Bought another one vefore I even Used the first

[PBRMINER]

Knowing I would never be happy with the 12' 48" beam semi V Sears, I decided to jump for this Ouachita 14'.

on Craigslist. It came with a much more modern than my Spartan Trailer for $150. I figure I should get that back by selling my 12' with the trailer anyways and keeping my Merc 7.5 It looks like someone coated the bottom in tar so I'll see what that's all about before I unload the 12' but it seems like a promising boat. Even if I put it aside as a long term project and use the 12' this year I'll still be using the new trailer.

 

[PBRMINER]

It's going to replace this 12'

 

[bigwave]

Looks like a good upgrade to me.

 

[PBRMINER]

Thanks! I was actually looking for a Mirrocraft since they are all over around here the local dealer was a very high volume MC dealer and I like their construction this one is very similar

More Pics From Day 1

 

[PBRMINER]

Well after about 45 Minutes on CL I loaded up the 12' and delivered it to it's new owner. I only asked $200 for it with the trailer, but seeing as the transom had a small crack, and the trailer was sold with no lights/wiring (I kept them for my new one) it was a fair sale.

With that, I purchased the seats

And a Bilge Pump

I decided to do the same paint as the 12' since I had leftover paint. I wasn't going to paint It because I do have to strip some sealer off the bottom the PO did and do it right, And I know I would be off the water most of the summer if I did that. So, I was going to fish as is but I just couldn't leave the boat ugly

 

[PBRMINER]

the P.O. applied roofing tar around the bottom of the boat. I had it in water for 6 hours and no leaks so I am just going to use it as is this year and strip it in the fall/winter (or sooner if the leak develops) and do it right, but for now I'm going to get rid of the rattle can job and paint over the sealer so it's just not so ugly

To this

Also those pics show my LED lights off of the sold trailer I salvaged.

 

[PBRMINER]

My Merc 7.5 Is sitting in the basement currently because I test ran it and now we're having freezing temps at night... I still need to dial in the carb, replace a couple of ignition wires (I think I can make them myself) and varify that the thermostat/impeller works and most likely replace the impeller.

The minnkota pictured is an Endura 50 about 5 years old found on CL for $50

I did have to break down and buy a new Fish Finder. Used ones cost as much as this cheapie did and most of the time they are missing parts so I just got this basic unit. Someday I'll get a nicer one and mount it in the rear and keep this one up front.

 

[PBRMINER]

The PO Rattle Canned this thing inside and out as well as sprayed black bedliner from a rattle can along the inside floor. I'm going to use the Ace Harbor Blue Enamel/Medium Gray on the outside and the Ace Medium Gray on the interior. these oil based enamels adhere well and are priced right. As part of the winter resto, I'll be using a more appropriate marine product.

I sanded the rear down and you can see where he spray bombed over the Ouachita Logo...

The Blue paint is done. I'm going to let it cure for a day or two and start on the gray that's going to go inside/the rail, and on the lower half.

 

[PBRMINER]

To Do as of 4/23

1. Paint the Gray Interior/bottom

2. Cut Plywood for the top of the benches will be carpeted and have hatches. The rear bench will hold the battery and the mid will be open for storage as well.

3. Pick up carpet for the benches/Floors

4. Build two small removable floors carpeted.

5. Mount Transducer, Wire lights/ Humminbird

6. Mount cupholder inserts


TRAILER

1. repaint trailer Ace Enamel Gloss White and paint homemade fenders with Krylon Fusion.

2, Wire LED Side Marker lights

3. Repack bearings (Have never done this job but not willing to risk not doing it)

4. Pick Up new Tires/Rims. (The tires show NO wear, But I don't know how old they are and the Rims are rusty but usable. I can buy Mounted Tires on new Rims for $46 each. Why not)

My goal is to have this ready to go by walleye opener. I see no reason why i won't.

 

[bigwave]

Looking good. I would use something other than that steel wire guard for your bilge pump. That will eventually rust. Keep up the good work.

 

[PBRMINER]

Yeah I was thinking of that too I just bought some more corrugated Poly tube to replace it

 

[Ringo Steele]

I like your 2nd rig... looks kind of familiar for some reason! (Mines a 16' :wink: ) Made any more progress?

 

[PBRMINER]

took it out tonight cought a lot of fish including a 19" Largemouth the little guy's first time on a boat he did well

BOTH of my outboards are down (The Mercury needs a CDI Pack, the Eska needs carb work) SO, I'm using the Minnkota Endura 50 with 2 Deep Cycles so I have plenty of reserve power. My boy really likes the Humminbird fishfinder.

Tomorrow I'm going to run wiring for my nav lighting and a switch for my bilge pump


this is an abandoned mine pit that holds quite a bit of fish

 

[PBRMINER]

 

[PBRMINER]

I like your 2nd rig... looks kind of familiar for some reason! (Mines a 16' :wink: ) Made any more progress?

Nice 16!

 

[Ringo Steele]

Thanks 'Miner. Mine's a '71 16DSV I inherited from my uncle. It had been sitting in his back yard out in the country for a couple of decades when he passed. I have recently stripped it down to bare aluminum inside and out and repainted as you see it in the picture...man that was a lot of work! Had to replace the transom board too. Just got the 15 hp Johnon, and am hoping to try it out this weekend.

Great fishing buddy you got there! Mine (daughter) is 16 now, but she still wants to go fishing! =D>

 

[PBRMINER]

yeah this one is going to get stripped at some point I can't stand the fact that someone decided roofing tar was the answer but I knew I wouldn't have it on the water if I did it this year I like the wide beam and it just seems so solid I cut the floor for between the middle and rear bench today and cleaned up my wiring I'm going to pick up a switch tomorrow and finish wiring up the nav lights

 

[PBRMINER]

got the floor in, placed a cupholder in the bench where the seat used to be took it out (with my daughter this time) it was much better no big fish but she caught 11 sunfish and 2 small perch so she was happy

 

[Ringo Steele]

If yours had been sitting out in the weather much, be sure to check the transom wood under that aluminum shield. Mine was rotten enough that I could tap on the outside of the transom and sawdust would fall into the bilge area. Tap it with a poly mallet and make sure it sounds solid.

Glad you and your fishing partner are enjoying the old gal!

I'm planning on making removable floor panels for mine too.