1986 SmokerCraft 14 Big Fisherman Rebuild

[water bouy]

Very nice.

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Hey Jeff - good work on your boat.



are you a sign maker ? couldn't help but notice the dimensional signs
on the wall...... I have been a sign maker since 1970 (retired now).
I have a few artisan friends up in the Hollers of Utica, Kentucky.
Letterheads contributing member and instructor since 1999.





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Yeah I do 3D signs, but mostly I cut substrates for local sign companies. I am the only person in my area with a CNC router table. Sign companies here haven't caught on yet...lol ! Don Hulsey from Utica , yeah I know him slightly. I knew he was a "Wall Dog". That hand lettering stuff is awesome and takes a lot of talent. Not to many people do it any more. Don and a guy named Bill Whimp are the only ones in this area that do that type of work. Probably be a lost art one day. I have bought lots of fonts from LetterheadsFonts.com. Cool stuff on that site.

 

[sonny.barile]

Thats a nice blue. The boat looks awesome. Your doing some nice work.

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Thats a nice blue. The boat looks awesome. Your doing some nice work.

Thanks.

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Well its at the Graphic shop getting some decals. Getting closer to the water.

 

[SuDZ]

Looks incredible.

 

[chrispbrown27]

I know I am late to the party, but something to consider for the future. Tiller steer is fast to respond and you can make tighter turns. If you are in tight cover or have floating logs that tiller makes it easier to avoid things that pop out of no where. My flat bottom doesn't sit up as high as your deep v but at slower speeds the front still blocks my view. I use a trolling motor extension handle on my outboard. I can stand at the middle seat and have a good view. I usually brace my leg against the middle seat section for stability but you could always put some sort of grab bar if you wanted. Steering is fine for open water, but if you get into smaller creeks and such very often it might be more of a hindrance. Just my two cents.
Nice boat by the way. I grew up with flat bottom jon boats and never did care for deep v's. The older I get the more I respect the design especially if you get into rough water. If I ever start looking for my dream boat an 18 foot Lund would definitely be at the top of the list.

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Yeah Tiller steer takes less floor room too. On this boat I go out with my grand kids a lot and I let them drive and putt around kinda teaching them, they are all under 9 years old. I just cruise a lot too looking for Indian rocks, so I am more comfortable with a wheel. Thanks

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Windy day to try out the rebuild. Had trouble getting it back on the trailer without guidepost. Got to get those back on and finish up some stuff on the deck. Everything went great. Handles about the same. Didn't check speed, gonna wait for a calmer day, but seems to be about the same as before. Planes out fast. About an hour on the river putting around and no water in the bilge!!. Is that normal ??? :roll: