First Rebuild 12' v-hull

[swampreaper]

So, I was given this little 12' boat by a friend of mine. He had gotten it and made it his duck hunting rig years ago and it has a good deal of sentimental value. He and I became duck hunting buddies and since he has 2 other boats and 3 canoes he gave me this to make my own. I finally got the boat to my house and have started stripping her down to bare aluminium. The list of to-do's follow.

The gunnels are gone and were replaced with wood strapping, not knowing where to find aluminium gunnels I guess I will have to just remake the strapping style gunnels. The top of the rear seat was replaced with wood and was rotten, so I will use the aluminium supports and replace the top (debating on what to replace with). I am hoping to make a dry storage area from the bow to the first rib (about 3-4') and a floor from there to the front of the furthest bench. The middle seat was replaced entirely with wood and was 100% gonezo, my question is can I get away with putting a pedestal seat in the middle (more comfortable for hunting) without risking the structural integrity since there will be the dry storage in the bow and a bench in the rear.

I hope to finish stripping the paint off with a wire brush tomorrow, if thunderstorms don't keep me from doing so, and keep trucking from there. Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed!

Pictures are bottom to top for correct order

 

[Johnny]

Welcome Aboard, Reaper !! what port do you hail from ?
I think DaleH posted a source recently about a vinyl or plastic gunnel material.

if you perform a google search for: Gunwale Replacement,
you may find something within your skillset or some ideas that you can use.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=485qvP3TIIY


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[swampreaper]

I am actually up in the frozen North we call Maine. I appreciate the direction with the gunwales, that section is the most daunting to me.