New user, cheap 12 ft. ready to mod. Need help!

[alex.herron74]

So I got a 12 footer just for the ponds around post. I want to do something similar to Buffords mod. Just a floor, and 2 seats. Only going to run a troll motor. Possibly put a radio in that's the jist of it. The boat itself is in decent condition only problem is that one of the ribs seems to have bolts instead of ribbets. They are rusted and have some big bumps on the bully to cover where they went in. How can I fix this? Can I jus use some type of bondo or resin an sand it down? Any input would be awesome!

 

[jasper60103]

Welcome aboard.

Good grief, how big are those bolts?

I'm sure someone will chime-in with a fix though.

 

[alex.herron74]

Welcome aboard.

Good grief, how big are those bolts?

I'm sure someone will chime-in with a fix though.

Basically speed bumps on the bottom and a tetanus shot in the floor.

 

[KMixson]

Looks like they have been there a while. Also does not look to be stainless. If you do go back with bolts, they make some stainless flathead bolts that would work. For the topside you could use stainless acorn nuts but that would mean there would still be a trip hazard on board ans acorn nuts kind of have a rounded point on the end which is not good either. Someone on here can probably give you a better idea than I can.

 

[alex.herron74]

KMixson » 11 Aug 2014, 16:48[/url]"]Looks like they have been there a while. Also does not look to be stainless. If you do go back with bolts, they make some stainless flathead bolts that would work. For the topside you could use stainless acorn nuts but that would mean there would still be a trip hazard on board ans acorn nuts kind of have a rounded point on the end which is not good either. Someone on here can probably give you a better idea than I can.

I plan on flooring it anyway so tripping won't be much of an issue. If I do re-bolt it is there any compound I should use to seal it as well?

 

[rscottp]

SS bolts and nylon nuts sealed with 3m 5200.

 

[alex.herron74]

Thanks going to tackle that this evening! I'll post how it went

 

[alex.herron74]

So going alot slower on getting the boat finished been taking it fishing more than working on it but, basically have the week off to finish it up. Basically got the seat cut out and wood is getting framed up. Made enough room in the seat to fit some of my tackle boxes and other gear. any other suggestions? im no carpenter but it works for me so far

 

[alex.herron74]

I bought some pedestals and they had swivel mounts on them but they do not turn at all. Any way to salvage an get it to turn again? I'm thinking of drilling the center out and replacing it.