1973 PolarKraft 1440 MV - The Birth of Ictalurus

Ictalurus · Post by **Ictalurus** » 12 Apr 2010, 10:58

I found this beauty on CL a few weeks back, no trailer or motor, and the mods are now in full progress. I had previously restored a 1965 12' SeaKing and was looking for a longer and wider boat. I had not heard of TinBoats when the SeaKing was modded, but I staggered across this place over the winter and have gotten plenty of good ideas from everyone, especially knowledge of metal work. It seems fashioning a high front deck is the most popular option, but our family often takes scenic river trips and my wife prefers to sit a little lower in the boat, so keeping a low floor was the starting point. After several trips to BPS and Lowe's, there were enough supplies stockpiled to begin the mod. I have attached a layout plan, please let me know if you see any design or useablitly design flaws or improvements that can be made. Over the last week the boat has been cleaned out, leaks patched up, primed, bottom side painted and the decking cut out. One question on the water sealer for the wood, I purchased some Cabot's Deck Stain (wanting to stay clear of Thompson's), the can indicates water protection, just hoping it's good to go, not wanting to add another sealer on top of it. Again, love the site and ideas or suggestions would be most welcome.

nathanielrthomas · Post by **nathanielrthomas** » 12 Apr 2010, 11:08

Looks Great!! Welcome aboard.

perchin · Post by **perchin** » 12 Apr 2010, 11:16

Is that cabot stain??? Hope your not just staining the wood, stain is not a sealer or protectant, its made to change the color of wood(stain). you'll need to seal it with some good spar urathane or thompson's. I go with spar urathane, let it set up for 30 min. and hit it again. (do that twice for a high build-up of protectant.) That's one nice looking boat you got there. Welcome aboard and good luck with your project.

Ictalurus · Post by **Ictalurus** » 12 Apr 2010, 11:35

I'm also a bit confused on the stain/sealer. In reading this site, I've tried to stay away from Thompson's. The label on the can indicates it water protects and the clerk at Lowe's said it was fine, but you know how that goes. I've always used stain and then spar varnish over that, but this time I'm just looking to seal and carpet. I've thrown on a better picture of the stain/ possible sealer, let me know what you think.

dixie_boysles · Post by **dixie_boysles** » 12 Apr 2010, 11:44

HOLY CRAP. We have the same exact boat except yours is 8 years older! We even did the same kind of floor bracing (aluminum agle with small vertical pieces...lol) Great minds must think alike!!

here is the link to my Polarkraft build:

https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic ... 78&start=0.

Your doing an awesome job man! Im going to paint mine flat gray using Parker Coatings jon boat paint from cabelas with the whole interior of the boat grey carpeted. just check out the pics and you will see man!

dixie_boysles · Post by **dixie_boysles** » 12 Apr 2010, 11:45

you wouldnt want to sell me that front handle for the boat would you!?

perchin · Post by **perchin** » 12 Apr 2010, 11:57

Ictalurus wrote:I'm also a bit confused on the stain/sealer. In reading this site, I've tried to stay away from Thompson's. The label on the can indicates it water protects and the clerk at Lowe's said it was fine, but you know how that goes. I've always used stain and then spar varnish over that, but this time I'm just looking to seal and carpet. I've thrown on a better picture of the stain/ possible sealer, let me know what you think.

To give you the shortest possible answer, you would still need to seal over with spar urathane. They say stain/sealer becuase its to mislead you to believe they are the go to for every application. All brands do this, they get away with it because the sealer part is to seal in the stain without bleeding. (kinda misleading huh?lol)
Anyways, yeah I personally would use any spar urathane over thompsons myself.

Ictalurus · Post by **Ictalurus** » 12 Apr 2010, 12:08

dixie_boysles wrote:you wouldnt want to sell me that front handle for the boat would you!?
you wouldnt want to sell me that front handle for the boat would you!?

It's an interesting piece, i just replaced the old rusty 6 lb steel reinforcement bar with a lighter, better looking aluminum piece.

perchin wrote:you would still need to seal over with spar urathane

No problem, although I was hoping this would work.

Ictalurus · Post by **Ictalurus** » 12 Apr 2010, 12:13

dixie_boysles wrote:HOLY CRAP. We have the same exact boat

I really like the PolarKraft. I had my eye out for a 14 ' that was 40" - 48" wide, preferably the latter. It seems the used market is flooded with 36" and those with a 48" bought them for a reason and hang on to them for awhile. This 1440 popped up and I pulled the trigger. I've had it on the water a few times and it seams pretty darn stable and very well built.

dixie_boysles · Post by **dixie_boysles** » 12 Apr 2010, 12:58

yeah they are very well built! so are you putting the front handle back? Im really looking for one and dont know where to find one

Froggy · Post by **Froggy** » 12 Apr 2010, 13:06

Nice start, good luck.

Ictalurus · Post by **Ictalurus** » 12 Apr 2010, 15:04

Well, after stewing about the water sealant the past few hours, I'm going to pick some up on the way home tonight, any thoughts on what you consider to work the best.

ober51 · Post by **ober51** » 12 Apr 2010, 19:37

Spar varnish is my personal fave and protects super well. The Thompson's/ Bear's etc water proofer.

perchin · Post by **perchin** » 12 Apr 2010, 19:45

spar varnish doesn't have the protectant that spar urathane does. Go with any spar urathane.

ober51 · Post by **ober51** » 12 Apr 2010, 20:17

perchin wrote:spar varnish doesn't have the protectant that spar urathane does. Go with any spar urathane.

That's what I meant - I used Spar Urathane.