new guy with a boat dream

[stomper]

Hello guys, I finally took the plunge and joined. I have been lurking here for some time now gathering information for a build that I will be doing in the spring. I am not new to boat builds as I just finifhed this build on a pontoon boat https://www.pontoonboatforum.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7778&title=89-party-barge-build. But now its time for a full on fishing boat. I recently bought a used 16" Duro Craft that is in extremly nice shape. It's the standard aluminum boat with the 2 bench seats, 20" transom and is a very deep and wide boat and I want to turn it into the perfect fishing boat with livewell, floor, rod lockers electric trolling motor, lighting, fish finder, ect..... I have been impressed with the rebuilds that I have seen here and I believe that I have found the right place for this build. I have tried to research this boat but I can't find anything about it on the internet. I don't have pictures of it right now but I will get some tomorrow and post them.
It has the full bench seats like this https://cdnmedia.endeavorsuite.com/images/organizations/af900cac-3c16-4379-aa71-39d05e8f4a35/16SSV.jpg and I want turn it into something similar to these https://www.thunderbirdrainylake.com/images/Bakers-Boat.jpg
https://www.travelizmo.com/archives/2007-lund-wilderness-2000-alaskan-fishing-boat.jpg
This will require modifying of the bench seats and reinforcing everything so it doesn't compromise the structural integrety of the boat. I am a welder with capabilities to weld aluminum so that not an issue, but I could use some input as to what is the best way to do this. I was thinking of cutting out a section of each bench seat, basicly a "U" shape to the width of where the rod lockers will be and a depth to where the floor will be. Make some aluminum frames to attach to whats left of the seats to help strengthen thing up again and box in the lockers and screw down the floor. With all the knowledge on this forum from other builders I am confident that I will find the info I need to make this happen. Any and all comment will be very much appreiciated.

 

[Vagante]

Welcome aboard =D>

 

[stomper]

Thanks.
I am planning on using aluminum for the decking and compartments and would like to use a product similar to the bedliner stuff for easy clean up compared to carpet. What is a good product to use. It would be best if it could be rolled on rather than sprayed.

 

[bigwave]

First off..... :WELCOME: You will get all the advise you need right here. If you want a fine example of a deck coating I would recommend linex. There are several boats on here that used that stuff with great results. Check out Badbaggers build for example. I would kill to have the fabricating skills you have....and a nice shop area too. Your pontoon build was very nice.

 

[stomper]

Thanks bigwave. Here is what I am starting with. It should be a good platform.

 

[stomper]

Ooops, I meant to hit the edit button but I must have hit the quote button. Anyway, the 15hp will be replaced with a 30 or 40 hp. I like that the boat is deep, it has a 20" transom and it has 6" above that to the gunwales. It should make a great project boat and it's in really nice shape to start off with. I have scoured the net and couldn't find any info on it even when I search "duro craft"

stomper » 17 Sep 2013, 19:35[/url]"]Thanks bigwave. Here is what I am starting with. It should be a good platform.

 

[stomper]

I was at the local boat place today and found the floor plan that I want. It has all the storage that I will need and lots of space for moving around and depending on how many people are in the boat I can add and remove seats. I will have to start gathering stuff. It should work out good, it"s the same size boat as the one I have now.