rebuilding a 17ft alum, babe in the woods

[nonuthinofboats]

Hey guys, you might guess by my screen name, I haven't a clue about boats. What I do have is a 17ftx60" true flat, alweld I think. All the components in it came from a 1997 tracker, 90 hp merc, right down to the steering wheel. The boat also has an aluminum stand mounted in the back with a 35 horse kholer, pushing a 52" prop. I used to bow fish alot. I am taking the fan assembly off and would like to turn the boat into just a good reliable fishing boat, and runabout. Right now the steering wheel has alot of slack in it, the throttle/trim lever is shot I have to use the key to tell when the motor is in neutral. So I want to scrap everything but the outboard, hull, and trailer pretty much. I called a local boat shop today, the man said he wouldn't touch it, that was heartbreaking, he said pulling new steering and throttle cable would be too much trouble, sell it and buy what you want. I just find it hard to believe that I won't be able to find all new equipment, and install it myself or have someone install it. I forgot to mention the boat has a side console, its junk, I would like a good center console installed if possible, you know heavy gauge alum that I could mount real gauges in. In your opinions how much are we talking about and how stupid would I be to try it myself? And where the heck can you find good accessories?

 

[nonuthinofboats]

Re: rebuilding a 17ft alum, babe in the woods

So is my project in the wrong forum? I haven't posted but one thread, reading the others, I may be in a room of pros. I know it's a stupid to you guys, but its a problem for me. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.

 

[grsmnky1]

Re: rebuilding a 17ft alum, babe in the woods

I have never bowfished. I wouldn't know what setup is best for this type of fishing. Being flatbottomed I'm uncertain if you could turn it into a Runabout most of those I've seen have closed bows and are v or semi v bottomed. However, I could see a nice fishing boat that seems to be capable of handling a lot of weight with the two completely different modes of propulsion it has now. A picture would speak a thousand words. Try that and I'm sure you will get a more intelligent answer.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: rebuilding a 17ft alum, babe in the woods

Welcome to iboats!

You can do just about anything you want to and we will help guide you

Forget the local boat guy who told you it was hard to change a steering cable LOL It is easy. Steering systems , consoles and just about ANY part of an aluminum boat are easy.

Take a look at the STarcraft restoration index and look around http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=385090 it is motivating and funny. You will see some amazing work

 

[nonuthinofboats]

Re: rebuilding a 17ft alum, babe in the woods

Welcome to iboats!

You can do just about anything you want to and we will help guide you

Forget the local boat guy who told you it was hard to change a steering cable LOL It is easy. Steering systems , consoles and just about ANY part of an aluminum boat are easy.

Take a look at the STarcraft restoration index and look around http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=385090 it is motivating and funny. You will see some amazing work

Thats cool stuff, you guys are the bomb. Have much respect for what you do. Mine deal isn't that difficult though. I just want to strip her down to hull and replace all the old worn gear, console, steering system, throttle lever and cables. Nothing too bad, I mean its just an aluminum boat. I wouls like to end up with a reliable boat, equipped with solid, durable, components and I don't mind paying for the best. I just have no idea where to start to look. Thanks for the reply, when I get more time I would like to ck out more of the threads. Have a good day, and a good weekend.jm

 

[nonuthinofboats]

Re: rebuilding a 17ft alum, babe in the woods

OK Im finding out some good stuff on my 17 ft hull. Is a mariner outboard the same as a mercury outboard?