87 SS180 First Rebuild

[sopwithcamel74]

Yeah, that cover kit is super snazzy.

The boat itself ain't half bad either Seriously - great work. I've read through your build posts a few times - first rate stuff! Enjoy her!

 

[Candutch]

Looks great Ben. I also want to get a bow cover for mine and sides and a back for my Bimini top so I can close the cockpit it when it's really crappy out.
Unfortunately, I think that will have to wait another season as I have too many other projects that tapped the budget for this year.

 

[astor]

Looks great Ben. I also want to get a bow cover for mine and sides and a back for my Bimini top so I can close the cockpit it when it's really crappy out.
Unfortunately, I think that will have to wait another season as I have too many other projects that tapped the budget for this year.

Thanks Rob, I'm really eager to try and make the cover myself, I think a bow cover may be a better first project for sewing 'canvas' Too many projects seems to be a problem for alot of us.

 

[astor]

Yeah, that cover kit is super snazzy.

The boat itself ain't half bad either Seriously - great work. I've read through your build posts a few times - first rate stuff! Enjoy her!

LOL, thanks sopwithcamel74, I had the cover made cause I have several other things to finish up and an upcoming fishing trip, to northern Michigan.
I also installed a trolling motor with a quick release mount. but now I need to stiffen up the bow deck because there is too much flex, and make some storage under the bow seats for batteries. I also want to install a transducer so I can just move my Fish Finder/GPS between the islander and the little boat for fishing.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Re: 87 SS180 First Rebuild

I think someone suggested you test up to 15psi
that was me, and i stand corrected. i just pulled the 15 psi figure out of the air anyway.....didn't think about the NUMBER of square inches we're talking about. 15 times that many sq in would be a lot of lbs of pressure shoving it apart.

yes, way too much pressure, 1-2 psi will swell that tank a little. I've done it on a 1/4" aluminum tank and it surprises you just how little pressure makes them bulge, BE CAREFUL

 

[astor]

Mounted a power drive V2 with iPilot on the bow. yesterday had to stiffen the bow Deck with a large 1/4"aluminum plate to take out excessive flex
Part of the problem with the flex is the quick release mounting plate having a smaller mount area with 4 bolts

 

[Watermann]

Nice addition, those electrics sure are spendy though, I paid more for my 80# Terrova than I did the boat, trailer and 140 HP motor :lol:

 

[astor]

Yes they are
by the time I add in a couple of batteries and a charger this trolling motor cost more than the boat

Was tempted to buy the ulterra but that would have been about what I spent restoring the boat

 

[DirtyHarry83]

That is a really pretty boat. Get some fish pictures

 

[astor]

I made the bow area convertible from bow seat cushions to a casting deck.
was able to pack two deep cycle batteries and a 3 bank charger and battery switch under the hatch covers

 

[astor]

fishing in Northern Michigan a few weeks ago

 

[Watermann]

Wow! Super nice pics, the SS work continues to be top notch and well thought out :thumb:

 

[classiccat]

Nice catch! Is that the 1st fish ever to flop on the new deck?

I've caught quite a few musky but never a northern. Hoping to change that soon...the NY state record (+46#) was caught 45min away.

Great morning shot of the boat! I bet she gets alot of attention even from guys towing 40k fishing rigs (that they're probably still paying on!)

 

[astor]

Been awhile since I’ve been on the forum. Spent a little time this evening catching up Great to see the 2022 SOTY contest. Some great boats and fine craftsmanship!
I’ve been using my 87 180ss allot the last 5 years since I’ve finished the restoration. It’s still running great.

Added a picture from last summer when I hauled it up to the Thousand Islands area in New York