86 18' Starcraft SFM

[MD28]

I also filled the rivet countersinks with durhams rock hard water putty. That name is no joke. sanding that down is rather difficult. It was very effective however. I then added a final coat of spar to the deck. Next I really need to bite the bullet and buy some vinyl for the deck.

 

[MD28]

I also repaired the gunnels. They where full of holes from who knows what. a mix of rod holders and Bimini snaps I guess. I jb welded with the putty variety first making a kind of epoxy rivet. Then I used the liquid variety to smooth it out. This involved much sanding efforts as well.

sorry the pics are smaller than normal.

 

[Watermann]

Looking good on the repairs and the motor will be looking new again once the decals go on. :thumb:

 

[MD28]

What size aluminum angle would you experts use on the back casting platform. I was thinking 1/8 thick would do.

 

[Candutch]

1/8th inch is what I used and have had no issues at all.

 

[Watermann]

What size aluminum angle would you experts use on the back casting platform. I was thinking 1/8 thick would do.

Checking out others builds will yield a ton of ideas and information on not only casting decks but everything else. I used 2" x 1.8" angle AL for my casting decks.

 

[MD28]

Thanks Dutch. I was searching your thread again but couldn?t find what I was looking for. I?m glad you had a good time on the boat this summer and success hunting. How did you like that casting platform on the back?

 

[MD28]

I hear you there Waterman, I just can?t find the thread page and post that I?m thinking of usually. I think I have stalked a few threads here enough to put me on some government watch list.

 

[Watermann]

I hear you there Waterman, I just can’t find the thread page and post that I’m thinking of usually. I think I have stalked a few threads here enough to put me on some government watch list.

:lol: yeah I've read plenty too, even some glasser threads (don't tell anyone)

 

[MD28]

:lol: yeah I've read plenty too, even some glasser threads (don't tell anyone)

Haha! How dare you!

 

[MD28]

Nautolex vinyl floor has been installed.

Cut the holes and installed the hatches so I dont step in them anymore and the livewell and plumbing is in place.

 

[Watermann]

Nice work, she's getting there! :thumb:

 

[BWR1953]

Looking really good!

 

[Candutch]

Thanks Dutch. I was searching your thread again but couldn’t find what I was looking for. I’m glad you had a good time on the boat this summer and success hunting. How did you like that casting platform on the back?

The rear deck was fantastic, so very glad I took the time to put it in. I think I have fixed my pic links on my thread now so you should be able to find the front and rear deck builds.

 

[MD28]

Small progress with the cold weather and the usual business of life. I have the bow reinforced with multiple layers of 1/4 ply. I would like to add a trolling motor so I wanted something to bolt it to with some meat to it. The original is just the layer of aluminum supported by three strips of 3/4 ply. This I think will be better. I also am starting on the back deck. I plan on using the original splashwell by cutting it down where it plains out with the new level of the rear deck.

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[Watermann]

The key to getting across the finish line is to have forward progress no matter how small, it all adds up. I too reinforced my bow deck for the big TM, I used 3/4" ply.

 

[MD28]

The key to getting across the finish line is to have forward progress no matter how small, it all adds up. I too reinforced my bow deck for the big TM, I used 3/4" ply.

I didn’t think I’d get the curve with the 3/4 ply so I did 3 layers of 1/4. One solid layer of 3/4 would be stronger I must admit, but this should do me thinks.

 

[knezzer]

I like the idea of the bow support for the tm. I did the same thing for my little fishing boat and it made a big difference. Curious to see your splashwell come together, seems like a cool idea

 

[nrf414]

Definitely support needed under bow for bow mount trolling motor. I put 71# thrust and also reinforced with ply last summer. Worked well.

 

[MD28]

Are my pictures sideways for you guys? I have them sideways at times on my laptop and upright otherwise on my iPhone. I’ve tried rotating them when they do that before I upload and then they just post sideways again. I’d hate for anyone to throw out their neck snapping their head 90 degrees to look at my less than handy-work.