New to the forum. New to boat ownership.

[duhon]

Hello all. After hours of research on the forum and looking at all the impressive mods and rebuilds you all have done, I decided to post on the site my journey. I recently picked up a 1754 Alweld with a 40hp Mercury. I plan to make a duck boat with fishing undertones since I'm not that big into fishing.....yet.

I plan to make the following mods:
1. remove carpet
2. paint
3. rewire
4. overhaul trailer
5. improve storage
6. install blue LEDs inside (for decoy grabbing at 4am)
7. put coat-it on the bottom
8. install radio

that's all I can think of for now.

Here are a couple pictures.

 

[duhon]

Pictures didn't post.

 

[Jim]

Where are the pictures? Online or on your PC?

 

[duhon]

I think I got it. Files were too big.

 

[duhon]

Got most of the carpet up. Didn't finish cause we have been experiencing record low temperatures. Still have to do the front deck. Once carpet is 100% is gone and glue is removed, I'll post more pictures. I plan on cutting the welds holding the floor down, removing the broken up and waterlogged foam, putting new foam and putting the floor back in place with screws. It should be a good, long day.

 

[Country Dave]

Welcome to the forum,

Tell us where you’re located. 1754 Alweld is a real good hull so you’ve got a good starting point. Take your time and think it through. Things have a way of changing as you go so be open to it, bad things happen when you rush. LOL

O yeh figure you’re going to spend about 30% more than you think and it’s probably going to take about 30% longer. Do it right and make it the way you want it. “Just my 2 cents” This forum is a great resource, lots of knowledgeable guys here willing to help.
Good luck with your build.

 

[duhon]

I'm from SouthWest Louisiana. As long at the boat is completed by mid September, I'll be happy. I've scoured toys site for hours upon hours. I have found a thread with information about any question I could have so far. From foam type to slip resistant flooring to wiring to painting. This site is jam packed with lots of info.

 

[Kier]

These cold snaps are making it hard to get out and tinker with the boat.

 

[rscottp]

Kier » 31 Jan 2014, 21:52[/url]"]These cold snaps are making it hard to get out and tinker with the boat.

Big time!

 

[duhon]

I finally got the right combo of a day off combined with decent weather to pull the carpet up. And as soon as I was nearing completion, it started raining. And I got called in to go to work tonight. Go figure.

 

[duhon]

I got all the glue scraped up and the boat flipped. I scuffed it up real good and put down one coat of self etching primer.

 

[duhon]

Been a long time since I last posted. I finally got the boat to my liking.

 

[duhon]

Installed LED navigation lighting and lights to see inside boat.

 

[Dark3]

I hope you have nav lights on the sides as well. (Viewable front forward to 115 degrees aft if im not mistaken.)

 

[Dark3]

Looks really good though

 

[smackdaddy53]

I hope you have nav lights on the sides as well. (Viewable front forward to 115 degrees aft if im not mistaken.)

The bow of his boat has enough angle on it that you should be able to see the LEDs from 180 degrees. I wouldn't sweat it.
Looks very nice! How does that merc push the boat?

 

[duhon]

I was concerned with the angles of the nav lights so I keep a pole light in the boat just in case.

So far, I got it up to 39mph according to handheld gps. Just me, about 7gals of fuel and 1 battery.