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My Winter project - Finally done.

Lowblazah

By Lowblazah
in Boats & Motors.

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Lowblazah Proficient

Lowblazah

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I bought my 88 Alumacraft 17' in the spring of 07...I got it relatively cheap considering its a console setup with a strong running 70hp. After using it alot last summer I thought this winter I would r&r the interior, which would eliminate the many problems with it (ie...the completely rotten floor boards from front to back and the many electrical issues with it as well) and while I'm at it, I'd reconfigure the seating to comfortably accomodate more than two people fishing out of it.

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I was talking to my uncle about this project and he said I should explore the option of putting aluminum down instead of plywood. (Save on weight, never will rot again)

So I started pricing out aluminum. Discount Steel in Mpls, MN was by far the most cost effective place to buy it from. I ended up buying 3 - 5x6 sheets of .090. ($300 worth)

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While I had all the old carpet out I also decided to repaint the interior and replace all the carpet and install some Tempress hatches to make it look a little newer...

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Sometime this summer I plan on repainting the exterior as well...but all that can wait now that the fish are starting to bite!

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davesfriend Community Regular

davesfriend

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WOW! You really did an awsome job! It looks great. If you did not have the before pictures I wouldn't believe you. That new carpet and the covers you installed really makes a huge difference. You wanna do my boat? Again, awsome job!!

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polarsusd81 Grand Master

polarsusd81

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Yeah Low, I can't see the photos right now at work but I will be sure to check them out when I get home. I just stopped at Discount Steel and Alum on Friday to pick up the sheet of aluminum I need to build my rod lockers on my boat. Now I just have to lay them out, cut em down and form em up. After that it will be time to do some carpet. I think I will probably paint the interior of my boat this spring before I finish up the lockers just to freshen it up a bit too. Glad to hear you finally got it done. I have been waiting to see the pics to see how it turned out, now I just have to wait til I get home.

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Lowblazah Proficient

Lowblazah

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yes...reinforced them with an additional layer of aluminum fastened to the ribs...then I used RIV-NUTS from Fastenal to securely mount them. Those riv-nuts are amazing little pieces of hardware, thats for sure.

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Lowblazah Proficient

Lowblazah

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 Quote:
Did you ever figure out how much moola your remodel cost ya?

300 in Alum flooring

100 in carpet

200 in Hatches

100 in hardware...ie rivets, alumium stock, riv nuts

Around 700 I spose?

I was able to save alot by reusing aluminum from the old livewell and rear casting platform for bracing, reinforcing and welding purposes

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Now you just need a big old flatty to take a dump right in the middle of the floor

That is on my to do list!

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Lowblazah Proficient

Lowblazah

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 Originally Posted By: backlash 1
You must have some metalworking experience. Looks really good!!!

Thanks...but I cant take any of the credit for the welding. My neighbor (with the TIG welder) can be easily persuaded when you're waving a case of grain belts in front of him.

Other than the welding, everything else was pretty easy. A pneumatic rivet gun is a must tho. For cutting aluminum sheets I did the "18v cordless skill saw and WD40" trick. Draw your lines, spray the lines with wd40 and cut at a shallow setting. then filed it down so it wasnt so sharp.

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hanson Grand Master

hanson

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I think I said it before but that "new" boat layout has CATTIN' BOAT written all over it. Its exactly the same as mine but you kept the front casting deck which is a pretty darn good idea. It leaves you livewell/baitwell space up front.

I love it! What an awesome job!

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LMITOUT Grand Master

LMITOUT

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Very nice work! It does look like a new boat and you really opened up the floorspace to make it more fishable. Something to be proud of this year when you out hauling in the fish!

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