1978 Supersport 18

[classiccat]

*note to self... have neighbor provide live fire when I'm posting on iboats lol

@24Robm low-crawling the neighborhood infiltration course w/ his smartphone while his neighbors are rockin' the 60's. Get Some...successful uploads!!

 

[24Robm]

 

[SHSU]

Nothing like a good shakedown to figure out what you like and don't like.

A new motor is always a great wish, just so hard to justify the cost (For me at least).

SHSU

 

[jdvasher]

Congratulations on the new boat, looks like a good one.

 

[24Robm]

Thank you jd... and I can justify the cost all day long... just can't pay it

 

[24Robm]

I was just sitting here using the search and didn't find much... I've got some holes (mostly in the bow decking where a few trolling motor mounts were put in and taken out) and am wondering what the best way to fill these is. I'm not a welder but if that's the only way to go....

 

[jdvasher]

I filled in some holes on my boat with aluminum patches and rivets, using 3M 5200 to seal the seam if necessary. you can pick up some drops of 5052 aluminum sheet at your local metal supply. I just bought a whole sheet when I started and have been cutting away at it since. .063" is the thickness generally used.

 

[jdvasher]

not sure hoe much work you will need to do but "clecos" are extremely useful for working with sheet aluminum. Its basically a temporary rivet that you can use over and over

 

[classiccat]

I was just sitting here using the search and didn't find much... I've got some holes (mostly in the bow decking where a few trolling motor mounts were put in and taken out) and am wondering what the best way to fill these is. I'm not a welder but if that's the only way to go....

if you're referring to the aluminum tops, I use jbweld smeared on an aluminum backer. tape the aluminum backer to the underside of the aluminum sheet until it cures, then sand smooth. MarineTex also works well for this.

 

[24Robm]

She's alive!!!!

 

[jdvasher]

She's alive!!!!

That's great to hear. Now go have some fun before it gets too cold haha

 

[24Robm]

Haha!!! It's Mississippi... it won't be cold until December .... but the 2nd tropical storm in two weeks might slow things down. I might have to try it out in the pond!!!

 

[jdvasher]

Haha!!! It's Mississippi... it won't be cold until December .... but the 2nd tropical storm in two weeks might slow things down. I might have to try it out in the pond!!!

Do it!! Haha

 

[SHSU]

I've got some holes (mostly in the bow decking where a few trolling motor mounts were put in and taken out) and am wondering what the best way to fill these is. I'm not a welder but if that's the only way to go....

Depending on how big the holes are and such there are a couple methods.
As other have stated, JB weld with a back patch sanded smooth. If a small hole probably could get away without rivets, if it is a big hole, might want to add a couple rivets to the patch.

JB Water Weld is the other method. Mostly for small screw/pin holes

Some kind of top covering like carpet/Nautolex

SHSU

 

[24Robm]

Took her out for a shakedown this morning/ afternoon. Things went well. No leaks (as far as I can tell), motor ran smooth (a little bogging when getting on it but I think a carb rebuild will solve that). Typical Mississippi weather had us sweating like crazy before dumping rain on us for an hour. Bimini top is going to be a must- have. Got to go out again after and did a little fishing (and caught a little fish lol). All in all I think she'll do as is for now and wait till the cold before I open her up and start resto.

 

[classiccat]

Congrats on a successful shakedown!!

 

[SHSU]

Man, that is an interesting way to mount a trolling motor. I am guessing that will get replaced.

SHSU

 

[24Robm]

Lol....FIL rigged that up many moons ago. With the boat came an actual trolling motor mount and wedges. That's one of the many things to be added during the restoration.

 

[24Robm]

Okay... starting to pull some things together for the restoration. Does nautolex (light color) get hot? Mississippi sun + aluminum + carpet = HOT deck. Any suggestions on a "coolish" (temp) material? Also rub rail. There's a whole piece of the rail (about three feet) broken off the starboard side from the stern up. Any ideas on replacement? Thanks to all!!!

 

[24Robm]

72° and sunshine!!!! Looks like a good day to be on the water!!!!