|
|
| A local marina is selling a 16' Smokercraft "King Troller" with a late model 40hp Mariner and a real nice Shorelander trailer for an asking price of $2,700. Some of the plywood is pretty rotten under some of the carpet. In fact, it's possible that the boat will have to be gutted and rebuilt. But the hull appears very sound and the overall size is right. My question is - is this a hell of a difficult project for a reasonably handy fellow to take on?
Seems to me this is a good way to obtain and outfit the boat to my exact needs. I won't be able to afford a nice used boat to meet those needs anytime in the near future because of other financial priorities. It would be a great winter project, too.
Hmmmm....what do you think? |
|
| |
|
| Ranger:
If the hull is sound, don't be afraid to tackle the job of rebuilding the boat decks. I have built boats from scratch and refurbished several over the years. If you have the time (and space) it's a rewarding undertaking. The biggest thing in my opinion is to have a proper place to work on it, especially if you're planning to do it as a winter project. For glues and resins to properly cure, you need to control the temperature. I know exactly what you're saying about not being able to afford a nice new (or near new) boat due to other financial priorities. That is the exact situation I found myself in at the time I built and rebuilt the boats I mentioned. I had the fun of doing the work, obtained a boat to fish from when otherwise I would not have been able to do so, and totally enjoyed fishing from boats that were truly mine. And with sites such as this one to make inquiries as to how to go about it, you won't have any trouble. You might even find a fishining buddy or two who want to help you with the repairs as long as you will drag them along with you some when you hit the water. I was able to do that.
Good Luck, if you do get it keep us posted on how you're doing. |
|
| |
|
| It's a tough decision. I have the space in the garage, tools, etc. But the tough part is this....
I would have to trade my '66 Ford Custom Cab F-100 pick up for the boat. (Remember those two-tone paint jobs, polished aluminum trim all over and the words "Custom Cab" in polished aluminum on the doors? It's one of those.) The truck is nice enough that we run it in parades and such, though it is not near in perfect shape. One toy for another, I guess.
Thanks for the encouragement! |
|
| |
|
| It is not a tough project if you are good with a tape, and a saw. The trick is using treated wood, and quality stainless screws to fasten it. If the hull has the wood riveted to the floor, one will need the special rivet gun and big rivets to match the old design.
The side tanks in that boat should be aluminum, making the job easier to do. One caution, if you add all kinds of extra stuff on the interior, the boat may not carry the weight if swamped, and sink. Add foam chambers about equal to extra storage. Use the expandable foam for the chamber, and seal it off from water.[:bigsmile:] |
|
| |
