1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

[Spooner2010]

In reference to THIS thread ? Newbie in over his head. HELP!!!

This thread will be where I?ll post my progress and questions from here on out. But for the people just joining us please refer to the above link to get caught up on what?s going on.

Okay? I finally got the snow off the boat and got it uncovered for some pix. I took quite a few but I?ll just post the ones that seem pertinent at the time. I?ll start with the obvious. Bow, Stern and Starboard shots. As I have time I?ll post more. I have some trouble spots I have questions about so those will probably be next.

Please stay tuned.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Nice hull. Looks very Starcraft-y

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

I like the Pikemaster, nice rig!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Nice fishing rig there...looks like someone switched the "Shore Landr" to "Lundr" LOL (or maybe the paint faded, either way pretty funny)

Lots of potential there, good luck with the new boat.

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

I like the Pikemaster, nice rig!

I don?t suppose you would have any pics or links to pics of what the original Pikemaster looked like would you? This one has been gutted and was not restored to its original layout and original equipment. Thus leaving me with multiple mysteries and tons of unanswered questions.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Forget the original layout. You have a blank slate and you are the artist in charge. No one gives awards for restoring fishing boats to their "original condition"........ it's your boat....do whatever you like.

I would suggest you browse the layouts on new boat sites like Starcraft, Tracker, Lund and other's to design your own layout.

You will drive yourself NUTS if you try to duplicate the original.

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Forget the original layout. You have a blank slate and you are the artist in charge. No one gives awards for restoring fishing boats to their "original condition"........ it's your boat....do whatever you like.

I would suggest you browse the layouts on new boat sites like Starcraft, Tracker, Lund and other's to design your own layout.

You will drive yourself NUTS if you try to duplicate the original.

That?s actually the plan Bob. I had just hoped to find the original layout to explain a few issues that have me perplexed. For instance the hole in the bottom of the boat that is attached to a bilge pump or the hole that is in the side of the boat that is plugged with a few rubber washers and a long bolt. How bout the steering cables being too long? Did the console get moved or did the cables get replaced with the wrong ones? Just stuff like that. I do plan on putting in my own layout. I have several ideas now I just need to wait for warmer weather and money for materials.

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Transom?

Seems solid. I couldn?t find any obvious rot or any weak spots. The outboard appears snug. Just looks like it needs a new coat of paint.

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Mysterious hole on the side of the boat. Port side above the waterline.
Any ideas/suggestions why it?s there and what I could use it for?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Transom is a great place to start spooner!

Hey quick question for ya...

Are you thinking a total rebuild on the pikemaster or just patch up so you can take er fishing?

I think how you answer that question will make a huge difference and really help the fellas around here give you some good advice.

Cheers man!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

That's likely a livewell fill/drain that could either be patched up permanently or reused.

Is there a livewell in the boat, or evidence of one?

 

[Teamster]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

The piece of plywood on the back side of the transom would lead me to think that the previous owner had problems with the transom going bad and slapped on a cheap fix,..

Think about redoing the whole transom,....It's not a big deal,.....

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Transom is a great place to start spooner!

Hey quick question for ya...

Are you thinking a total rebuild on the pikemaster or just patch up so you can take er fishing?

I think how you answer that question will make a huge difference and really help the fellas around here give you some good advice.

Cheers man!

The plan is to patch her up, add some bells and whistles and get her on the water as cheaply as possible.

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

That's likely a livewell fill/drain that could either be patched up permanently or reused.

Is there a livewell in the boat, or evidence of one?

The live well is gone. That is why I had hoped to somehow find an old layout of the Pikemaster to see where the live well was originally located. I would agree with your assessment that the hole is for a fill/drain except that is seems too high to be used for fill. I have a bilge pump going through the bottom of the boat in the bow. I can?t help but think that one is for the live well. So as you can see it?s a real noggin scratcher as to what each one is for.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Sounds good spooner!

Well if that is the goal, I wouldn't work too hard or spend too much money if you are just looking to get on the water. A livewell setup is biiiiiiggg money! A cooler with a bubbler is cheap! If your steering cables steer the boat, great leave em be as those can be a pricey item. Be certain that your transom is solid and fix the motor mount issue. That aside, you should be about ready to go fishing, eh!

Have fun!

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

The piece of plywood on the back side of the transom would lead me to think that the previous owner had problems with the transom going bad and slapped on a cheap fix,..

Think about redoing the whole transom,....It's not a big deal,.....

I had thought that too until I looked a little closer at the outboard. It looks like it had previously been on a boat with a thicker transom. So the previous owner had to add the plywood to make up the difference so it would fit snug on the transom. I don?t know much about boats and I?m learning more every day. Am I wrong to think that the plywood is there to add the proper thickness to the transom to accommodate the outboard?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Those outer wooden transom plates are often seen on aluminum boats. I have eliminated them on both my projects. It (arguably) serves no real purpose.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Hi Spooner,
Nice to see you back and with some pictures! My best guess would be that yes those fittings were for a livewell. Bottom one to supply, top one to pump out. The plywood on the outside is used for viberation absorption from the engine and to also protect the aluminum from the transom clamps. As you can see marks to the left of the engine were someone at some time mounted a kicker or trolling motor. My Lund has an added aluminum plate were your plywood is.

From those pictures it looks like that steering hook-up is home brew. That Chrysler was originally designed to use pulleys and cable. Not sure if I recall seeing the bracket for a Chrysler to convert it to be used with that setup. I know it's made for the JohnyRudes. In any case that steering cable would be too long to connect it up correctly. Also I do not believe that your helm has been relocated.

I started my Lund the same way as you are proceeding. Get'r on the water as fast as possible then make improvements as you go. My 1st season with it I began pushing it around with an 18hp Rude tiller until I was able to locate a nice 35hp Evinrude that would connect up with the steering cable. Second season redid all electrical, new decking and added pedistals and Tempress seats. This season new paint!

I know you told us once before but where you at again?

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

I know you told us once before but where you at again?

I?m in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.

I?m kind of leaning toward doing a little work each season for a few years until I have it the way I want it.

The previous owner cut all the wires 2 inches from every pump, light and switch in the boat. The only thing he does have wired is the outboard and the insulation is cracked and coming off of those wires so he wrapped them with electrical tape. The previous owner also tore out the casting deck and live well. In place of the casting deck he put a bench with a pedestal seat base in the middle of it. So when you sit in the front seat your feet dangle. Brilliant. And to add salt to the wound he replaced some of the carpet. But he didn?t even use the same color. One is blue and the other is grey. I have no clue?

So for this coming season I?m thinking I?m going to add front and back casting decks with matching carpet. Replace the live well. Add a bilge pump and get everything wired.

Only thing standing in my way is money and knowhow and right now both seem pretty important.

I have pictures of all this stuff if you guys want to see them. Just let me know.

 

[Spooner2010]

Re: 1981 - 16' Aluminum Pikemaster Rebuild Project

Front Casting Deck