Moccasin Don's Fisher 1542 conversion

[Moccasin Don]

I really have enjoyed lurking and following many builds on this site, and you guys have inspired me to begin.

I've had this boat for a few years, and until now it has been killing grass in the back yard. Finally decided to turn it into a fishing machine. There is no HIN or manufacturer on the hull but was previously registered as a Fisher 14' Jon. So, Fisher it is, unless someone can ID it otherwise.

Carb kit and impeller are on the way, and I have some wires to repair in the harness. Probably go with grey, beige, or sand color interior, and not sure about exterior yet; maybe marsh grass or some camo stencil. I have considered white, however. Simple front cast deck and flat floor planned.

Aft middle seat is a live well, may take it out for more leg room and less obstacles. What are your thoughts?

Don

 

[sixgun86]

:WELCOME: to Tinboats, where in Alabama are you located?

I would have left that boat in the back yard if my 4wheeler had an outboard on it :mrgreen:

Should make a great project. Looking forward to more pics.

 

[Moccasin Don]

I am in the Birmingham metro area. I would like to use this boat for chasing reds and specks down your way... We made a trip down to Orange Beach in late october, and I saw some folks in small boats fishing around Alabama point. Man, I hope to do that one day. Surf fishing is too hit and miss... For me anyway!

I was wondering when someone would comment on the Kawasaki with the Johnson 35! Hanging off that back rack makes a good place for working on it... Got carb kit and additional gaskets in on Thursday. Hope to repair wiring harness and rebuild carburetor this weekend. I will try to post some pics of my corrosion problem on the wiring harness. Maybe its not too deep, and I can make some effective splices.

Don

 

[Moccasin Don]

I'm considering converting this to a center or side console. Anyone ever converted tiller to remote on one of these? Apparently this motor was converted Remote to Tiller at some time, because it has an Evinrude blue tiller handle.

 

[Moccasin Don]

#-o I started working on the wiring harness tonight. I thought a few splices would get it done, but the original wires are toast. I cut each of them back at least 4 inches and there was still corrosion under the insulation. It looks like I will be fabbing up a new one. It appears that the wires are ok where they meet with the big 5 pin connector (rubber housing), so I will be splicing them about an inch outside of that housing.

Anyone else run into wires that are just falling to pieces when dealing with these old motors? I will post pics when time allows. Hopefully, I can get the motor running this weekend. I think the Ol Lady wants to put up Christmas decorations, so I may have to reserve some garage time late at night...

 

[JMichael]

I found the same thing when I started working on the harness for my motor. I ended up having cut back about 1" into the big rubber connector before I got enough good wire to splice to.

 

[Moccasin Don]

Well, I got some wire from work to rebuild the wiring harness with. Should get to that today. I cant wait to hook her up to the battery and turn it over.

The motor fired right up when I acquired it, three or four years ago. It shouldn't be a problem. I noticed the wiring harness had corrosion last summer, when I was going to take it to the lake for a test run. Hooked it up to the battery, turned the key, and "CLICK" was all I got.
Removed the cowling to find wires broken in half at the solenoid. Further investigation led to most wiring being bad on the engine harness.

 

[Moccasin Don]

I've looked at so many mods and conversions on here, I dont know which way to go with this boat. I mainly want to stripe and crappie fish out of it, so it can be pretty basic. Probably put down some foam, a flat floor, and maybe a small deck up front. I really like Reeds Swamp Sled. Basic, functional, fast, and fun.

I might have found a good discount on some rustoleum topside paint. Know a sales rep, can get it at employee price, or maybe even a free "sample". Free would be nice 8)

 

[Moccasin Don]

I finally got the wires sorted out and replaced with new ones. I have to make a run to the auto parts store for one fuse and some fuel lines.

I also started on the carb rebuild last night. All disassembled, except the welch plugs, gotta get some carb cleaner today, or just use gas...

Making some progress. Hope to fire her up this weekend. Had thought about some boyesen or Carson reeds, but will leave it stock, I guess.

 

[Moccasin Don]

Got the carb done, everything reinstalled. Intake port (carburetor side) was nicked up some, so I "ported" it some. I marked the port using the gasket, and then opened it up with the dremel some to the I.D. of the gasket.

 

[Moccasin Don]

Been a while since I have posted any progress. I had finished up the wiring, but no luck on getting any power to the starter?! I will have to figure out what happened. I may need some pointers on wiring one of these old Johnsons, just in case I have to start over.

 

[Moccasin Don]

I am thinking about removing the 2nd seat from the back which is a livewell. What do y'all think?

 

[Country Dave]

I am thinking about removing the 2nd seat from the back which is a livewell. What do y'all think?

Personnel preference I guess. Are you going to extend the front deck?

 

[Gators5220]

Looks like a little flats killer man, love that 35 on the back, can never have too many hp on the flats when a thunderstorm rolls in!

 

[fishingmich]

:WELCOME: :WELCOME: I have a 16' Smokercraft with the same seat setup. I pulled out the same seat you want to and it's given me a ton of room! If you can do it without too much trouble, I would say do it. I haven't had a lot of time to work on it since I pulled it out, but I measured after I took it out and it gave me 6' in between the rear bench and the second bench. 6' long and almost 5' wide of open space. If I wasn't 6'7" and 300 lbs I could break dance in it! :LOL22:

 

[Moccasin Don]

I don't really use a livewell, I either throw em back, or put em on ice. I am going to extend the front deck. Back to the second seat.
Most likely will remove that seat for more floor room. I have a small kid that will need somewhere to sit and play while daddy fishes.

 

[Gearbanger]

I have what appears to be the same boot. Looks just like my 79 Duracraft 1542. So far I have taken out the center seat and I'm in the process of making it a console steer boat. I have a 30hp Johnson as well, so it should move out pretty good and be good on gas.

Good luck w/ your build.

Teddy