18' 76 Monark Project

[pbaumler]

I just picked up an 18' aluminum Monark to redo so I can take my boys fishing and duck hunting. The boat needs a little loving and I do plan on putting a floor in it after prime and seal the inside. My question to the forum is, they cut the transom for a short shaft. However, I have just found an older 35hp long shaft that you can tell was properly maintained (it looks brand new). Do you think that motor is to much for the lowered transom and should I rebuild it, or do you think I'm fine as is? They cut the transom down about 4".

Paul

 

[Teamster]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Pictures would help,..........

Tagging along,..........

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Sorry about that...I'll get some posted tomorrow since I need to get some measurements taken.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Here's a helpful pic that will show you how to know if the transom and motor will be sized correctly...

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Well, took another look today and decided a new transom is in order. If you have any suggestions on a floor, fire away. Right now I'm looking at doing flat and simple until the boys are comfortable moving around in it.

 

[laurentide]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

I'm not an expert on this or any boat building subject, but I used 5/8" BCX plywood from Lowes for my deck, and wrapped each panel in Nautolex after 3 coats of epoxy resin. It's a nice solid deck without being quite as heavy as 3/4", and slightly cheaper.

For my transom I used two 3/4" BCX pieces bonded together and epoxied.

There's lots of great info here and a bunch of people who'll provide a ton of help. I couldn't have done any of this stuff pre-internet/iboats forums.

EDIT: and that's a really cool big tiller boat. If the original transom was just straight across, it would be pretty easy to fabricate a new one with some aluminum sheet fastened over the cut-out, and a straight transom cap would also be simple to make, I believe. Like I said, I'm not an expert by any stretch, but those guys will chime in for sure.

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Thanks, I was leery of a 14' for what I want to do, and when this 18' popped up I had to give it the old college try.

That's kind of what I'm thinking with redoing the transom, sandwich two pieces of 3/4" together and seal the bejeezus out of them. I also may add a couple more braces in the back (just in case). At the very least, I think there may be enough play to slide in a piece of 1/8" on the outside, and bolt that and the new transom on using the existing holes. that should give a little more protection from the outside water.

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

well, I got the old transom out, wasn't much left to even rethink about keeping it. I think I should let the previous fella know that adding more holes into a boat really isn't a good idea. Also got the inside washed out and leak tested. Only one leak (woohoo). Also got the top half sanded and primed. My goal is to have it on the water in two weeks.....uff da!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Good job on redoing the transom. You'll want to seal that transom wood before you install it, I suggest a good exterior grade oil base enamel since your boat is a tiller and the transom will be exposed to the sun.

If you put a plywood deck (floor) in I suggest sealing it longevity too.

That boat looks like a fish catching machine and I know you and the boys are going to have fun in it!

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

that's the plan Jig. I'm going to flip her over and do the bottom half, then back over to finish off the top half, then start finishing the inside. Measured it all out and am just going to put in a simple floor for this year and then build from there. Any suggestions or links I should consider. I was thinking of decking it in sections vs. one continuous piece.

 

[Teamster]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

I think I would skip a floor in that boat,....

A floor is going to add weight and move your center of gravity up, And make the sides seem even shorter,...

Run her as she is and you'll be on the water a week sooner,..................

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Agreed ^^^

If you can get ahold of some inexpensive teak (if that's even possible close to you) you might make low profile drop in grids that run between the benches and are easily lifted out won't add much weight, or reduce the height to the gunwale much. That of course is based on the benches being foam filled & providing the necessary flotation foam:

The teak could be done over the course of a few weeks in the evening M-F WHILE you're using the boat on the weekends.

Grid sort of like this:

$80 for a @32" X 20" panel. Evil-bay has a teak dealer that sells several different lengths, widths & thickness teak planks. teakhutonline will also custom mill Teak, just shoot him an email or call. Fairly nice people on the phone, I haven't bought any yet though........

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

yeah, finding teak up by me is going to be hard, but your idea of keeping it low profile is what I was thinking by using 2X2's for framing (after painting and sealing) and running it along the gunwale and keeping it between the seats. The benches are foam filled, but I'm thinking of adding some foam sheeting under the floor sections to deaden the sound some more and add a little more flotation.

Any suggestions for a paint for the hull? It's not going to be sitting in the water 24/7. It will be on the trailer when not being used.

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

well, got it off the trailer and flipped over to work on the bottom. Wasn't as bad as I figured and got the leak sealed. Also got it sanded, primed and painted. Reminds me, I need to bring beer to the fellas who flipped it for me. Oh to be young again.

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

getting closer to actually meeting my self-imposed deadline. Outside is done (minus some touchups) and got a good jump on the inside today.

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

HA!!!! Almost met my self imposed deadline. Just need to get a few little accessories, but it is ready for the water. Heck, I even had someone offer me triple what I have into it, so that makes me feel better.

Bring on the summer and fall!! woot!!!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Was that OSB Plywood for your Deck??

 

[pbaumler]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

yes it is.

 

[lokonn]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

HA!!!! Almost met my self imposed deadline. Just need to get a few little accessories, but it is ready for the water. Heck, I even had someone offer me triple what I have into it, so that makes me feel better.

Bring on the summer and fall!! woot!!!

View attachment 198816View attachment 198817View attachment 198818

Take the offer and do another! Cool paint and vinyl combo.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 18' 76 Monark Project

Are you aware of what happens to OSB when water penetrates into it's inner layers? What kind of sealer did you put on it?