Salter
Member
I am in the process of rebuilding my boat from a slightly modified SW utility boat with bench seats and slotted fir decking to solid decks fore and aft with hatches.
I have removed all 4 seats, sanded and painted, and am now planning framing and decking foam and electrical. My plan as of now is to use the existing seat brackets as the deck level fore and aft, and flooring only in the low spot in the middle.
I plan to repower w a 25 or 30hp long shaft tiller, elec start Suzuki. Previous motor was a 30 hp 1989 Johnson.
I hope to frame with 1.5" alum angle with 1/2exterior plywood decking, sealed with fiberglass resin sanded, and painted with Petit Easypoxy w skid tex mixed in.
Front deck approx 6', foot control trolling motor on small bow deck, and 46" rear deck w hatches for starting batt, and 6 gal fuel tank. Fore deck hatch for deep cycle batt, and 2 gear lockers.
Boat will be used in SW bays, estuaries, and FW lakes and ponds.
Is there a reason no one uses painted decks, other than most are going for more of a bass boat layout? I plan on packing solid sheet foam under decks anywhere can fit it. Also plan to extend rear deck on starboard side to 2nd seat bracket for a small console for FF/GPS and switch panel, fuse block batt switch etc.
What do you experienced builders recommend for aluminum? Can 1/16 work, and 6061 or 6063 or do I need 1/8". I saw a similar boat built on you tube 'Tiffany' w 3/4" square tubing used for cross bracing also.
I have removed all 4 seats, sanded and painted, and am now planning framing and decking foam and electrical. My plan as of now is to use the existing seat brackets as the deck level fore and aft, and flooring only in the low spot in the middle.
I plan to repower w a 25 or 30hp long shaft tiller, elec start Suzuki. Previous motor was a 30 hp 1989 Johnson.
I hope to frame with 1.5" alum angle with 1/2exterior plywood decking, sealed with fiberglass resin sanded, and painted with Petit Easypoxy w skid tex mixed in.
Front deck approx 6', foot control trolling motor on small bow deck, and 46" rear deck w hatches for starting batt, and 6 gal fuel tank. Fore deck hatch for deep cycle batt, and 2 gear lockers.
Boat will be used in SW bays, estuaries, and FW lakes and ponds.
Is there a reason no one uses painted decks, other than most are going for more of a bass boat layout? I plan on packing solid sheet foam under decks anywhere can fit it. Also plan to extend rear deck on starboard side to 2nd seat bracket for a small console for FF/GPS and switch panel, fuse block batt switch etc.
What do you experienced builders recommend for aluminum? Can 1/16 work, and 6061 or 6063 or do I need 1/8". I saw a similar boat built on you tube 'Tiffany' w 3/4" square tubing used for cross bracing also.