14 Alumacraft Grandfather Grandson Mod project

[LilBubby]

Picked up an old Alumacraft and trailer for next to nothing. Scored a deal on an older but great condition Evinrude 15hp too. Pops making it a Project with my son. Awesome. Any suggestions oN how to finish the wood? No carpet.

Battery box and bench done.. Stern section next and then replacing then bow deck.. then some lights and side scan FF.

 

[MN Fisher]

I still think that's an F-9 with the 20" transom...making it look good for a 2-person boat with quick work.

 

[LDUBS]

"Any suggestions oN how to finish the wood? No carpet."


For looks -- several coats of spar urethane?

 

[LilBubby]

I think I'm Going to paint the wood and Put some Sea Deck on. Dont need too much so shouldn't be too expensive...

 

[MN Fisher]

I'm with LDUBS - Spar Urethane that wood before anything else. You can paint over that, but you need to seal it to keep it from rotting...paint alone isn't going to do the job.

 

[gogittum]

I don't like to be negative, but it looks like you're adding a lot of weight to that little boat. I did a similar thing with a 16 ft Ouachita some years ago and the floor, seats and console I added changed the character of the boat a lot....and not for the better. Lesson well learned and I've kept it carefully in mind in the work-up of my current 16 ft Starcraft.

P.S. It does look like you're making a very nice job of it. My Ouachita was fine after my upgrade but wasn't nearly as responsive.

 

[Kismet]

The 15 will be about the perfect motor for that boat.

Protect the wood first; paint as you choose later. OR...stain, then protect the wood. Not a bad grain to the wood as is. If you don't like it, Paint later.

Be safe.

 

[LilBubby]

Definitely adding a little weight. We shall see. Treating the wood and going with some cheap EVA stick on for the decks and floor. Feel like we have it fairly balanced with tank up front and battery in the middle. Actually cut a second hatch out of front deck for storage

 

[LilBubby]

Almost there.
Wiring lights, fishfinder and bilge next. Going to mount the fishfinder on the right side of the battery box. Painting the rails. Have to figure out some rod holders

 

[Jim]

Looking awesome man!


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[LilBubby]

Pretty much done. Splashdown today and she exceed all expectations. Weight NOT an issue. 100 times more stable than I thought it would be considering the hull is so narrow. Just have to clean up some wiring and figure out rod holder situation. A great project and memory for my son and father! She topped out at Aron 22mph with just my son and 18 5 with both of them on it. Not bad.

 

[gogittum]

I'm curious what you used to shine the hull ?? I'm getting ready to sell my 12 ft Mirrocraft and it looks pretty grungy. Not looking for a mirror shine on the Mirrocraft, but want it looking nice.

 

[Kismet]

Generic SOS pads worked wonders for me on the Model A Alumacraft I reconditioned. Should be some images in one of the inks below.

There is, or was, a product called er..."Shark-hide?" or something like that to prevent oxidation after polishing, but it was pricey as I recall.

Best wishes.

 

[LilBubby]

I used Brasso.

 

[LilBubby]

Night trips coming up...