Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Ya, There is a full width bench seat after the stern raised deck .....I have 2 folding seats that will mount on the bench....the middle area of the bench is for stepping up to the stern deck. The glove box will also let me get access if ever needed up under bow deck since it can be removed.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Love how its turning out...gonna be a sweet little fishing machine...
Hope you make it to the warmer climes to get it finished up...
It is actually starting to get nice around here...weather wise, that is...

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Thanks for compliments everyone...... Now that it's taking shape, I am really starting to get pumped up about getting to the completion with paint!

GT....ya, looking forward to those 80's again....it was 34 degs here last night...we have a little place over in Punta Gorda on west coast and I will be there early Nov. to do finish work and fish!

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Getting ready to move boat south in a few days....finished rough in of all built ins, console and decks, packing up materials for the final glassworks and paint. Trailer is all rebuilt and ready for the road ! Bought new boat cover for the trip too!

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Added front panel on console too!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Lookin' good! Come on down. Although, it's getting down into the 30s-40s at night up here in N. FL this week! Btw, how are you, and so many others, able to split your year between NY and FL? I never hear about an FL folks going to NY, only ever the other way around.

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Guess you have to be retired first?.... I'm not sure how others do it.....but back a few yrs ago when I was still working, I bought a fixer upper mobile home on its own land on the cheap down in Punta Gorda....with some work (just like boat rebuilding) I renovated it all and now it's a sweet little hideout from the cold winters up here....and cost me hardly anything. Here's pics before and after:'

I do have some friends that are permanent residents of Fl and come north for our cooler summers ....

Your probably getting some of that cold arctic air that has dumped on us and pushed south.....down in Punta Gorda it usually doesn't get that cold .....it's in the 60's at night for the 15 day forecast.... Good enough for curing epoxy and paint!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Ahh, retired is key Like you said, as long as it's warm enough to cure epoxy, that's all that matters. I'm sure this is just a little blast of cold. It will go as quickly as it comes. I usually wear t-shirts until almost Xmas on most years. I love the final layout of the boat too. It looks like an oldschool Hewes or Hells Bay flats skiff.

 

[glnbnz]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Progress is going well. You should be fishing in no time. I am looking forward to more updates

 

[Fcdave]

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Well...it's been almost a yr since I worked on the boat.....ended up spending too much time with my other boat and too many other priority projects at the houses like new roof, electric service and deck. ......so now I'm hoping to spend some time with it over the next month plus and see if I can get some primer on it before it turns cold !!!! Working on getting final PB fillets and glass tabs on stern & bow bulkhead, side supports for rear cap, laminating a raised splash trim at bow cap and glassing over cap rails.....

 

[jigngrub]

We're not really interested in your lame-o excuses... we just want to see current boat work porn!!!

You were doing such fine work and then you just dropped off... it was kind of like you dumped us and our feelings were hurt.:cold:

Glad to see you back and looking forward to that boat work porn again.:thumb:

 

[Fcdave]

Lol ! Hey, I'll do my best to keep it interesting ..... Nothing to exciting tonight....just finished lots of sanding and prepping all those fillets I left a yr ago, so I can add the glass tabs. I'm feeling charged and happy to be back at it again !!!!

 

[Fcdave]

No Title

Good progress this afternoon: More sanding today and then got all bulkhead glass tabs in stern area Finished fillets in motor splashwell and glass tabs at rear seat supports Finished fillets at bow raised splash trim Also worked on gluing up fabrication for the side console.

 

[Fcdave]

No Title

More pics:

 

[jigngrub]

Looking real good! It won't be long and that boat will be on the water!

 

[Fcdave]

I'll just be happy if I can get all the below deck areas primed and painted and maybe primer on the above decks/cap before it gets to cold...... http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/suntracker20/media/20140916_111527_zps3e270ae3.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

 

[Fcdave]

Glued in blocking/spacer for rear port & starbd deck supports, blocking for last sections of port & starbd gunnel rail and slathered on some fairing at top face of bow splash trim.

 

[Fcdave]

Second part of the rear deck supports are in as well as completed sections of gunnel rails

 

[Fcdave]

Worked on final prep of the side console ...... Getting it ready for a coat of epoxy followed by glass and 2 final epoxy coats.

 

[Fcdave]

Planning for deck hatches.....Rear Deck will have a large hatch at center compartment and a small hatch at port and starbd compartments. A fishing chair pedestal deck plate will go just forward of the center hatch. The Forward Deck will have hatches over the Live Well and Bait Well and a larger hatch over forward compartment for trolling motor battery access and storage. A fishing chair pedestal deck plat will be installed between hatches centered on deck.