1974 Ouachita 1448 Restore/Rebuild

[Gators5220]

Man that's nice metal framing you've done there bud, are those bolts stainless steel or zinc plated? I only ask because I made the mistake of using zinc plated, then I used my boat in salt water, so now before long I will have to redo my transom bolts.

 

[Jake11]

awesome restoration so far. man, i wish i could weld.... lol

 

[Lowcountry Guy]

Man that's nice metal framing you've done there bud, are those bolts stainless steel or zinc plated? I only ask because I made the mistake of using zinc plated, then I used my boat in salt water, so now before long I will have to redo my transom bolts.

Thanks, I took measurements and used a plasma cutter so it was really, really precise.....those bolts are stainless with stainless nylon locking nuts, and I used nylon washers where there was contact with the aluminum coated with a marine silicone sealant to prevent direct contact with the aluminum "just in case" I go into brackish water, a definite possibility in my area.

 

[Lowcountry Guy]

awesome restoration so far. man, i wish i could weld.... lol

Thanks, I appreciate the compliments....

 

[Lowcountry Guy]

OK, closeup of the new diamond-plate hatch and hinge system....stainless steel locking nuts all coated in marine silicone....the start of the new trolling motor mount which will be welded onto the bow....and me driving away from the welding shop to my shed where painting will commence....

 

[Lowcountry Guy]

Boat primered and first coat of green going on....decided to go with a Max-4 camo stencil. Paint is not my friend. Also, the swirls on the front casting deck aren't problems with the paint, it's actually a non-slip surface (in case anyone was wondering).

Hope to have the entire boat finished by the end of the weekend, more pics to follow of the finished product....

 

[GrumpySmiles]

Looking good! You've really brought her back to life.

 

[derekdiruz]

It always amazes me that a paint of coat will make a boat look 100x better. Great job thus far too, I love it! I like the idea of cutting the bow out and welding a new one on. Did you match the gauge of the aluminum when you did that? I'd like to cut my transom from my boat and do that.

 

[Lowcountry Guy]

Derek,

I basically cut the old bow out and took measurements. Then I cut out an entirely new bow using a plasma cutter from 1/4" aluminum sheet and welded it into place. Next, I welded an angle over the top for reinforcement at the same level as the original gunwales. Under the bow deck I welded in an aluminum sub-structure that also reinforced the bow. It's pretty solid, to say the least. Last, I welded the original handle back on. I think it turned out really well, and it's certainly more solid than the original bow. As I hunt in swamps with a lot of stumps, I have a little peace of mind if I hit one.

 

[Lowcountry Guy]

Looking good! You've really brought her back to life.

Thanks, I'm about to post pics as I FINALLY got her completed yesterday.

 

[Lowcountry Guy]

SHE'S DONE!!!!!!!!!

OK, decals on (I really like the reproduction Ouachita decals, they look great), paint on, motor on, ready to rock and roll....took her out on the river yesterday and she ran like a CHAMP! She far exceeds my expectations and handles really well...though it was a very calm, glassy day. I will be installing a bilge pump, but that will come later with an LED light bar, etc. Right now, time to enjoy.

The trailer looks rough, but it functions. New tires going on today. Trailer restoration will be my next project after duck season.

All in all not too bad, though it took longer than expected due to a very busy work schedule. One thing is for sure, if I find another Ouachita jon boat, I'm going to buy it and fix it up to re-sell...I've got these things figured out and I'm very impressed by the build quality. If anything, they appear to be "over-built".

 

[Lowcountry Guy]

And two more....the last one for your viewing pleasure...I took her out to the mouth of the river and took this shot that I hope you will all enjoy....

 

[TxPhishKiller]

Glad you found your decals. I wanted to reply earlier, but had to wait for forum membership approval...
I also go my decals from https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Pair-of-Ouachita-Style-2-12-Long-Reproduction-Boat-Hull-Logo-Decals-/111288773630?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

They look great on my boat. Can't post a photo because I have no server to host the photos...

 

[ADIBOO]

Boat looks good! I'll have to start a build thread with mine. I got a 72 ouachita 1448.