1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Kassun · Jul 23, 2008

I will be picking up my 1st boat in a few weeks. It's a basic 14ft Northwoods made in the late 80's early 90's for $650 w/trailer. I am going to put on a 9.9 or 15 hp motor on the back.

The first item i want to add in is a floor. I have read many posts, but most of the work I have seen have been for fiberglass boats. For the space that is open between the boat and the top of the floor, do I shim with 2x4's or do I use 2x4's and a combination of foam?

Thanks for your time,
Kassun

jonesg · Jul 23, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Welcome,

do some reading, theres lots of info, PT ply is the wood of choice for stingers and floor support.

If the floor is gone, how is the transom?
Its easier to fix a wet one now than have to cut that new floor out later to get at it.

Cheers, Gerard.

tashasdaddy · Jul 23, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

i disagree on the Pressure Treated plywood. especially in an aluminum boat. metal does not like the pressure treating chemicals.

post some pictures of your situation.

Kassun · Jul 24, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Here are a few Pictures of the boat.

Thanks,
Kassun

tashasdaddy · Jul 24, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

what i have found that works very well with those boats. are panels between each seat, they are removable for cleaning, and no fastening. cut 5/8 exterior plywood to fit area, then ad striping to the bottom of the plywood,to fit the contour of the hull, this gives an flat area to stand. feet dry. if it will fit fuel tank under middle seat. no need for foam.

Shizzy · Jul 24, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Im going to do as TD said between the seats of my 14' Aluma craft. I did however put a platform over the two front seats. I carpeted it, hinged it and added a lock so now that front area is a nice casting deck and I have a large lockable area under to store gear.

Kassun · Jul 24, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

doesn't a casting deck mess with the center of gravity? How did u secure the casting deck between the seat and the bow? I wouldn't mind doing it just for the storage aspect of it.

Thanks,
Kassun

Kassun · Jul 28, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Well I got her home and will start the washing out in a day or so. I have read some posts where persons have removed the middle seat and put in a flat floor to make room for live wells, rod holders ect.. Can any one offer advice that have done what I am contemplating? Also I would imagine that I would have to weld in a brace to support the area where the aluminum seat was removed like a U shape that hugs the hull?

thanks,
Kassun

Kassun · Jul 29, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

-bump

Kassun · Aug 18, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

here are the updates, started and finished her today. Gona test her out Sunday morning.

-kassun

SnappingTurtle · Aug 18, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Kassun said:
here are the updates, started and finished her today. Gona test her out Sunday morning.

-kassun

It turned out really nice.

Not bad (caution understatement) for a days work I would say.

tmcalavy · Aug 19, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Ditto, nice work. Enjoy it on the water.

Kassun · Aug 19, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Thanks guys, I took her out on Sunday and was very happy with the layout. It was nice to stand on flat carpeted floors instead of a hot hull. I am still looking at adding in a live well, bilge pump ect.. to finish it off and of course an outboard motor

.

Thanks,
Kassun

Shizzy · Aug 19, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

much better job then I did. mine is just one large piece hinged in the front. Ill probably redo mine over the winter more like what you did.

BIGcarpy50 · Aug 19, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

remember what the boat is rated for.....a small narrow boat like that might not do to well with a full livewell of water. Also i would be carefull removing the middle seat. it is there for structure. i mean the boat won't colapse but over time the alum might get stressed in spots...other wise nice job.....if you like doing work you might be able to find a bigger boat that needs some work. check out my post and my project.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=270495

Kassun · Aug 20, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

BIGcarpy50: I agree with the middle seat. I decided to keep in rather than go the route of taking it out and having to worry if I braced everything correctly. I did some different layouts, and have decided to do 2 storage boxes on the sides between the rear 1st and 2nd bunk. They will come out approx 6" and inside they will hold some tackle. I'll probably frame them with a 1x2 ripped in half, and sheeted with 1/4" ply. This way I can save on weight, and they won't have to be heavy duty because they will just hold several plastic boxes.

I was considering the live well/bait well, but like you had mentioned, I'll do that when I upgrade to a 16' deep V in a few years. I think I'll buy one of the portable bait buckets from Cabela's that are insulated and come with the air pump for now.

There is a guy locally that has a 16' fiberglass boat that looks pretty rough but has a ton of potential for free, but unfortunately the weight is an issue and would probably pull my Toyota Matrix into the water along with the boat on some of the steep boat launches we have up here

. http://duluth.craigslist.org/boa/801868467.html

thanks for the feed back,
Kassun

BIGcarpy50 · Aug 20, 2008

Re: 1st boat, looking to add some basic features

thats not a bad boat...but if your looking to fish i would wait for an aluminum one to pop up with an open bow....better for weight, less up keep, and you can bump into the rocks without freaking out..........but in the meantime hold onto the one you have......good luck

1st boat, looking to add some basic features

Seaman

Admiral

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

Seaman

Attachments

Honorary Moderator Emeritus

Ensign

Seaman

Seaman

Seaman

Seaman

Attachments

Lieutenant

Rear Admiral

Seaman

Ensign

Petty Officer 1st Class

Seaman

Petty Officer 1st Class