flatbotm's 1542 build

[Flatbotm]

Thanks alot guys. Your builds are some of the ones Ive been following along with for some time now. Baitcaster rocket launchers are next on my list of mods for the boat. I cant decide between the style you used and the surface style mount. Nice thing about the rocket launchers is when your not using them they are not in the way.

Today I continued on with modding my boat. The windshield showed up today from alumacraft and I have to say I was pleased with the quality for $54 dollars. Perfect fit and even had the alumacraft logo engraved into it. Also had rubber grommets and nice hardware. Here is the pics.

 

[reedjj]

What a great build. You will have a great time in that Alumacraft. I really loved my swamp sled.

Im glad you went with the console option. Now Im not the only one to do it on that size boat! It makes it so much more fun to drive. Especially when you blow pass an entry level tracker bass boat with a 4 stroke 40 HP motor that cost some guy around $12,000.00 LOL. You will get lots of compliments at the ramp.

 

[ohiolunker]

Impressive build. Well done.

 

[bulldog]

Looks very clean!! =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

 

[mmf]

very nice build flatbotm. I wish I had a console like yours, everything looks great! :wink:

 

[Brine]

I keep imagining patio furniture sitting on your front deck. :mrgreen:

You've done a great job! Congrats =D>

 

[Flatbotm]

Wow thanks for all the attaboy's guys. I still have a long way to go before this little boat is done. I missed a deal on a 86 tx17 a few weeks back a guy I know sold it with a 80 hp merc for $1000. Then I would have had another boat project in waiting.

I still have the custom Bimini to build, all my electrical including maybe some bluewater LEDs, a grab bar like Bruce from swamp people so I can stand and steer, rod holders, and the list goes on and on.

I was thinking of sinking a few tempress hatches in the front deck to add more storage and take off some more weight. What do you guys think?

 

[super_dork]

Holy Cow! Very impressive. I was just looking around and found your build. I love the planks instead of plywood.

You mentioned that you may add some grip tape at some point. Did you ever do that? That was my main concern when I was looking at the no carpet route - just don't want to slip off the deck.

I may have to start my whole project over. Very nice!

 

[Flatbotm]

Thanks superdork! I haven't found OD green grip tape yet for my anti slip strips. I may use spray in bedliner material and then paint it OD. I like your bunk stop on the front of your trailer I'm going to change mine because I don't like the way the roller sits against the boat. I wouldn't start over on your boat just keep modding.

 

[reedjj]

Tape it off and use Herculiner. Then paint it whatever color you want!

 

[Flatbotm]

Thanks jj. I have some herculiner in the garage right now and some OD green paint. Its what I was planning but it is good to hear from someone who knows what works.

 

[Flatbotm]

Tonight I worked on getting my Johnson Shipmaster ready for the boat. Recently I picked up a 78 evinrude 35 hp long shaft it has thru the prop exhaust so I am thinking of running it instead of my 25 even though I will have to run a jack plate. The 1542 is only rated for 25hp but that is by new standards. I checked the weight of a new 25hp 4 stroke and the 35 rude is much lighter so I should be fine. Let me know what you guys think.

Here are the pics of the controls.

 

[Ictalurus]

From my point of view, go with the 35 :lol: But others may warn of insurance claims and the like. The 4 strokes are nice, but you get one heck of a bang for your buck with the older 2 strokes.

 

[Derek]

just paint a 25 on it. haha
controls came out nice, wanna do mine

 

[Flatbotm]

I'm sure it's not much more power than a new 25 hp outboard. It is actually the same size as a 25 so with a paint job no one could tell the difference. Would you buy a jack plate or build it? Is there any real advantages to moving the motor back? I thought of building one that just goes straight up from the transom 5 inches.

 

[Derek]

I would build one, it is super simple. even with just going straight up you still will get a couple inches of setback. The setback distance depends on what size angle you will use.

 

[Ictalurus]

I built one, the next one I'll buy, but if I had your fabrication skills it would be a no brainer. Since you are going to a console steer, you don't have to worry about increasing the setback to make more room for the tiller. Although, increasing the setback distance will get your motor to run in "cleaner water".

 

[Flatbotm]

Do you guys think 1/4 plate would be heavy enough to build it out of? Any pics or links of good designs?

 

[Derek]

Easiest way is the multiple angle design.
Slot the holes with a mill and it will be more adjustable.

Similar to this
https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21061&hilit=jack+plate

 

[Ictalurus]

I used 1/4" on mine, steel though (price and availability of aluminum). Two angle pieces on each side, like Derek said for adjustability, and two 4" x 12" pieces as a backing. I also used 1/2" bolts, would cut down to 3/8" next time. Mine is on pg 4 of my build (1440 PK), I'd tweek a few things (use aluminum and smaller bolts) but otherwise it's about the same as every other home brew jackplate that I've seen.