14' Starcraft winter project

[sanssouci]

I picked up this little gem from the local marina, it was a rental boat that was way under powered (rated for 30 hp) had a 9.9 on it, so no leaks.

I would like to do the jon boat to bass boat conversion. I have some 064 aluminum to start the "Z" girts to support the floor. But first I need to cut the seats out.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

Looks to be in nice shape! Good find...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

i don't know what you want for a finished product. but if you go cutting out the seats, you will have to brace the gunnels to keep it's shape. or you will have an out of configuation boat. the seats are providing the side strength.

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

I realize that and will be making reinforced rod lockers up both the sides. I will be using the existing rivet holes to attach the reinforcing for the rod lockers. These pictures are from a conversion by a guy in England. I like the way he kept the front seat in and used it for battery storage.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

resize pics. looks like good idea. usually have to decrease, not increase.

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

resize pics. looks like good idea. usually have to decrease, not increase.

Tashasdaddy.... when I try to load the photos the posting program tells me they're too big and to decrease the size. What should I do to keep them larger, when I click on the icon photobucket has for forums & message boards
the Iboats one tell me it's to large?

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

I have borrowed a special tool to help me determined the exact angle of the floor. It's from Germany and it's called a winkel set, I have been told that winkel means angle in German.

I will start to cut my "z" grits this evening to level the floor.


http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/Lakefield/DSC00717.jpg

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

I didn't go the 'Z' girt route, instead I'm using aluminum extrusion with supports from the 'C' channel then attaching them to the ribs.

The bench seats are gone and the floor framing is being installed, soon the welding will begin. I just need the 1/3 round rib supports to be cut and welded to the uprights, then I can build out the rod lockers. The floor material that I'm using is a interesting product, it's called alumacor and has the strength of 1 1/2" plywood while being only 7/16".

 

[Bass_boy7]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

this is something I should look into for myself where did you come acrosss this alumacor, it looks like its fairly easy to work with.

 

[linxlvr]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

I didn't go the 'Z' girt route, instead I'm using aluminum extrusion with supports from the 'C' channel then attaching them to the ribs.

The bench seats are gone and the floor framing is being installed, soon the welding will begin. I just need the 1/3 round rib supports to be cut and welded to the uprights, then I can build out the rod lockers. The floor material that I'm using is a interesting product, it's called alumacor and has the strength of 1 1/2" plywood while being only 7/16".

I have a 16' starcraft I want to do something similar down the road. Can you give bore info on the 'reinforced' rod lockers? ty
--
dw

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

I have been able to put some time in on the boat project.

Being a licensed tintapper has its advantages.

 

[DJ]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

See something similar-here.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=233970

 

[linxlvr]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

Looks very nice. Be sure to keep us up to date.
TY
--
dw

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

DJ....you did an fantastic job very clean.

What's the material you used for the framing ?

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

Man that looks great, first class job!!!!! how much do you have into it??? how much weight do you think you are adding to her, and are you going to add any foam to her?and again she looks really great !!!!!!! John

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

Most of the aluminum I've been using is recycled from old sign boxes, I have bought two 8' pieces 'L' & two pieces of flat bar.

I think that the weight will be lighter than using wood framing. As for floatation I'm not sure yet, maybe empty water bottles.

 

[DJ]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

DJ....you did an fantastic job very clean.

What's the material you used for the framing ?

Aluminum angle and some 2" X 4" 's where it needed to hold a lot of weight (supports).

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

I got to do some work on the boat last night. I start my paying job at 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday thru Friday and some weekends, so staying after work until 10:30 pm can get to be a bit much if I do it every evening. Some how working on a boat fines my energy, which at 51 years old is always welcomed. I cut a sample piece for my dash a few weeks ago and used it for a template. This one I stretched so it would develop a compound curve and fit tightly to the bow of the boat.


I have fastened the rod locker frames to the free board using solid rivets and an air hammer, like the finish of a solid rivet, I'm surprised that more guys don't go this way with their aluminum boats. It seems that a lot of fellows have an air compressors, so all you need is a cheep air hammer and the rivet set and you end up with a professional look to your work.

 

[sanssouci]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

The sheet metal has been formed for the rod lockers and riveted to the frame.

The wires have been set for all the electrical gear.

Both the casting deck and floor have been cut (not too sure about this alumacor completely) and set into place temporarily, waiting for the floor covering to be installed.

I added some aluminum L channel to the C channel to help pick up the floor in two areas, I used a two part epoxy to by loc-tite fasten them together because there is no room to get a drill in to make a hole....so we will see if this stuff works.

 

[beerfilter]

Re: 14' Starcraft winter project

I got to do some work on the boat last night. I start my paying job at 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday thru Friday and some weekends, so staying after work until 10:30 pm can get to be a bit much if I do it every evening. Some how working on a boat fines my energy, which at 51 years old is always welcomed. I cut a sample piece for my dash a few weeks ago and used it for a template. This one I stretched so it would develop a compound curve and fit tightly to the bow of the boat.


I have fastened the rod locker frames to the free board using solid rivets and an air hammer, like the finish of a solid rivet, I'm surprised that more guys don't go this way with their aluminum boats. It seems that a lot of fellows have an air compressors, so all you need is a cheep air hammer and the rivet set and you end up with a professional look to your work.

Amen on the solid rivets .
I know a guy that repairs fiberglass extension ladders , and they use the same type of solid aluminum rivets as most boat manufacturers .
He has an air hammer and compressor setup , with the set and it is slick .

I used to have some links for the rivets and set tools , but , I think I lost them (?) .
I'll have to search all my back ups .

If you can find some web links for these things , I'm sure your fellow tinny lovers would appreciate them ( don't post them as live/active links , TOS/RULES and all ) .

Awesome work so far , I can't wait to see it completed .
Thanks for sharing .