*looking for boat restorer

[HugeHogChaser]

Good evening,

 

i recently inherited a 12 foot aluminum boat, and I would like to re-do the interior. (Add carpet to the benches, possibly add marine grade plywood to the floor and carpet the floor as well.)

 

does anybody have any experience doing this, or recommend anybody that is good with this type of thing? 

 

Trying to figure out if it's worth it to pay someone to do it, or try and figure out how to do it myself with no experience. 

 

Anyways, thanks in advance! 

[jb426]

I did this a while back.  If you have basic carpentry skills you can do it for under $200. Here's what I did.

 

Get 2x8 treated board.  Cut to length of back bench.  Attach a swivel seat to board then attach board to back bench using screws and glue.

 

Buy two sheets of 4x8 3/4" sheeting that's rated for exterior and a gallon of deck stain.  Stain said sheets.  Cut out one for floor and one for casting deck up front (i used the front bench with a little bracing in between).  Use left over 2x8 for bracing casting deck.  You will also need one 2x4 treated board for bracing of the floor.  Install casting seat up front.  Looks good and is cheap and easy.  I used cedar stain and bought cedar colored treated lumber.  If I remember correctly I cut out the middle bench.

 

Only problem was it added a lot of weight so had to upgrade to 15 horse.  Sold it  a couple of years later for a $100 profit.  Just an idea.

 

Edited May 23, 2017 by jb426

[HugeHogChaser]

11 hours ago, jb426 said:

I did this a while back.  If you have basic carpentry skills you can do it for under $200. Here's what I did.

 

Get 2x8 treated board.  Cut to length of back bench.  Attach a swivel seat to board then attach board to back bench using screws and glue.

 

Buy two sheets of 4x8 3/4" sheeting that's rated for exterior and a gallon of deck stain.  Stain said sheets.  Cut out one for floor and one for casting deck up front (i used the front bench with a little bracing in between).  Use left over 2x8 for bracing casting deck.  You will also need one 2x4 treated board for bracing of the floor.  Install casting seat up front.  Looks good and is cheap and easy.  I used cedar stain and bought cedar colored treated lumber.  If I remember correctly I cut out the middle bench.

 

Only problem was it added a lot of weight so had to upgrade to 15 horse.  Sold it  a couple of years later for a $100 profit.  Just an idea.

 

wow, this is exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately idk what the hell i'm doing, as I have no carpentry skills LOL, but i have a buddy that builds houses, so I am sure he would have the necessary skills and tools to assist me. It cant be too hard, right!? haha. Anyways, I appreciate the information, this is GREAT. Ill be sure to touch base with you if I have any questions. Thanks again!!

I have a 25 hp motor right now...really old, a chrysler 25 HP from like...the 70s or 80s. You thank that'll be enough power with the added weight?

 

[HugeHogChaser]

Do you have any pics of the process or finished product by any chance?

[Musky hunter 82]

Here's a couple pictures of one of the 14' boats I redid, a 25hp will be plenty of motor for a 12' boat.  The14' bat in the pictures with the additional weight from the wood would go 26mph with just me in the boat.  As you can se  left the compartment open for the gas tank, so I could monitor the level and so I could breathe better. Send me a message if you have questions.  It's really a fun project to work on these old boats.

[HugeHogChaser]

9 minutes ago, Musky hunter 82 said:

Here's a couple pictures of one of the 14' boats I redid, a 25hp will be plenty of motor for a 12' boat.  The14' bat in the pictures with the additional weight from the wood would go 26mph with just me in the boat.  As you can se  left the compartment open for the gas tank, so I could monitor the level and so I could breathe better. Send me a message if you have questions.  It's really a fun project to work on these old boats.

 

Wow that looks great! What type of wood did you use if you dont mind me asking?

[jb426]

6 hours ago, HugeHogChaser said:

Do you have any pics of the process or finished product by any chance?

25 hp will be plenty for 12 foot boat with any amount of weight added.  I have no pics, sorry.  As stated really easy to do, your buddy should get er done in under three hours.  Don't spend a lot of money on the boat seats, I bought the cheap ones then added a outdoor chair pad for comfort.

[Sculpin]

Make sure you take a couple minutes and look for the rating plate in that boat, if it exists it should be back on or near the transom somewhere. I'd be very careful about hanging a 25 HP motor on a 12 foot boat, as it may not be rated for 25 HP. Some 12's are different than others, more depth, more beam, etc. so the motor ratings can vary.

Proceed with caution.

[jb426]

2 minutes ago, Sculpin said:

Make sure you take a couple minutes and look for the rating plate in that boat, if it exists it should be back on or near the transom somewhere. I'd be very careful about hanging a 25 HP motor on a 12 foot boat, as it may not be rated for 25 HP. Some 12's are different than others, more depth, more beam, etc. so the motor ratings can vary.

Proceed with caution.

Agreed, 25 does seem big for a 12' boat

[Cheers]

I would be cautious about removing seats and decks as they are usually part of the integral strength of the boat . If you remove anything make sure you add brackets or such to help keep the boat strength intact . For example bench seats that run the entire width of the boat are attached to the floor and both sides and help to strengthen the boat, if they are removed the sides of the boat are weakened, your modification should include a way to compensate . 

[HugeHogChaser]

Thanks all! It is coming with a 25 hp, but i also have a 15 HP which i may switch out for a better fit. Ill keep you guys updated. 

[HugeHogChaser]

Question: When using Gluvit to seal a leak in the bottom of a aluminum boat, what is the proper prepping method? Sand first, then apply Gluvit, then prime, then paint?

 

thanks in advance!