Thoughts on Alumacraft mod

[clemen]

Hi all. Gonna be starting my Alumacraft mod soon and wanted to pick some brains. My wife and I bought a 1648 and Mercury 25 HP a couple years ago. I know most of what I want to do, but not sure exactly how to do it. I want to add a front deck to put a casting seat on, add floors, two side compartments in the back open area, and a back deck to cover battery/gas can etc. Am I supposed to screw the floor down or just let it float. Also how do I attach the carpeted tops to the aluminum seating areas? I am making decks/floors out of 1/2" MDO. Also what can I paint the MDO with to waterproof it more. In the attached pic, the areas in gray are where I want to add decking/carpet. I have a Minkota 50lb thrust trolling motor on front and a Deck mate anchor winch on back. I bought a new off brand deck mate at an Amish scratch n dent store near me that I want to add up front. I am up in the air if I want to convert my middle storage into a livewell. Right now I have a rolling cooler with an aerator that works pretty good. Just looking for ideas and insight before the mod. Thanks

 

[shawnfish]

really you can screw the floor down or let it float in there freely...its really a personal preference. always nice to be able to lift it out once in a while to clean anything out that gets in there so its a matter if ya wanna lift it out in a few seconds or have to remove a few screws and have it take a few minutes. do not use pressure treated wood whatever you do or use thompsons water seal. as for the carpet just use indoor/outdoor carpet glue and spread it out so the whole surface has glue on it so ur carpet don't bubble where theres no glue. and depending how far your floor braces are apart you may be able to get away with 3/8 thickness and spare some weight....

 

[clemen]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll float the floors, sounds easier and better. The only thickness I can get the MDO in is either 1/2" or 3/4". I'm gonna make a trip to the junk yard and see what aluminum I can find for the sub frame.