1967 Duracraft Flat Mod

[txdave]

After reading for hours and trying to get some ideas, I started on this 12ft Duracraft flat. It had a deck from before I found this site, but its a narrow boat so it was unstable as high as it was.

I saw a lot of great ideas on here and couldn't wait to try some.

I cut the front and rear seats like I saw asinz and Bufford do. Then put foam under all the decking to maintain flotation.
The middle seat I cut the lid out, folded the sharp edge, and used it for battery storage.

 

[txdave]

I wanted the seats lower and the rear bench was right on the motor which was awkward. I built the deck so I could mount the seat futher away from the motor. Again foam under all the deck for floatation. then I decided to build a deck over the center seat/battery box for storage and a livewell.
I built a homemade baitwell after seeing some on TinBoats and it worked great. I just decided to put one in and plumb it so I don't have to manually fill and change out the water. Heres a pic of the baitwell so you can see. It a 10gal Rubbermaid trash can, and a livewell kit from Walmart. I fish with large shad and had a problem with them jumping out when i tried to put some in. After losing bait that way a few times, I mod'd it with the top portion of a 5gal bucket and a lid from Gander Mountain. Works Great!!
The new livewell tank will be here UPS tomorrow

 

[txdave]

Here is a pic of the center deck with the batteries covered and I moved the switchbox to the back side facing the motor. I used hinges from Lowe's that are lock open or self-close. Perko makes a nice flush mount handle

 

[RBuffordTJ]

I love it! He had a great idea didn't he! I love the way mine came out and works when on the lake or rivers around here. We have used it in big lakes and some pretty good sized rivers, and have had no problems with it at all. Do put flotation in it, I put back what I could and added some under my front deck. I am looking to cut my front deck and put the battery up there soon (soon being relative).

Keep the pics coming man!

Bufford

 

[txdave]

I couldnt wait so I talked the wife into a fishing trip. I wanted to see if the mods were practical before I did any more work (and that excuse actually worked to get her to go). So far so good, and it appears the fish like it....
BTW the new aerator tank was waiting on the porch when we got home so guess I will work it in tomorrow.

 

[Howard]

Nice fish =D>

 

[RBuffordTJ]

Glad it worked out and man what a catch! You better keep that one! And she should keep the fish too =D>

I look forward to the updates.

 

[txdave]

I added the livewell and a new pump. I am waiting for a valve to control it all so for now I have to fill it manually. It does keep the bait alive MUCH better and is a lot quieter. I plan on putting a timer on it too. I did put the pump out on it which is great for cycling water. The more I use it the happier I am with the seat down low and not up on top of a deck like they were.
I want to strip and repaint it but until I get released from Active-duty, I am limited as to what I can do in contract housing.

I posted this picture for Bufford of a fish caught today

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Is that Pressure Treated Wood?
You may want to do a search on it. It will cause damage to the Aluminum.

 

[txdave]

Yeah... I used wood I already had leftover and before I read about the copper in treated wood being corrosive to aluminum. I had planned to strip it down to bare metal and spray the inside with bedliner so it just sped up the process. I figure I can use the existing as templates when I take it out to spray it. The good side of that is that it will be lighter than the treated.
Anyway, I added the livewell with dual pumps so I can fill and cycle the water with one, or recirc with the other. It is easy to get spoiled when you don't have to manually fill and empty the tank.

 

[RBuffordTJ]

I posted this picture for Bufford of a fish caught today

Nice fish!