Newbe Looking for your input

[Chase55tx]

I have been following tinboats for a while and I am amazed with the boat modifications that have been done and I am seeking any advice, input, links, sample projects etc - And this is my first boat project.

I just acquired a 1446 Sports Kraft. (Do not know the age) It is 14 feet to the bow and 46" wide at the base of the transom. It is close to 63 inches at the widest part. I would like to add a casting deck, a spot for a trolling motor and storage space. In addition I would like to add an elevated seat to the middle front. I would love deck designs and tips.

The boat comes with a 1986 15HP Johnson outboard and It runs great. FYI I would like to add a kill switch if possible.

Does any one know what the maximum weight is for this boat? Should I add foam under the decking? As you can see I have a lot of questions, so anything offered is helpful.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

 

[Insanity]

Nice platform to build on. With a live well. Cool. Your seats are most likely full of foam already. If not just spray them full of expanding foam insulation. That would be sufficient I'd think.
This is mine. It's a 12 ft.

 

[ggoldy]

The wood on your transom looks suspicious. As do the rusted nuts, bolts and washers. Otherwise very nice.

 

[ericman]

Be careful spraying in foam insulation. If there is no foam in the seats, take the tops off and place a board from port to starboard on the bottom of the boat (inside the seat). This will prevent foam from going all the way to the floor. You want a gap for water to flow under. In fact, I would recommend sheet foam that you can cut to shape and stack up inside the seat. This will actually be cheaper. (There is more volume of sheet foam for the price you spend)

 

[cgraham]

Man it looks like you have a great starting point. I would replace the bench seat wood, and build off that. If its a casting type deck you are wanting, I would just use a simple frame made of 2x2's with 3/4 plywood. Cost should be well under $100 for the deck, and carpet usually runs about $3.20 sq foot at Lowes and glue is $7 for 1qt., or $13.50 for the gallon bucket.

If you have already checked for leaks, I would prime that baby and throw the paint to it. As far as the transom goes, it's a simple fix. If you can take the old transom wood out without tearing it up, I would use that for a template, and replaced the bolts and but with stainless steel, shouldn't be that big of a hassle.

Now the trolling motor mount might be alittle tricky depending on your needs. Are you wanting it up front with you on the deck, or a transom mount? If you are wanting it up front with you, there are several options available that can help you out. I purchased a fabricated one from Almumacraft for $35 that helped me out, I had mine raised up approx. 6 inches off the front deck, and ran the peddle to the front deck, and put it in a trolling tray. The deck Insanity built in his is perfect, and not only adds room for the seat you wanted, but also a great deal of storage. You could even put your trolling battery up front and give you more bow weight for planning out..

This isn't the best pic, but it shows the fabricated mount I bought, and the trolling tray... My motor is even with the front of the boat, and when stored away is outta the way.

 

[Chase55tx]

Man it looks like you have a great starting point. I would replace the bench seat wood, and build off that. If its a casting type deck you are wanting, I would just use a simple frame made of 2x2's with 3/4 plywood. Cost should be well under $100 for the deck, and carpet usually runs about $3.20 sq foot at Lowes and glue is $7 for 1qt., or $13.50 for the gallon bucket.

If you have already checked for leaks, I would prime that baby and throw the paint to it. As far as the transom goes, it's a simple fix. If you can take the old transom wood out without tearing it up, I would use that for a template, and replaced the bolts and but with stainless steel, shouldn't be that big of a hassle.

Now the trolling motor mount might be alittle tricky depending on your needs. Are you wanting it up front with you on the deck, or a transom mount? If you are wanting it up front with you, there are several options available that can help you out. I purchased a fabricated one from Almumacraft for $35 that helped me out, I had mine raised up approx. 6 inches off the front deck, and ran the peddle to the front deck, and put it in a trolling tray. The deck Insanity built in his is perfect, and not only adds room for the seat you wanted, but also a great deal of storage. You could even put your trolling battery up front and give you more bow weight for planning out..

This isn't the best pic, but it shows the fabricated mount I bought, and the trolling tray... My motor is even with the front of the boat, and when stored away is outta the way.