Lets see if I can make a duck boat

[zseverns]

Well I just got a 19?? 1546 that was my grandpas. It has been sitting for 20 years the 35 hp Johnson column steer motor was locked up had a front and rear cast deck that grandpa made from aluminum. I have since removed the rotten transom, both decks, and the front floor. When I removed the floors the styrofoam was waterlogged and had a few holes the bottom of the boat. I plan on covering the holes with some plate aluminum then rivets and sealant. This boat was free so I am going to see if this will seal the holes. I have all the material for this project so all it will cost is time. The other plans are to add a bench to the rear to operate my 25 hp mercury tiller handle, add a seat in the front and make a seat for the livewell. Going to keep it open because it will be used for duck hunting mostly. The trailer has been spruced up a little with new hubs, tires, lights, and new winch. Just tring to get it floatable for the last month of the season. Then over the next year I am going to seal the bottom with some type of epoxy just don't know which brand yet then putting a coat of primer and paint on the boat and trailer in a Camo pattern. Then enjoy it with my 16 month old son (who loves boats everytime we go out side it is the first thing he runs for) and wife

 

[theyyounggun]

I noticed your tags ar from AR. Where ya from? Im in Conway. Where do you hunt at?

 

[zseverns]

I'm in white hall right next to pine bluff. We use to live in des arc and I hunted the cashe river a lot but since we moved I'm goin to have to hunt bayou meto. I'm just not sure about places to duck hunt in central ar done all my hunting on the cashe dagmar and wattensaw. Des arc is great place to live to hunt public land. Where u hunt at?

 

[ecirb_88]

z, that looks like a sweet project man! i just sealed all my seams and rivets on my leaky tin with Gluvit. havent tested it yet cuz im waiting for my new paint job to cure, but it went on really nice and i was pleased with it, i will let you know how it does with the leak proofing when i get er out on the Missouri! also i used hunter specialties duck boat paint, it turned out really great! keep that in mind! cant wait to see more pictures!

 

[bigwave]

Before you scrap the old motor I would recommend that you pull the plugs and pour some marvel mystery oil in each one....let set for a day or so and see if it will free up the flywheel......you might still have a good motor, just might need some tlc to get her going again. It is hard to tell buy the pic, but might be worth a try. Good looking project though.

 

[zseverns]

I sold the motor since I had a really good 25 hp mercury to put on the back plus all the public duck spots have a 25 hp limit but the $100 I got for it got the trailer road ready

 

[zseverns]

This my 1985 25 hp xd stainless steel prop, rebuilt carb, new fuel lines, and new water pump. I have it on a 1436 now it will flat out run

 

[zseverns]

Here are a few more pictures got the boat flipped over to fix holes and one of the trailer befor I get it ready for paint

 

[zseverns]

Well this is the start of getting the holes patched up. I've have riveted some sheet Aluminum and sealed with 5200. Once this is done and works I'm goin to seal the bottom and sides with some type of epoxy.

 

[zseverns]

Well I got the holes patched. Riveted and sealed 3 spots. Just have to add a few more rivets to one but it is sealed under then plate just need to seal the edges and rivets with 3m 5200 then let it cure and water test. How long should I wait and let the 5200 set up? Just covered mulitple hole with one patch The patches are about 6 inches past any holes

 

[JMichael]

I'm not sure if temp affects the cure time of 5200 but it usually slows down cure time of most things. I wouldn't take chances with it and stress it too soon. I'd probably give it a week before I did a full test on it if it were mine.

 

[zseverns]

Would it be ok to fill the inside with water after it has cured for three days

 

[Bass n flats]

I would give it the full 7 days. When I did my transom repairs the 5200 was still soft after 3 days.

 

[JMichael]

Filling the boat will probably apply more pressure to the former leaks than floating the boat would. Don't rush things and end up destroying your work.

 

[theyyounggun]

I'm in white hall right next to pine bluff. We use to live in des arc and I hunted the cashe river a lot but since we moved I'm goin to have to hunt bayou meto. I'm just not sure about places to duck hunt in central ar done all my hunting on the cashe dagmar and wattensaw. Des arc is great place to live to hunt public land. Where u hunt at?

stuttgart and the cadron

 

[zseverns]

Ok the wife is on me about working on it to much so a little break from it will make her happy. Ill have an up date when I leak check it.

 

[zseverns]

Here is the inside layout before I add the rear seat

 

[zseverns]

Got some work done last night rebuilt the transom, installed the rear bench section with fold down seat, and the bilge pump installed and plumbed. Also got my led tail light put on but not wired up. Still have to seal and tighten the transom bolts, add the foam to the front so I can Reinstall the front floor section. Then we goin to finish up duck season.

 

[JMichael]

In my younger days I could just pick my monitor up and turn it on it's side and look at any picture I wanted to but now that I'm older and have a bigger monitor I have to be selective on which pictures I can look at. :roll:

Well just so everyone doesn't hurt their necks or back in my case. :mrgreen:

 

[zseverns]

Sorry about that sometime they post like that from my phone