Polar Kraft 1470 version 2.0

[RustyGoat]

I bought a 2013 Polar Kraft Dakota 1470 last May in the interest of getting on the water my original build was quite rushed and at the end of the season last year decided to completely start over. Since I'm pretty much starting from scratch I decided to start a new post.
The boat the day I bought it.



My original build.
https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=31905

My biggest issue last year was by far the motor. Between motor trouble and being ridiculously slow (Bigfoot gearing made it worse) a new motor was a must. After nearly 6 months of watching Ebay and Craigslist daily I found a 2008 20 HP Honda at a marina about 2 hours away. It was expensive but exactly what I was looking for. Got it mounted over the weekend.


I have a pile of parts to install (bilge, lights, onboard charger, switch panel etc.) and the current plan is to deck over the front 2 seats and install a floor in the rear. I had originally been planning to remove the center seat and make the floor go all the way to the front seat but after doing some measuring I didn't like how cramped it would be once the side storage was installed. Hoping to get a good start on the build this weekend.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

I was looking at the old posts and like the walkway on the trailer tongue.

 

[RustyGoat]

Love the walkway. So much easier to load/unload the boat without worrying about falling in the water.

 

[RustyGoat]

Started on the frame work for the rear floor today. Using all cedar 2x2/2x4" for the framing. I ran out of wood but got a good start.




With the warm weather forecast for tomorrow I hope to get all the framing done and start on the wiring. I'm still undecided on what to use for the actual floor, cedar 1"x8"s or 1/2" plywood.

 

[RustyGoat]

I was able to get the area between the seats framed and the storage compartments built today. 3 compartments with the center one being a little deeper. Ended up being more complicated than I expected thanks to the fact that the seats are 3/4" farther apart on one side than the other.

 

[RustyGoat]

Started on some of the wiring and got the onboard charger installed.


I had a piece of pex pipe laying around so I used it to run some of the wires. I ran power to the bow and stern for the trolling motor so if I want to swap it around all I have to do is turn the head around and plug it in.



The seats, mounts, and pedestals I ordered came the other day.

The seats look good but eventually I'm going to take the hinges off and paint them. The seats are sand/brown and for some reason they have gray hinges.

It's the Springfield 3/4 threaded pin system.

 

[lucescoflathead]

I have a 1468 Polar Kraft. If I was ever going to buy a new motor for it, I would buy a 4 stroke 20 HP Honda. I would probably outlast me. Nice boat you have there.

 

[RustyGoat]

I keep forgetting to take pictures while I'm in the garage but have made a lot of progress. I got all the wiring done and the switch panel, bilge pump and lights installed.


I have all the floor and deck panels cut. I just need cut out the hatches and I'll be ready for paint (no carpet).


So far I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out.