1976 16' Mirrocraft

TFBJR · Sep 27, 2024

Rivet question, I need to find 1/4" aluminum closed end blind rivets to replace loosened rivets where the rollers beat up those rivets, because that's the rib the boat rested on all these years. I hope that rivet description is correct. I can find S/S rivets.
I put a floor in using 1/8"x2" aluminum angle. After removal of most of the center bench, I left part where steering console is which I connected to the floor. Some pictures to follow when I figure out how to do it. Every picture says 'file to large' Any suggestions ?

LDUBS · Sep 28, 2024

In whatever photo editor you use, you should see an option to adjust the size of the image.

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

Repowering with 30hp Suzuki

LDUBS · Sep 28, 2024

The best time to address the loose rivets was when everything was wide open. Yeah, I know. That isn't helpful now.

I think you will find what you are looking for at "rivetsonline.com" (thanks to @DaleH for previously sharing this source).

I like that carriage style seat in front of the helm! Nice idea.

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

A boat for a 70 yr old me. Son has 27' Pro Line I'm not allowed on for some reason. Oh well, as the sayin goes "don't let the bas@$ards get you down".
I replaced the transom, added the floor so I have a steady something to stand on.
This boat scoots with the 40hp and should scoot and troll just fine with the 30hp. No leaks except for the one rivet loosened by the roller pressure. I used a s/s bolt and rubber washer with sealer for temporary fix until I find 1/4" rivets to replace the 8 rivets affected by the wear the rollers have done over the years. I have had this boat 2 years. I'm thinking about a short windshield but need some advice about where to locate a used one. I have a transom mount 45 lb. thrust Minkota Endura but I will get a remote control bow mount over the winter. Any suggestions for a good buy ? Ted

TFBJR · Sep 28, 2024

LDUBS said:
The best time to address the loose rivets was when everything was wide open. Yeah, I know. That isn't helpful now.

I think you will find what you are looking for at "rivetsonline.com" (thanks to @DaleH for previously sharing this source).

I like that carriage style seat in front of the helm! Nice idea.

I'll sit there using the min kota foot control.

airshot · Sep 28, 2024

First off no where near enough rollers ! Aluminum boats need more rollers to keep the hull from denting or damaging rivets. Owned aluminum boats for over 60 years, not one dented hull, but lots more rollers on my trailers and if the trailer needed more, I added more....or switch over to bunks. I see you have a 40 hp Merc Classic, I have one as well, love mine, purrs like a kitten but will run like a rabbit on my 16' side console. If you can't find a windshield you can have one made. Look for companies that create Lexan products and have one bent the size you want, that is how I got mine, held on with two hitch pins on each side for easy removal. Love my remote control trolling MK motor, get the spot lock feature.....well worth it !

TFBJR · Sep 29, 2024

airshot said:
First off no where near enough rollers ! Aluminum boats need more rollers to keep the hull from denting or damaging rivets. Owned aluminum boats for over 60 years, not one dented hull, but lots more rollers on my trailers and if the trailer needed more, I added more....or switch over to bunks. I see you have a 40 hp Merc Classic, I have one as well, love mine, purrs like a kitten but will run like a rabbit on my 16' side console. If you can't find a windshield you can have one made. Look for companies that create Lexan products and have one bent the size you want, that is how I got mine, held on with two hitch pins on each side for easy removal. Love my remote control trolling MK motor, get the spot lock feature.....well worth it !

Yeah, most likely need more rollers to add to the 8 on there now.
Nah! I want bunks. Trouble is I know nothing about them. I can't picture that yet. I need research materials. Pics, pics please. I'm a gotta see type of fabricator.
Thanks guys.

airshot · Sep 29, 2024

For your size boat, most would use a 2x4 layer flat with a couple brackets to bolt onto the frame. Kits without the wood bunks ( just brackets) are not that expensive. Do a little research and you should find many pics to look at.

thill · Sep 30, 2024

This is an easy kit to swap to bunks. It's pretty easy to do:
https://www.amazon.com/Racewill-Boat-Trailer-Bunk-Brackets/dp/B0CT5L9MKF

Sometimes, you can attach the bunks to the roller supports, but I can't see your system. Swapping to the above kit is inexpensive and works well. When you put 2x4 or 2x6 bunks on top, make sure you GLUE and staple the carpet to the bunks for it to really last long-term. If you don't glue, the carpet may tear if snagged on something.

1976 16' Mirrocraft

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