
Here is a picture of the six and one half foot stringers for the front deck sitting in position.  Waiting on some more Azek to complete the front deck.
(https://imageshack.com/i/pmdwz1aRj)
Once completed I think this will be definitely fishable.

Looks huge from that angle !

Boat is 16 feet plus and the inside is 13.5 long.  Thing I like the most is that it's wide open.  There is a MK Edge 55 foot control for the bow and an MK Traxxis 70 for the stern to do reservoirs here.  I also have a Johnson 6 hp short shaft and a Mercury 6 hp, 4 stroke loaned to me but it is long shaft.  Not sure I want to use that one much.  Although I would love to have it if it was short shaft.
Gotta pick up plywood for the floor, seats for the pedestals and figure out what to do with electronics.  I thought about using the HB Helix 5 pair from the Ranger and looking for Lowrance for the Ranger but not sure my money will hold out that long.  Also thought about buying transducers for them and using on both.  Those DI transducers are not cheap.  I will probably end up doing that to survive.  I have already bought four Johnny Ray 400s so I can move them easy.  More to come.

Went to Eastern Marine, Trailer Parts Superstore, yesterday with my fishing buddy Bob, fishandkamp.  Got some new shoes, tires, for the boat and got a spare.  Trailer is going from a 12" wheel to an 8" wheel.  This seems to sit very high and probably does because I have removed a whole lot of weight from it.  I went with 4.80 X 8, six ply rating and have a 745 lb weight capacity. 
Got an inexpensive cover to keep the leaves and stuff out of it when I finally get the floor in it.
New six switch panel with fuses to control all circuits in the boat,
A new winch mount, flat bumper for bow and a new winch strap.  I then found out that the winch I have, 1600 lb., will not fit on the stand.  Smaller winch and back to the drawing board.
Got LOTS of sanding done.  Finished up some places on the sides, sanded some Marine Tex spots from hole filling and part of the inside are of the gunwhales.  Got to finish the lower part of the sidewalls and the front of the bow storage area.   I think I am enclosing this and putting in a hatch that I have to make it a little secure. 
Next step is the interior sanding, cleaning up the welds and painting the rear area with pickup bed liner paint.  I am also going to use that and paint all the rivet areas on the interior floor.  Nothing like security in a 1973 boat that has been abused.
Work continues.

I love seeing the updates on the boat projects.
Great work. It is coming along nicely.

Thanks Cojab.  With all the work left to do there will be more info and pictures.

I said I would include some pictures of some things so here goes.
Here is a picture of the CE Smith Jon boat front support:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/3838/07QE17.jpg)
Here's a picture of one of the new tires, I bought 3:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/6929/q0ORlD.jpg)
I also got a lot of sanding done and here is a picture of one side:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/1090/ZIQC1y.jpg)
My foot pedal pan came today from LeBroc in Texas.  Looks like a real quality piece to me.  At about half the cost of others I have seen this Old Scrooge is tickled with it. I really want to buy some seats from them but can't afford them right now.

Shaping up to be an awesome rig ~c~

Coming along nicely Kris, are you going to paint the bottom of the hull?
Rodney

Yes Rodney I am going to paint the bottom of the hull inside and out.  Truthfully, this boat has been abused sometime during its lifetime,  There are several places where the supports in the bottom of the hull have cracked from collision with something.  Someone has welded patches over the cracks that look pretty good.  But remember, this is a riveted hull.  A previous owner had put clear sealer around each of the rivets and then painted the bottom with pickup bed paint.  Ring a ding ding, this must be a leaker.  Starting sometime on Tuesday I will start preparing the inside to be painted with the pickup bed paint.  I hope to seal the inside as much as I can.  Then I am going to put the boat in the water and see where it is leaking.  I will probably end up resealing all the rivets on the bottom with 3M 5200 sealer and repaint it with the same stuff.  Also remember this boat had pressure treated wood inside the stern and that is why there is new aluminum there.  The same micro holes it caused in the stern are in the floor area also.  You guessed it, it will be prepped and painted with the same paint.  I am sure it will still leak a little but not like it obviously did.

I got a chance to work on the Ouachita a bit yesterday.  My goal was to get the stern area welds cleaned up and treat the sealed area as well as possible.  I had already sealed the new aluminum stern with 3m 5200.  I prepped the area with a scrub pad to get as much dirt off the area.  I then vac's the area really well twice.  I applied two coats of the pickup bed paint with a paint brush to make sure I got it all covered well. 
(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/7523/EHBlF4.jpg)
I had bought a gallon of primer because of the new aluminum on the boat.  Also, many of the areas are down to bare aluminum in spots.  Not sure if I like this stuff and we will see if I have to sand it all off.  If I do the paint will go directly on the boat, bare aluminum or not.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/7186/GzzkB0.jpg)
As I have said before, this boat has been abused in its lifetime.  I have evidently lost the picture of one repair.  Believe me, there are five or six repairs in the hull bottom.  There are several where the repairs were made and the aluminum around the rivets is cracked or missing.  Some worse than others but everywhere there is a patch there are cracks at the rivets.  I am going to treat those areas with 5200 and then paint all the rivet rows with the pickup bed paint.  If this does not stop the leaking it will at least cut it down to minimal I believe.

Have you looked into this stuff?  I saw it recently in a quart can I think it was.  I never used it, just thought of your project when I saw the quart.

http://www.asseenontv.com/flex-seal/detail.php?p=346830

Quote from: Pferox on July 21, 2016, 06:06:26 AM
Have you looked into this stuff?  I saw it recently in a quart can I think it was.  I never used it, just thought of your project when I saw the quart.

http://www.asseenontv.com/flex-seal/detail.php?p=346830

I have thought about using that when I do an overhaul on my aluminum.

I did use a product like that this spring on a cattle water tank. The tank is leaking again now.
To be fair though I did no prep on the tank at all. I think that if I would have cleaned up the joints where the tank was leaking I would have had better success.
I also noticed that the spray can that it comes in does not cover very much area. It gets used up very quick and would take a lot of cans to cover a boat hull.

That's why I was looking at the quart can.  Probably just treat the leaks, seams, and rivets then cover the whole thing with bed liner.

Well I finally got the front deck sitting in the boat. It is all coming back out to put in the water to check for leaks, but that is not all that hard.  I have a smile that won't quit.  It turned out much better than I expected.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/9679/BNQ1at.jpg)
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/1517/2AAaHE.jpg)
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/4774/XZhwMp.jpg)
I am lovin' how this boat is turning out.  I think it will be very comfortable for two guys to fish out of.  I just wish I could wiggle my nose and it would be done.  Where's Samantha when you need her.

Looking good. 8)

Quote from: Pferox on July 21, 2016, 06:06:26 AM
Have you looked into this stuff?  I saw it recently in a quart can I think it was.  I never used it, just thought of your project when I saw the quart.

http://www.asseenontv.com/flex-seal/detail.php?p=346830

This was mentioned to me by several of my Friends.  I decided not to use it because it doesn't cover a large area and multiple cans can get expensive.  I opted for two tubes of 3M 5200 sealer which is the best marine sealer I know of.  I have used it for years and it has never let me down.  I plan on putting as much in the cracked areas inside and around all the rivets on the bottom of the boat.  I am seriously thinking of using the bedliner paint on the inside and the outside of the hull.

Interesting happenings here this morning.  I was in the mood to take the Ouachita to a local lake and back it into the water to look for leaks.  I had cleaned the bottom really well yesterday and used the wet dry vac to get it nice and clean.  It was now ready to go see if she leaks bad.  Of all the days in the World I couldn't find the key to the lock on the trailer.  To make matters worse it is hot and sticky here in Maryland today.
I couldn't do anything since I couldn't find the key so here are some pics of what I did.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/7774/enstv0.jpg)
Both decks out of the boat. I put 3M 5200 sealer on all the cracked rivet areas and forced as much as I could underneath as i could.  I gave that some time to dry and started painting with the bedliner paint in other areas.  After I got that done I went over the areas where the sealer was.  Turned out really well and will probably slow up some leaks and stop some others.  I am not figuring this to be a  completely dry boat like the Grumman but hoping it will be good.
I also painted the water line down and some of the bottom with the same paint.  I went to spin around under the boat to get a better angle and knocked over the gallon of paint.  I got back as much as I could and touched up some other areas underneath.  I am going to take a serious look at the rivets from underneath.  Each suspect will probably get a good dose of 5200 and then a coating of the bedliner paint.  The gray primer on the boat will be covered with fire engine red in a week or so.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/6315/QQBJuj.jpg)
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/2172/eLr7l0.jpg)
More work to be done and more pictures to come.

Hope you can find that key so you can check it out for leaks. ;D

You can always take a hose and fill the inside with water and check for leaks on the outside.

Hi Lipripper,  I found the key later in the day, in the last place I looked, of course. 

Hi LMG, That is what my BIL did to find all the leaks in the rear of the boat, just inside the transom.  He welded up some of the larger ones and told me where to find a couple smaller ones.  I noticed one dripping, while I was grinding in the back, up toward the bow.  It was dripping from rain water that was in it being off level left to right.  I know I have probably cut the leaks down to a quarter of what they were and still have to finish coating the bottom of the hull.  I'm thinking I might just let it go after doing the bottom.  All the rivets will be sealed with 3M 5200 and the whole bottom painted with the bedliner paint.
Next step is to scrape and paint the inside above the bedliner paint.  At least above the installed height of the floor.  Once that is done I will cut the plywood, seal twice with Thompson's and paint it red with sand in it for traction when wet.

Didn't have a lot of time today for the boat, but....................  I couldn't wait to see what she would look like painted red.  I sanded the primered side with 220 grit and paid special attention to two areas that needed some assistance.  I used my usual oil base enamel from TSC and put some Petitrol in the paint.  This is my old can and I think it might be past its prime.  I will use the newer can of Penetrol that I have for the second coat and the other side,  Here it is:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/4117/hPftuH.jpg)

Looks good in red. ;D

Looking great man!!

That looks real good there!!!


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That's looking sweet ! Just a suggestion and you may have thought of this already but the Amazing Goop Coat-it that I used to seal my rivets and seams is Kevlar based and will provide a serious waterproof barrier.  Fully sand able and paintable. 2# kit $31 , 8# $70 , so pretty reasonable as well.  I used 2 2# kits so far and pretty sure I won't need anymore but may just get one in case I find something later on. Also did inside and outside seams for double protection. I Can't wait to see the finished product ... On yours and mine lol.

"COAT-IT is a 100% solids waterproof epoxy sealer that exhibits extreme toughness and abrasion resistance. It may be applied to aluminum, fiberglass and wood boats. It serves as an excellent waterproof membrane on wood - sealing small leaks and splits with a single coat. COAT-IT contains ceramic beads for abrasion resistance, graphite to provide slip or lubricity when it comes in contact with rocks or gravel and Kevlar fiber (the same fiber used in bullet proof vests) for extreme toughness."

Hi Rick,
That Amazing Goop Coat It sounds good.  I have one question and not sure you can answer it but, since it has graphite for lubricity when it comes into contact with rocks or gravel, Will paint stick to it? 
Planning on flipping the boat to do the bottom rivets so we will see.  Can't wait to get this done so I can move on to the Ranger.  Good luck with yours.

Quote from: Kris on July 29, 2016, 06:20:21 PM
Hi Rick,
That Amazing Goop Coat It sounds good.  I have one question and not sure you can answer it but, since it has graphite for lubricity when it comes into contact with rocks or gravel, Will paint stick to it? 
Planning on flipping the boat to do the bottom rivets so we will see.  Can't wait to get this done so I can move on to the Ranger.  Good luck with yours.

Yeah that may be true , not really sure though since mines a long ways from seeing rocks lol.

Quote from: Bigwrench on July 29, 2016, 05:57:55 PM
That's looking sweet ! Just a suggestion and you may have thought of this already but the Amazing Goop Coat-it that I used to seal my rivets and seams is Kevlar based and will provide a serious waterproof barrier.  Fully sand able and paintable. 2# kit $31 , 8# $70 , so pretty reasonable as well.  I used 2 2# kits so far and pretty sure I won't need anymore but may just get one in case I find something later on. Also did inside and outside seams for double protection. I Can't wait to see the finished product ... On yours and mine lol.

"COAT-IT is a 100% solids waterproof epoxy sealer that exhibits extreme toughness and abrasion resistance. It may be applied to aluminum, fiberglass and wood boats. It serves as an excellent waterproof membrane on wood - sealing small leaks and splits with a single coat. COAT-IT contains ceramic beads for abrasion resistance, graphite to provide slip or lubricity when it comes in contact with rocks or gravel and Kevlar fiber (the same fiber used in bullet proof vests) for extreme toughness."

Rick can you use that product on a surface that you walk on and if you can is it slippery underfoot? Thanks. J.


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Quote from: flowerjohn on July 30, 2016, 05:45:49 AM
Rick can you use that product on a surface that you walk on and if you can is it slippery underfoot? Thanks. J.


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Not really sure lol , on mine it's been applied in the riveted seam areas top and bottom. It doesn't feel slippery to the hand touch. It appears to be pretty hard but again it's too early in the process to give a real good report.

Looking good

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Wow, that red really pops!!! Looking good there Kris.  :toot:

She's looking good there  ~c~

Thanks DG, it has been and still is a lot of labor.  My biggest thing has been to make her as water tight as I can after the life she has been through.  It is coming along real well but not as rapidly as I would like to see it.  I am hoping to have her in the water fishing the first week of September.

My fishing Buddy came over this morning and helped me get the Ouachita off the trailer and turned over.  While I was waiting for him I got the boat hooked up and moved it from where we would be turning it over.  I also installed the CE Smith lights to the top of the bow guides.  Still not wired but they are on there.  Here is a picture of one of them:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/2867/wKuJ6l.jpg)
I drilled the hole and ran some wire up to connect with the wires for them and got them on.  I had to use some PVC parts to get them installed.  I also have to repaint the bow guides and I think I will move them from where they are.  I am also going to add carpet to the bow guides to keep from scratching them up.  Here's a picture of the bow guides:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/6554/Jgxkly.jpg)
Last but not least is the bottom of the boat.  Bob and I were out there several hours getting it off the trailer and scraping around the rivets to remove the clear silicone sealer put on by the previous user.  I just finished up around 2:45 scraping, sanding and putting 3M 5200 on every underwater rivet.  As I have said previously, I am trying to make this old girl as water tight as I can.  Accoring to the tube it takes up to 7 days for it to fully cure, non-tacky in 48 hours.  I made sure that the area around every rivet was clean for good adherence of the sealer.  Here is a look at the finished project:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/2069/P1mIrt.jpg)
Many of the parts are showing up for the boat and I hope to work on it as much as I can around working part-time.  Cindy fell and messed up her back so she will be side lined for a little while. 
I really do enjoy taking these old boats and putting them back to use.  Hopefully this one will not let me down.

Man that looks like a lot of work lol

I enjoy doing stuff like this too so I totally understand.

It's a lot of work but when it's done it will be right and comfortable to fish from.  Once the sealer has totally cured I will paint the bottom.  When that dries sufficiently I will go back on the trailer.  I have most of the parts I need to put it together so it should go together pretty quickly.  I am planning on having it in the water by the 1st of September.  Once it's done I can start on the Ranger.

Seats arrived today, Cabela's Angler High Back seats in Gray/Red.  I changed my mind again on the pedestals and will be using an adjustable height pair from Swivel Eez.  Bass Pro Shops stuff goes back on Wednesday morning.
I have the plywood, sealer, sand and paint as soon as the bottom dries and boat is back on the trailer.   I do have to pick up the PVC pipe for the electrical stuff.  I do have a lot of wire and the six switch panel for it.  I have the MK Edge 55 bow mount and the foot pedal pan.  I have the battery trays, tie downs and batteries to get me going.  I may have to replace them eventually.  MK Traxxis 70 is ready for its duty.  Looks like my Humminbird Helix 5 DI will be doing double duty for the Ouachita and the Ranger.  I need to find a transom mount transducer for my Helix 5 DI and use my Helix 5 DI/GPS or the Lowrance Elite 5 HDI i just got.  Still unsure what I want to do with electronics.
So it goes, hopefully in the water by first week of September this year.

I finally got a chance to work on the Ouachita today.  I ran to Lowe's this morning and picked up some stainless hardware that I know I will need this week.  I got started about 9AM working on the floor.  I have much of the plywood cut to fit including the lower seat pedestal pieces.  I had cut the lower pieces the other day and got one coat of Thompson's water seal on them.  Second coat was completed today.
I got most of the floor cut out, test fitted and screwed down.  I removed all the screws after drilling holes for the seat pedestal bolts.  I also test fitted the TM pedal pan to make sure it fit well.  I had removed all the plywood after screwing it down so that I can treat the screw holes with Thompson's.  All but one piece of flooring is cut and all but one of the pieces cut today has had its first coat of Thompson's.
It's all put away now and I have to work all day tomorrow.  Back at it on Tuesday getting this boat ready for the water.
More info, including pictures, on Tuesday.

Sounds like it's really coming along Kris. You'll be on the water before you know it.

Quote from: Kris on August 07, 2016, 05:20:18 PM
More info, including pictures, on Tuesday.

Looking forward to it Kris

Ya'll should have seen me working here today.  I put my Daughter's car back together and finished up the floor on the Ouachita.  I had some of the floor painted and put in the boat the other day and did some final fitting on the front deck.  I was worried that a full width piece of plywood would not fit into the front of the boat.  I was right.  I had to end up putting the plywood into the stern area and slide it up to the bow locker. Because the sides are filled with flotation they stick into the open area a little bit.  In the front it is exaggerated by bow as it moves in from the width of the stern.  I had to taper it starting at about 13 inches from the locker.  You can see the holes for the seat pedestal just behind the TM pedal pan.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/9603/9m5nrY.jpg)
There is another piece of plywood in the floor framing under where the pedestal mounts.  It is screwed into the framing and then the floor plywood is over top.  I drilled the seat pedestal mounting holes through both pieces of plywood.  There are additional screws holding down the floor plywood around the piece underneath the floor.  Here is another view from the stern:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/4774/XZhwMp.jpg)
You can see the mounting holes for the rear pedestal in the above pic.  I cut the two pieces of plywood you see missing yesterday and covered both sides with Thompson's Water Seal.  Both pieces got a second coating of it this morning on the top side.  The rear piece for the front deck was dry late this morning so I painted it red.  The forward piece for the rear deck I held off and painted about 1 PM. 
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/1189/twAKeE.jpg)
This last picture is another view of the whole floor.  You can see the missing pieces better from here.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/4774/XZhwMp.jpg)
I did bolt in the front of the front deck today.  I think I was smart and just used regular, non-locking nuts because I have to take the front deck out again to put the pedestal in the rear deck.  I will have to at least tip up the rear deck to tighten the bolts for it.  The front one will be a piece of cake because I can reach under the deck because it is raised.
More work to do, more pictures to come.

I decided today that the floor has now been coated twice with Thompson's and one with the red color coat, so time to put it in the water.  But before I do that I want to put the batteries in it, bilge pump and both trolling motors.  After its Maiden Voyage I will decide where the floor sand paint needs to go.  I am probably not going to paint the inside before the MV either.  So it may look a little funky but I am dying to get this thing in the water.  Hell, I might even take a rod or two with me. 

That is looking REALLY nice Kris!!!  ~c~  I take it since you are painting the decks you  are not carpeting?

Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on August 11, 2016, 03:18:02 PM
That is looking REALLY nice Kris!!!  ~c~  I take it since you are painting the decks you  are not carpeting?

I have been doing this on my last two reservoir rigs.  This one will get the second coat of red with play sand in it for traction and maybe another coat on top.  I use exterior grade plywood with two coats of Thompson's Water Seal on upper surfaces and one on the lower.
Using the Azek, plastic wood, for supports makes them lighter than real wood.  I would bet that the The front piece of plywood with the TM pan is as heavy as that whole front deck support.  My neighbor who works with this stuff is amazed how strong it is.  My biggest plus, it does not rot away.
So the answer in short, no, I am not using carpet.

Next step is installing the pedestals and finishing off the floor.  Once that is completed it's time to start wiring this bad girl.  Once wired, install the trolling motors and other accessories.  Finally, put this thing in the water.  I still have not decided if I will use PVC or electrical tubing.  I have a 23' harness for the bow mount and the leftovers will provide power to the transom mount.  Lowrance Elite 5 HDI on the bow and a Humminbird Helix 5 DI on the transom.  I believe this will be the roomiest, most comfortable reservoir rig I have ever done.  Looking forward to getting her in the water soon.

As I said I wanted to get the floor done so I could install the battery trays and wiring so I can put this in the water.  Well, I finished it today. 
I have been working on it for a couple of days because I had one big problem.  I had installed the rear pedestal first because I had to.  This left me with not enough room to lower the front deck plywood onto the rear deck floor so I had enough room to slide it into place.  That was the only way that I could get the plywood in on top of the front deck supports.
Not sure how hot it is but I have been sweating since I started just after getting home from work and eating lunch.  Guess I have been drinking too much beer, I'm soaked.
Well, here is the first picture:
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/2662/9irFgM.jpg)
Here's a picture of the rear deck and pedestal.  The gray thing in front of the seat is a strap to hold the rear of the boat down.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/3438/BS91ae.jpg)
Next, a view from the rear of the finished floor.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/1125/YRktYF.jpg)
Here's a picture from the bow of the finished product.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/6663/424QGv.jpg)
I am not going to be able to work on it for a couple of days because my Step-Daughter screwed up her car and I have the Honor to repair it for nothing.  If it weren't for my three year old Grandson she would be walking.  More in a couple of days.

That is coming out just awesome Kris. It's not even my boat and I'm excited for how it is going to eventually come out when it is done.  :)

Thanks S_S,  I am real happy with the way it is going together.  I do know one place I screwed up but it will be fixed after close of season or before season opens next year,  Tomorrow I start laying out the seats that will cover the batteries/gas tank and the PVC tubes for the electrical wiring.  I may even get the bow mount installed and wired.

Looking good Kris!

Coming along, progress is a good thing!
Rodney

Hey thats coming along nicely!

Thanks Rodney and LMG.  I am really happy with the way it coming along.  Gotta work til 3:30 today and will get some things done after.  I will start PVC and wiring tomorrow morning after a quick, early trip to Lowe's.

Looking good for sure! Also it's hard to have too many beers lol

Decided it is too hot outside and I don't have any cold beer.  Work stalled until tomorrow morning when I can go to the liquor store and Lowe's for supplies.  Film after a cold beer at noon and lunch.  Film actually after I take a nap around 8pm.  lol

Kris, you're doing a GREAT Job on the rebuild.  You're going to be floating in it real soon.  Congrats it looks great.

Thanks DG, not sure if I can call ya Don or Donald.  Got some more work done today and just getting ready to post it before I go in and take a shower.  Weather here is horrible for an overweight, beer drinking Senior Citizen to work this hard.  lol

Looks great Kris  ~c~ ~c~ Don't get to hot and over do it. ~sweat

I got a lot done today.  Been working on her since about 11 AM.  I needed to do a couple of things around here for Cindy since she can't with her back problems.
I started out getting ready to wire up the old girl.  I am using 3/4 inch, Schedule 40, PVC pipe on both sides.  Port side, left, will be the 8 guage wire for the MK Edge 50 with a 60 amp circuit breaker mounted back by the batteries.  The starboard side, right, will be for all the electronics, bilge pump, lights and courtesy lights eventually.  There will be separate wiring on the starboard side for the transom mount MK Traxxis 70.  Here are some pics:
Port side
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03041_zpsgontytfv.jpg&hash=049c8390c353e5901bd812a5f87e61994120bd4d)
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03031_zpsesh3ctgo.jpg&hash=351b19a9500022bf2be9b91f74b4a1ccf6003828)
Starboard side
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03021_zpsxevrcelq.jpg&hash=ad7738c7065d33c95c0f0fcf10daad60de876d80)
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The PVC pipe will be painted red and will have several clamps to hold it down.  Also, doing it
this way keeps me from putting that rubber there to keep stuff from rolling off to the bottom.
I also built two boxes for batteries, storage and seats to operate the transom mount.  Both are 15 inches wide, eleven and a half inches high.  The port side is 24 inches long and the starboard side is 36 inches long.  These are not finished but here are a coule of pics:
Port side
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN02981_zpsbyitqvir.jpg&hash=d2d6dd6d38f4f9a96b735e7d1e9aeb7a5c079cff)
Starboard side
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN02991_zpsqpd6gamp.jpg&hash=11591477245c2ed1904289b665b370174270aa58)
Next is a picture of between the two boxes I built today.  This was kind of a let down because I can't fit a 6 gallon tank in there, it's only 12 inches wide between them.  Guess I am going to a 3 gallon for my 6 hp Johnson.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03001_zpsq11bbaid.jpg&hash=2886b23d5706b03205415441927c61c0a1ca9f68)
Last but not least is a picture of the switch panel.  I mounted it to the starboard box front and will plumb it in tomorrow.  I have most of the stuff for wiring it and will pick up what I don't have next week.  Here it is:
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03051_zpsqksmkaf7.jpg&hash=fcede58dac2b36b4bfb3c68f5f3e91e73c7aeda2)
Hopefully tomorrow I will finish running the PVC pipe and wires in their respective items.  I also hope to start sealing and painting the two boxes before they are screwed down to the floor.  Lids for them will be done in the near future. 
More work and more pics to come tomorrow.

Looks great, I like the way you fit the PVC around the steps.  Last time I did something like that it was a cut and fit fiasco.   ~roflmao

Thanks Lipripper.  I am wore out after getting all this done.  They are saying next week will be nice.  I certainly hope so.  Come on cool, Fall weather so I can take the Ouachia fishing.

Quote from: Pferox on August 19, 2016, 04:48:52 PM
Looks great, I like the way you fit the PVC around the steps.  Last time I did something like that it was a cut and fit fiasco.   ~roflmao

I think what you see looks great for the seventh try>  lol

Well, work called and asked if I could come in today.  Since this will be a short week I worked 11+ hours Sunday and Monday.  I got off at two and went to work after I ate.
I really didn't get as much done as I would like but I did get most of the starboard side electrical wires run.  Bow light, front df/ff/GPS and bilge pump.  Tomorrow I will get the rear df/ff and stern light wires run.  Also the 8 gauge wire for the bow and stern mount trolling motors. 
Here are some pictures I took while cleaning up.
In this one you can see the starboard side box.  It and the port side box are about 11.5 inches tall, just above the stern.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03111_zps44k0plce.jpg&hash=1cf615bcaba0b3e0e3309f8424b4cc6d2492ff37)
The PVC tubing on the right side comes down the front deck and runs to a T fitting that goes into the box.  The bilge pump and maybe the stern light will run through the rear of the T.  I might just run the stern light wire through the box.  I need to do holes inside the box for the power wire to the switch panel anyway.  The switch panel and the PVC entry hole are at the far end of your view below.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN02991_zpsqpd6gamp.jpg&hash=11591477245c2ed1904289b665b370174270aa58)
You can see the T a little better in the pic below, just to the left side of the box.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03101_zpswmnb2bym.jpg&hash=d961a778984453c90ec32f62f42c3b22d3cbfa97)
I also put the thru hull fitting in for the bilge pump.  The bilge pump is a 500 gallon an hour pump.  I used an angled thru hull so that it wouldn't interfere with the port side box. Floor will get sanded and pump will be mounted tomorrow.
The port side PVC tubing holds the 8 gauge wire for the bow mount trolling motor.  I found that it does not like to make 90 degree bends so I will pick up 45 degree fittings and some tie downs tomorrow along with other supplies.  Enjoy.

I worked on the boat from 930AM to 500PM with only break for lunch today.  I got most of the boat wired except the TM and the bilge pump.  This is an automatic/manual bilge pump so I did install the lower half today and will install and wire the pump tomorrow.  I am also planning on doing the TM install tomorrow along with finishing the wiring on that side.  The cables are installed but not connected but that won't take long.  I am using Azek above and below the front deck to install the TM.  For me to do my usual and have the prop able to move with the TM stowed will not work on this boat.  Not because of the boat but the propeller.  MK uses a larger prop than the Motorguide I had on the Grumman.  Pictures tomorrow, I am wiped out.

I worked on the boat today from 8:00AM to about 2:00PM.  I had to go to work at 4:00PM and wanted to rest a little before.
I started out this morning carrying out the batteries and putting them in the trays.  Once they were in the trays I started setting up the wiring.  The port side batteries are in parallel for the 12v bow mount motor.  Here is a pic.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03171_zpsbnv2xvui.jpg&hash=30b3fcb726127117c5ac012a8d3af167dc04be84)
One thing that you can't see is the trays are plastic with 8 screws holding them down and the retaining strap run under and tightened on each battery.  I don't trust the retaining part being plastic so I added some stainless steel loops that the strap runs through.  I feel a lot safer and used these same type on my Grumman to hold down the battery boxes.  Here is a pic of them.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03211_zpsxtqycjxz.jpg&hash=3d4408ecac9270585dd00bfa374b534b12830ee0)
The starboard side has the batteries in series for 24v to run the transom motor, MK Traxxis 70.  I already hooked it up to make sure it worked.  All the way at the back you can see the 50 amp circuit breaker recommended by MK.  That same compartment houses the batteries that are installed the same as the other side.  Just in front of that is a small storage area for whatever.  The white Starboard, plastic sheet goods. is there to protect the switch panel area.  This keeps anything from falling in there and shorting something out.  Here is that pic.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03161_zpst8za90ae.jpg&hash=23b65e07570deb9d421b4fafa17254de3343ee98)
I also made the top for the starboard side box and here is a picture of that.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03221_zpsi9ylmney.jpg&hash=64cbe78e3c6b0f1f24c6e54dcd797e17ae1f8beb)
You might have noticed that I put one coat on the battery boxes to make them pretty.  They will get a second coat and the floor will get a second coat with sand in it for traction when wet.  You might have also noticed the wires sticking out from the rear of the box with the Anderson Power Poles 75A connector.  This makes it easy for me to remove the TM with little hassle.
Here is a better picture of the two seats/battery boxes and a pic of the storage and switch panel area.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03241_zpsb4kmhrvl.jpg&hash=31863084cb2d1ce7b33bd65e351dc93a087c2102)
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03191_zpsgedqesms.jpg&hash=9299abc6f199bbde81776fa7a60938629aac9b29)
Only thing left to do in this area is to wire the power to the switch panel.  Wires are already made and run to the batteries but not connected.
I also cut a piece of 5/4 Azek for under the trolling motor.  I normally put a 1/8 or 1/16 sheet aluminum under it but this one needs to sit a little higher.  I try to make it where the prop will not hit the deck if someone, namely my Grandson, hits the pedal when the TM is stowed.  The wires are run for the Lowrance Elite 5 HDI and the bow light and I have to install and connect them.  Also need to install the bow eye for the winch up there also.
So far I think this is coming along fast and furious.  I am planning on putting her in the water on Sunday for the Maiden Voyage.  More work, more pics.

Looking great!!!

Quote from: West6550 on August 25, 2016, 09:38:50 PM
Looking great!!!

Thanks, almost there.

Finally getting down to the bottom of the list on this one.  Started about 8:00AM this morning and worked until roughly 4:30 PM.
Started out getting the trolling motor mounted.  I used a piece of Azek, plastic wood, under the TM to get it a little higher.  I usually try to put 1/8" or 1/4" aluminum under them.  My hopes were to get the TM prop off the deck so if my Grandson were to hit the button when stowed it won't hurt the prop.  Guess I will just have to unplug it.  I had originally installed the Bass Pro version of the trolling motor socket but had so much trouble trying to get it plugged in that I replaced it with a Marinco one that I had here.  Now it works the way I want it to.  Here's a couple of pics.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03261_zpsnsh9iwgc.jpg&hash=2eaf424d088367e33fc56f47eeced39a63ee3f5a)
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03291_zpsrau91wzy.jpg&hash=caeb1c7d1eaceff53e5de2ff678bfa123e339d32)
Next I went to work on completing the wiring at the switch panel.  Yesterday the connector on the end of the switch panel power wire broke off.  So I soldered a new wire directly to the power strip to the fuses.  I still have to put a fuse holder on the + line from the battery to the switch panel.  Probably a 25 or 30 fuse. 
With that completed I decided where to put the Lowrance Elite 5 HDI I bought for this boat.  I figured up front on the deck with the TM would put it too far away.  I thought about mounting on the floor in front of the TM pedal pan but thought it might get broken or hurt me or it,  So this is what I decided to do.  It is now mounted on the side wall below the gunwale and probably the closest I can get it to me.  I had purchased a Ram Mount for it and that made it an easy install.  I will try it here and move it further forward if I have to.  I still have to fill all the holes in those panels.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03311_zpseg1xbtra.jpg&hash=f47300cdea24b72530e7695e0e2ab9ea9540ac0a)
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03341_zpsvspysh9u.jpg&hash=ecc7238da1f5883d99bbe4cad7e45654b9994e7a)
Next I installed the bow light and started to install the bow eye in the front deck but both of my drill batteries were exhausted.  So was I by the way.  I ended up using my saber saw to finish cutting out that hole, wired it up and checked it out.  It WORKS!  I chedked everything else on the switch panel and everything works.
The foot control is in the TM pedal pan but not screwed down yet.  I want to try it out and see how it works and how comfortable it is sitting and standing.  Who knows?  I may have to move the whole pan forward a little after I use it a little while.
Only a couple of things left to do on her before she gets dropped in the water.  I thought I would do it on Sunday but I think I will wait until Monday.  I can double check all my stuff and there should be less people around on a week day.  Mostly just us retired types.
I need to order another circuit breaker for the bow trolling motor because I ended up breaking the one I had.  So another 60 amp breaker is in my future.   I need to get a handful of screws to finish up some things and I have to seal one crack I found in the bow.  I have to readjust the trailer after I replace the old winch stand and find out why the trailer lights are acting wacky.  Also need to figure out where to install a df/ff in the back to use when operating the transom mount.  Don't need anything fancy.  I would like it in a place where the co angler can look at it if he wants to.
More work, more pics.

Tomorrow will be the final day of work on the Ouachita before making its Maiden Voyage on Monday.  I am Super-Pleased on the way this has worked out so far,  Gonna hold off on the rear depth finder until I find a nice used piece.  Money is at a premium and I have to do the Ranger in late Fall or early Spring. 
Hoping my planning will get me through this.  I need to make two number plates tomorrow for the local lake and some other things,  It will allow me to go over my work and make sure I did it all.  Wish me luck.

Looks good Kris and good luck on your Maiden Voyage tomorrow.

Your wiring looks first rate! For the power line for evreything but the TM add up all the amps used by each item add them up and use that to determine what fuse to put in-line.
Rodney

Thanks Rodney.  I try hard and this is not my first rodeo with old boats.  Yeah, I need to add all the loads up and add about a 5-10% fudge factor and put in the fuse.  Tomorrow it goes in the water for its Maiden Voyage.

Kris,
You did a 1st rate job on the rebuild.  Tks for sharing all the comments and pictures with us.  Best wishes on the Maiden Voyage.

I was catching up on the little things today like screws in the TM pedal pan and cleaning up the loose wiring up at the trolling motor.  When I brought the boat home from my Brother in Law's I noticed the trailer lights flickering.  I wanted to check them out and get them right before a couple of trips I am going to do.
I went to check the lights and none of them work now.  No flicker, OUT.  First, I checked all the grounds.  I even sanded them and put them back together to make sure.  Still no lights.  Checked the connector up at the truck and even spread the pins a little, still no lights.  Pulled the harness out of the tongue so I could check the wires, no problem there.  Checked the harness all the way back to the lights which are mounted high, all looks good.  I was laying under the trailer and then it hit me.
For anyone working on an old trailer or like me you like headaches, be careful of this.  This is a 1973 tilt trailer.  Evidently it has lost the electrical connection for ground from the tongue to the rear section of the trailer.  I put a 10 gauge jumper from in front of the tilt release to the rear section and all the lights on the trailer now work as they should.
One of the things that I installed on this trailer were the CE Smith lights on the PVC bow guides.  These are not CE Smith bow guides so I had to get some PVC pipe parts from Lowe's to get them mounted.  I think these will be great for those O Dark Thirty launches to know where the trailer is.  Here is what you see from behind the trailer.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2Fbacklight_zpszshg7n3y.jpg&hash=c09ffbf5619667da6db4fb94774faa7712533784)
And here is what you see from the vehicle.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2Ffrontlight_zpsrdllgizp.jpg&hash=1db670a216df807778ad358655a402e02ee626b2)
She is going in the water for her Maiden Voyage tomorrow.  Just a quick check to see how much/ if any water she takes on now.  Wish me luck.

Good (https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy89%2Flipripper%2FAll%2520right%2Fspnshoe2.gif&hash=9d49374b61c24fe9a9fa6801cba5d72cac9e174b) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/lipripper/media/All%20right/spnshoe2.gif.html)

Thanks Donald Garner and Lipripper.  I am very happy with the way this turned out so far.  Now to use it a little and find out if anything needs to be adjusted or moved.  She can't be much of a leaker now that I have done so much on that.  If it leaks a bit, what the hell, it's a 1973, abused, riveted boat. 
Looking forward to tomorrow and maybe a Club tournament on Friday afternoon.  Everything is up to her now.

Kris, I have followed your thread since you began it a few months back and I want to congratulate you not only on a tremendous rebuild of an old boat but also on the way you presented it here, having given a real step by step look at your fine rebuild. Thanks for all the effort you reported and it was a pleasure to follow.  Best of luck to you tomorrow. J.

Thank you flowerjohn, it has been fun.  This boat was given to me and has been abused but I think she is now in much better shape.  I wanted to make it comfortable to fish in for myself and one other person and I think I accomplished that.  Tomorrow will tell how well I did in getting the bottom sealed up from the abuse it has had.  A little more work, some sanding and some painting it will not look anything like it did when I got it.  Hell, it doesn't look anything like when I got it now.  Once completed I will post a picture of the boat when I got it and the finished product underneath.  Thanks for the compliment and the good luck wish.

Well everybody the test is complete.  I spent about 3 hours on the water at Piney Run Park this morning and there was almost NO water in the boat.  PERFECT!

Quote from: Kris on August 29, 2016, 12:58:20 PM
Well everybody the test is complete.  I spent about 3 hours on the water at Piney Run Park this morning and there was almost NO water in the boat.  PERFECT!

~c~ ~c~ ~c~

Congratulations Kris. All of your hard work paid off and now you get to enjoy the rig. Now go have yourself a  ~beer~

That is great news Kris.  You had a lot of folks rooting for your build and I know they really appreciated your regular updates on Ultimate Bass.   

Thanks Guys!  I guess now I go to the Bass Club meeting and say my boat is available for the reservoir tournaments.  If you're not looking for pretty she's ready.  Still got to to do something for cleats to tie off to the dock.  today I used my line with a snap to the bow eye and a line around the rear pedestal.  My major problem is I can't use my normal cleats because I can't get to the bottom side because of the flotation in the sides.  I am thinking of using the ones that you wrap the line through to keep it tight because I can use them with stainless steel sheet metal screws.  Little things, some sanding, some painting and she will be READY.

All right Kris  ~c~ ~c~ now go catch some fish. ;D

Thanks Lipripper,
Plan on catching some fish soon.  Took one rod with me today but only had two hits that didn't get hooked.  Today was more of a shake down run for the boat than a fishing day.  I wanted to discharge the batteries as much as possible since they have been sitting since the end of Season last year.  I put new Group 29 batteries in the Grumman to make it more desirable to purchase.  Local Battery Warehouse has the same Trojan, SCS-225, batteries for a touch over $200 each.  Probably end up replacing them one every couple of months.  Wanna put the same batteries in the Ranger also.  My part-time job sells Optima Batteries but I still have my doubts on them.

Congratulations on the successful build. She looks great for sure! Now get it finished, catch some fish, win a tourney or ten and have a beer.. or ten!

It came out nice Kris.  Did you notice anything you wanted to change after it's maiden voyage?

Thanks Guys,
It has turned out better than expected.  I figured from the abuse this old girl has been through there would be leak of some kind.  From what I can see, the hull is totally dry.  I put the boat up on a concrete block to get enough height at the bow to run everything out.  I didn't pull the plug until I had the bow in the air at home.  Nothing.
As a matter of fact Pferox, there were some things.  I noticed that my brand new Minn Kota Traxxis 70 has a vibration that I am not happy with.  I do have a spare prop and will change that out.  If the vibration is still there I will be contacting MK.  Also, I think I have the TM pedal pan too close to the front seat.  Not going to worry about it today but will probably move it forward about three inches or so.  Presently I have my leg bent back under the seat and that gets uncomfortable after awhile.  I believe this will also help when standing.  BTW, it is great to not feel like Captain Morgan and actually have a better sense of balance with it.  Other than that, I am totally satisfied with it.

My Bass Club took advantage of Piney Run having a late fishing night for a tournament.  Four boats in the water at 5PM.  I had told my co-angler that I didn't think that fishing would be great because we were on the backside of a cold front here.  It actually got chilly enough for me to put on a light jacket I had brought. 
Fishing was not spectacular.  Two guys caught two with the largest 18.5 inches.  Three caught one each and the remainder didn't.  The whole club was prepared for a top water bite because the lake is really grassed in.  That didn't occur from what I heard.  I did try my Zara Spook and some other things but nothing on top water.  I thought our best bet would be to work the cuts and drop offs on the main lake during daylight and concentrate on points after the sun started going down.  My plan didn't seem to work out this time.  Guess I should have done some punching but still haven't bought the stuff for that yet.  I did catch one on a TR worm, 14.5, just before dark in front of an old beaver hut.  Beaver even came out while we were there. Tournament ended at 10PM.
The boat did great and it's really comfortable for two people to fish out of.  I had my co-angler operate the stern motor.  Interesting thing to me was the bow mount, MK Edge 55, 12v, GPS speed showed 1.27 mph at steady cruise on power level three.  This is the first time I have had GPS to see that.  NO water in the hull a second time.  I am really happy with this boat.

That boat came out great! Well done sir!  ~c~

Thanks LMG.  Gotta finish this one and get started on the Ranger.

Lot of work that's paying off now!! ~c~
Rodney

Absolutely Rodney.  Some filling holes from accessories that have been installed during her lifetime, some sanding, painting and she will look good.  I also have to add some cleats or some way to tie the boat off at the dock. I like the ones that zig zag through a maze to hold the boat at any point.  I do have some fishing rod racks to install that will hold four rods on each side.  I need to make some brackets to mount them to but they will fit nicely.
Batteries have been charging all afternoon at a low rate and I got asked if I could come into work for a couple of hours.  I still want to cycle them a couple more times since they have been sitting for almost a year.  I think I might start working on putting one more Trojan SCS battery in the boat or maybe start switching over to AGMs.  I am sure the Ranger is going AGM batteries.

I have gotten some more paint and other little things done.  Got to get more paint this week to finish the port side, gunwales and the rest of bow deck.  I have to remove the fishing rod holders I reinstalled.  I need to finish the first coat of oil base enamel on the gunwales and then figure where to add the sand paint to create safe walking areas.  Front deck will have sand on almost the whole surface.  The gunwales will get sand from the edge of the interior to the weld line behind the rub rails.  Floor will get painted with sand leaving a half inch or so space from the seat pedestals, TM pedal pan all the way to the aluminum strip.  From the aluminum strip back to the stern will also get sand except for around the pedestal.
Still undecided if I am going to stay with this paint, Magic Paint Co. Red from TSC.  I think this paint is too thick to start with.  Says it is a gloss but is more like a satin finish.  I had seen a review by someone who had said that it was not a gloss finish which I thought might be the best since it might cut down on reflection.  I might just sand this paint with some 320 grit and use one of the other "agricultural colors" they have for farm equipment.  They have lots of reds to choose from.  I used Ford Industrial Gray and Blue on the Grumman which turned out great.
I also have to finish painting the PVC bow guides to those CE Smith lights.  I am also covering the area around the tail light bracket with black bunk carpet.  This will keep the bracket from scratching the boat.
More work, more pictures.

As I stated in my last reply, I got some other things taken care of last week.  Here is a pic of the straps now installed on the battery boxes.  Since the lids are interference fit it is a little safety item for the motorists behind me.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03401_zpsan6v2izc.jpg&hash=41235ccc1d7c9df6c1b377ed30ba4e7624e4f325)
I also installed a new Fraybill fish ruler on the starboard side.  It measures to 19 inches and then extends to measure up to 36 inches.  Never know when that 36 inch largemouth will bite your hook. Haha.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03431_zpsraod8bta.jpg&hash=a56be75967ced7b23c630a83a6c43ac6559b7732)
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03461_zpsonvwdnbw.jpg&hash=cb4e266af4644b844fd564da9e96470850a308df)
Besides needing the ruler in the boat for an evening tournament with the Club but had to get my numbers put on.  Since I still hadn't finished painting the entire boat I opted to mount them to 3/8 Starboard and mount them.  Here is a pic of that.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03441_zpszqpeitls.jpg&hash=c51be619b4742e3f282352d8818e516fc7d73107)
I am off today and tomorrow so I got some stuff done that I have wanted to have done already.  I had purchased two sets of "Rod Sitters" to put in the boat for myself and a co-angler.  I got the left one installed.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03381_zps3twzudie.jpg&hash=e815bb40d5a93cd7ff521e0475bb78f0a5d2aa12)
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03411_zpsnlhfkmc3.jpg&hash=31e4c67f2d6fb6e4d177cdaa760eed4a82c3f388)
I used some sheet metal to make the mountings for them and will make some heavier stuff later.  This gives me a chance to see how it works before really committing to this mounting.  I also made a set for the starboard side but forgot to allow the difference in height of the rear deck.  I made some adjustment but still needed another inch or so to make it right.  Like I said, these are mock ups anyway.
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03501_zpsw1gdfkjj.jpg&hash=9c1e81012c5b551fc46ad9c304ccc970758392b1)
(https://www.ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi804.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy327%2F19Kris50%2FOuachita%2FAfter%2FDSCN03511_zpsgh9rklbh.jpg&hash=77484c74550aef2994dfb085b7141f12030a7367)
I can fit my longest rod, 7' 6" Ardent on either side.  I think the co-angler will find this a really nice option for him.
As I said, I had to move the fish ruler because of the starboard side mounting.  It is now up against the step from rear deck to front. 

Mostly sanding and painting from this point on.  I am going to try and go fishing tomorrow so that will probably start on Sunday.
More work, more pics.

Looks great kris and have a good day fishing.

Coming along nicely for sure!

Who in their right mind thinks that is tig welded.  I hope you didn't pay too much for those boogered up aluminum mig welds.  Fill it with water and make sure it doesn't leak. Lots of starting and stopping of welds


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Had it out several times last year with a COMPLETELY dry hull there evansjoem.  Looks fine to me for cost of the aluminum and not leaking.  Hope you read the whole life of this hull to understand how nice it is now.

Quote from: evansjoem on February 11, 2017, 12:31:02 PM
Who in their right mind thinks that is tig welded.  I hope you didn't pay too much for those boogered up aluminum mig welds.  Fill it with water and make sure it doesn't leak. Lots of starting and stopping of welds


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I couldn't tell you the difference between a tig wig mig or gig weld. But I sure wouldn't appreciate someone jumping in my thread to call me a dumbass because I didn't know. You could have help out with what I assume is a professional opinion much nicer.

I was just commenting on the welds only.  Your boat looks great.


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Yes I was just hoping you didn't pay for tig welds cause hourly wage is more than if it was mig welded. I was hoping the place that welded it didn't rape you in hourly wage cause mig welding is fast and easy


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evansjoem  It would help if you actually read a little before you opened up your tail end. If you actually read the entire thread you would know he paid for the metal to do some repairs on the hull of a boat that was given to him. The actual welding was done by his brother in law at no cost. The entire boat suffered much damage from the idiot previous owner who made a floor with pressure treated wood. The chemicals did some damage. My friend Kris spent an entire season painstakingly repairing around just about every rivet and then sealed the entire bottom. The boat's floor plan was very well thought out and the interior floor understructure, flooring, storage boxes, electrical and new seats and bases were done specifically so that the members of his club can safely fish off this craft. He belongs to a group of fisherman he used to fish with 30 plus years ago when they were much more agile.  As we old farts have to come to grips with the realities of getting older, we realize sometimes we are better off fishing quiet electric only reservoirs sitting INSIDE a boat, then roaring down rough water in a glitter rocket. Their club now fishes electric only reservoirs and lakes. Here in MD we have lots of them and they are amazing bodies of water with huge bass, hybrid stripers and lots of delicious fresh water white perch and crappie.  I have helped a tiny bit with that boat. It was an amazing transformation that I witnessed,  Congrats Kris . Now a little more paint and a few more details and she will be ready for the complete season.

The boat does look good


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