1990 Fisher Semi V

Mangler · Jan 4, 2013

Hello Everyone,

I have worked on some boats in the past, but I recently bought a couple of Aluminum boats and one in particular that I have been researching for and working on. I find this site to be very insightful and would gladly accept any suggestions and input as I am new to this sort of thing. The current problem I have is with finding deck material. Even though I am in Coastal Carolina it seems to be very hard to find, and I am confused on materials. I have used anything and everything in the past to include OSB soaked and covered in glass and epoxy resin (which held up for years till I sold the boat and is still going strong to my knowledge), but I keep hearing that P.T. and some other chemically treated woods will react with aluminum boats. I am having a hard time trying to decide what will work and what is best on the cheap but still trying to do the best with the least.

TxTightLiner · Jan 5, 2013

Looking good! What size is your Fisher?

Mangler · Jan 5, 2013

Thanks, day by day its getting there... It's a 16' Fisher never could figure out the model. Had a livewell and bait setup factory... I am adding the Center console, but the basic layout will stay the same to keep it open for both fishing and duck hunting. I mocked up a 50hp Evinrude I picked up for a few hundo and all the cables and controls so I would know where and what was going to be mounting and needed before I tore it apart. I have got paint and tons of other stuff on order but right now this decking issue is working me over and slowing me down lol.

Mangler · Jan 5, 2013

Some pre tear down shots

JMichael · Jan 5, 2013

Whats the width at the bottom? That looks like a modified V instead of a semi v.

Mangler · Jan 9, 2013

The width is 46 inches, I call it a semi "V" but some may call it a modified "V". It's only about an inch drop at the center from the outsides. I did encounter some issues with the hull this week. While stripping it down in preperation to apply some GLUVIT, I found a lot of pin holes (covered up with what looked like bondo), some up to a 1/4 inch. I went back and forth with the idea of epoxy, brazing, plastic patch, etc... but finally decided that welding was the only permenant option. I have never welded aluminum, but have a mig (GMAW) welder with the capabilities to weld aluminum. So I figured worst case I blow a larger hole in the boat and have to pay a professional. I opted to not buy a spool gun and control box, for that price I could buy a Tig from Eastwood. I went down to my supplier whom I get all my gas and materials from, and bought a few rolls of wire, a nylon liner, and a tank of argon. At this point most anybody reading this is going oh no! No! Man Don't do it! Well Gent's contrary to what has been said about trying to weld aluminum, with a mig and no spool... It can be done! 10 minutes of getting the settings right and I went to work on the boat. An hour later I had one section of the boat repaired. 15 holes total on one section, still have two patch plates and 4 other sections to repair. I will post before and after pictures when I get a minute. I will say for the sake of it, that I am an experienced welder when it comes to light steel fabrication, but not aluminum. If you have never welded aluminum it may be worth a shot, but keep in mind I spent $225.00 to try my luck at it. Luckily for me it is paying off and I will have a good permanant repair instead of a patch. Happy boating my fellow tinboaters i will post updates as they come.