1976 Starcraft Mariner 21' Layout Changes? (v2)

[jonnyfish]

Checking back in as the build has been underway and i just haven't made time to post any updates on the process. The Deck boards are now wrapped with vinyl. I decided to go with the rivnut approach of bolting the decking to rivnuts in the stringers and crossmembers. it's been a tedius deal - but it seemed like i may like it in the case that i ever need to service things again - fingers crossed that i don't - but trying to think of the different angles.

I also got to painting the interior a "smoke gray". It's kind of a no frills utilitarian look, but that's ok with me, it's a fishing boat and I'm going for something that looks sharp and is high functional for it's intended purpose.

Right now I'm waiting on my console to arrive to confirm all my measurements for where it will nestle into the front casting deck. I don't want to start cutting my aluminum angle until I'm absolutely certain I have everything measure correctly and accounted for. Once that's all confirmed i'll begin adding aluminum angle to the front portion of the deck to build up towards the casting deck.

It's a long process, but I'm trying to remain focused on making the right choices and think things through rather than rushing and get stuck with mistakes I made in favor of timing.

 

[Ifishmuskie2]

Great choice on the grey. Mine is grey inside too.

 

[redneck joe]

mine is smoke grey oly because it is usually dirty over the bright white

 

[jonnyfish]

It's been a while since I posted an update. There's a lot loaded into this one photo. I got all of the aluminum structure done for the front casting deck. I built the structure to support the console. Then bolted it all together. I've ran into some frustrating problems with my alignments to match up my flooring panels and pilot holes with my rivnuts in the underlying aluminum.

Despite testing and checking multiple times I still have some that just haven't matched up. While there's aspects of the rivnut approach I really like if I was to do it all again I'm not sure I'd go with it.

I saved my old front deck as a template and set it back in tonight to get a look at how it will lay out. That made this feel a lot more real. Next up I have to cut my boards for the front deck, then cut out where my hatches will be, then double seal the boards with epoxy, then drill pilot holes for bolts, then wrap with vinyl, and finally install the decking.

It's another big piece of the project, but it's coming along.