17ft Bass Tracker CRACKED HULL

[Sailor Jules]

This is the epoxy McMasterCarr suggested I use to secure the aluminum strengthening supports to the hull and the ribs to the strengthening supports.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/119/3394/=o8jdgr

 

[Ranchero50]

I've used the Devcon stuff before, it's great for repairing castings but it doesn't flex at all. I would expect it to delaminate from flex on aluminum ribs or flooring. For a sealant before bucking I'd do 3m's 5200. The 5200 is a nasty good adhesive that will flex and stay sealed.

 

[Sailor Jules]

The cracks have been welded ($100) and the rivets are on order. As soon as they arrive I will start riveting the ribs back into place, I picked up the 3M 5200 to use as my sealant $22 per tube at West Marine. Ive been discussing spray lining the entire interior hull, I may do that to seal it prior to putting in the foam and my floorboards.

 

[Ranchero50]

Lowes carries the 5200 now, probably at a considerable savings vs. Worst Marine.

 

[Sailor Jules]

I have been away for awhile, but the project continues. The Ribs and supports have been sealed (5200) riveted back into place. I paid about $22 a tube at West Marine for the 5200, bought the rivets from Grainger (ill give you price and size of the rivets when I get home later), paid a friend to help me buck the rivets, he held the bucking bar and is helping with some other repairs $80. Next im debating spraying the interior of the boat with a protective enamel before rebuilding the internal structures.

 

[Sailor Jules]

Hello all,
Ive been away for awhile, busy with work etc... But today is a day off and im off to Lowes to pick up some supplies, the Blue Poly foam, 1/2 plywood for the deck, Blind Rivets. Ill be doing wiring checks for lights, ensuring my plumbing and bilge pumps work, and ordering the expanding foam.
Pictures to follow.

 

[Sailor Jules]

All, I am at the point in the rebuild where I want to add some storage in the bow section of my 17ft Bass Tracker. Has anyone found a sight that sells the metal or plastic framing so that I can add the storage much like the newer boats have? Id like to find a similar compartment to what is found on the newer trackers. Or have you guys built your own forward storage compartment?
An update, I bought foam from a place here in Phoenix, Owens Corning polystyrene pink Foamular 250 1.5 inches thick. 2 sheets 4x8ft for about $50. The stuff floats really well too, I placed 2 sheets on top of each other in the pool and began adding weight to it. The 2 sheets held 130 pounds, I added a 44lb kettle bell and it began to sink.
I need to pick up some additional carpet, I don't have enough to do the main deck, I had a lot from the previous boat owner but ill be using that on all the other carpeted areas. I need that last 4x8 section for the main deck, whats the best carpet to use, which website or store, or who has some carpeting in their garage they are wanting to get rid of?
Pictures to follow...

 

[Sailor Jules]

These are the updated photos

 

[mrmr56]

Do you have any pics of the repair and modifications to the ribs on your boat? I am in the same boat but I am still trying to figure out the correct fix. I did notice looking at MMF's build that his boat came with some braces attached to the top of the ribs and riveted to the sides in the same area. I think the factory was hit or miss on bracing. I guess we got a Monday or Friday built boat.

 

[Sailor Jules]

Ill take a few pictures of the repair and get them posted for you too see.

 

[mrmr56]

I will certainly appreciate the effort. I don't want to turn it upside down but one time. Thanks

 

[Sailor Jules]

mrmr56 - I apologize for the delay in posting. I am attaching photos of the repairs.
I removed the ribs, had a friend weld the cracks, I added the pieces of aluminum which we riveted between the hull and the rib and ran them up the sides of the boat. We applied 3M 5200 to the rivets and between the hull and ribs. Not the prettiest job, but it should work.
Next major step is to put her into the water and see if there are any leaks. Then ill feel comfortable putting the new floorboard in and really putting the final touches on the rebuild.

 

[mrmr56]

Thanks for the pictures Jules. That is close to what I have in mind. I am just waiting for the weather to warm up a little bit from this cold snap. I have the aluminum sheared and ready to go. You might also check your trailer for flex. I have rebuilt a c channel trailer to put mine on when I get through. I have owned about 25 different boats in my life and I have never had a trailer with as much flex as the Trailstar trailer has. Even without the boat on it, it flexes up and down a couple of inches. Add the weight of water logged foam and I can only imagine the stress and vibration that the boat was going through. I will post some pictures when I get through. Again, thanks for the effort. Let me know how your repairs work out when you put it in the water. Charles

 

[Gators5220]

Nice job thus far, lookin clean.

 

[Sailor Jules]

Its been a busy holiday season with lots of traveling, but im back and back to work on the boat. The seats are at the upholstery shop and Ive ordered a large piece of carpeting for the main deck, ill pick up the carpet and seats on Tuesday and get them put in this week/weekend. I need to find a one way drain (scupper) for the main deck before I hard mount it to the beams. Ive been busy carpeting everything and getting the pieces lined up to be riveting back in. I haven't started chasing wires yet, but I will do that this weekend. Then taking the boat into a mechanic friend to give the motor a once over. Lets see, Im debating if I am going to paint the exterior of the hull, leave it aluminum or perhaps red below the water line and Battleship Gray above...

 

[crabsandbottlecaps]

After pulling out the foam how did u clean up the aluminum was it just elbow grease and soap or pressure wash

 

[Sailor Jules]

Yes, after pulling out the foam I used a heavy bristle nylon brush, a scouring pad, a wire brush on the end of my drill, and a sanding pad on the end of my drill. I vacuumed along the way to ensure I kept a clean working area, I removed the old glue from the panels with the sanding pad and wire brush prior to applying the glue and carpeting everything.
Lesson learned: ensure you know how the aluminum panels overlap prior to carpeting and riveting, some panels you may even want to glue the section that will be covered and then install your rivets prior to gluing the rest of the carpet into place. There are a few sections on my boat where I have had to rivet through the carpet, thus leaving the rivet head exposed above the carpet.

 

[Sailor Jules]

Just put the scupper into the floorboard, mounted the floorboard, mounted the console, currently taking a beer break then about to get to work on the cover for the steering cables and then mount the seats. Tomorrow ill have to buy more long rivets, 3/8 blind rivets and continue riveting the aluminum for the aft deck. If I can get that portion done this weekend, ill take the boat to my mechanic and let him fish around with the wiring and tune up the engine. Goal is to be fishing by February! Pics will get posted later tonight!

 

[Sailor Jules]

Felt a great sense of accomplishment last night once I got the seats mounted and sat down to have a beer, almost ready to put her in the water!
Taking the battery to get charged and going to be working on the aft deck area today, wish me luck, lots of cursing in my future.

 

[Ranchero50]

Yep, life is so much more fulfilling when you can sit in your boat and make motor noises. =D>