1996 Bass Tracker Restoration! Need ideas on framing+ advice with foaming!

harve131 · Sep 15, 2024

Hi Everyone!

This is my first one and first time owning or fixing a boat. I stripped everything out, all the pour foam and storage took me about two weeks working on it here and there. I have a few leaky rivets that I am going to fix this week and then start framing the boat up.

I have plans on a rod storage on the left side with 1” PVC and make a custom box for it. Any ideas on what I should add?

If anyone as any advice on compartments that would be great. I will keep this thread updated with pictures and progress. Would accept any advice. Thanks!

LDUBS · Sep 18, 2024

Looks like you have some decent storage.

First thing that jumped into my mind was are you limiting yourself by using 1" PVC pipe. Why not use 1.5" or 2" just in case you have a rod with larger guides. Will the PVC tubes go in that forward compartment with the foam? I've seen guys here use a heat gun to heat up the end of the PVC then shove it over a wine bottle or something to get a bell shape.

For compartments my advice is keep it as light as possible. For example, use aluminum angle instead of 2x lumber. Use 3/8 or 1/2 ply instead of 3/4. Might be good to spend some time searching through what others have done. There are so many build threads full of ideas it is hard to know where to start.

harve131 · Sep 18, 2024

Have you ever fixed any solid rivets? I think I am just nervous on how long they will hold and doing all the work for nothing.

harve131 · Sep 18, 2024

LDUBS said:
Looks like you have some decent storage.

First thing that jumped into my mind was are you limiting yourself by using 1" PVC pipe. Why not use 1.5" or 2" just in case you have a rod with larger guides. Will the PVC tubes go in that forward compartment with the foam? I've seen guys here use a heat gun to heat up the end of the PVC then shove it over a wine bottle or something to get a bell shape.

For compartments my advice is keep it as light as possible. For example, use aluminum angle instead of 2x lumber. Use 3/8 or 1/2 ply instead of 3/4. Might be good to spend some time searching through what others have done. There are so many build threads full of ideas it is hard to know where to start.

Sealed with 5200 and installed new solid rivet, hopefully it will last for years.

airshot · Sep 18, 2024

I would seriously consider coating the inside with gluvit or other sealer before adding any interior. Tighten your rivets first, the coat the hull inside and you won't leak for sure.

LDUBS · Sep 18, 2024

harve131 said:
Have you ever fixed any solid rivets? I think I am just nervous on how long they will hold and doing all the work for nothing.

No sorry. I'm not the guy to ask about rivets. I do know if installed properly they should last years.

harve131 · Sep 18, 2024

airshot said:
I would seriously consider coating the inside with gluvit or other sealer before adding any interior. Tighten your rivets first, the coat the hull inside and you won't leak for sure.

Should I replace more of them. They seem to all be tight. Should I continue to seal rivet with 5200 and then gluvit the inside?

thill · Sep 19, 2024

Buck any you don't like and replace any that have discoloration around them. That discoloration is often corrosion that has crept underneath the heads.

FuzzyGrub · Sep 19, 2024

If you are only capturing the last 2 foot or so of the rod, look at those golf club protector sleaves. They are black and have a "buldged" end that can nicely hide a not perfect cut hole.

alval · Sep 19, 2024

harve131 said:
Sealed with 5200 and installed new solid rivet, hopefully it will last for years.

I am currently working on an 85 Lund. My rivets all look good but I am going to coat the entire floor with Flex Seal before I replace any of the foam or floor. I just want to be sure of no leaks before I put any more money, work and materials into it. I would hate to finish the new floor and then find out there is a leak I missed. If I were you, I'd consider the same. (Unless someone else has a really good reason not to...)

airshot · Sep 19, 2024

You might want to re consider the flex seal....long term reports are not that good. More of a quick temporary fix. Many better products out there.

harve131 · Sep 19, 2024

airshot said:
You might want to re consider the flex seal....long term reports are not that good. More of a quick temporary fix. Many better products out there.

I install all new rivets on the keel most were loose. I dabbed 3m 5200 on rivet and smashed them in with airhammer and bucking bar. Inside I 5200 around each new rivet.

You think I should gluvit the bottom of the boat on top of all of that?

airshot · Sep 19, 2024

Gluvit goes on the inside, not the outside. Your choice on what to use, but flex seal does not have a good reputation for long term use was all I was saying..

harve131 · Sep 19, 2024

airshot said:
Gluvit goes on the inside, not the outside. Your choice on what to use, but flex seal does not have a good reputation for long term use was all I was saying..

Yeah I would never use flex seal, too much work to waste on that. Definitely going to gluvit the whole inside as well. Thanks!

David Atkins · Sep 20, 2024

airshot said:
I would seriously consider coating the inside with gluvit or other sealer before adding any interior. Tighten your rivets first, the coat the hull inside and you won't leak for sure.

I agree with airshot, seal the inside for additional safety and comfort; I
ve done this in the past and never had any issues with leaking rivets.

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