Bargain Find Restoration

[TruckDrivingFool]

That does look pretty!

Definitely let us know how you find it in the sun. After seeing a few of these tin floors I'm seriously considering it but the fears of tin floor myths posted has me on the fence.

 

[ondarvr]

I've converted several boats to diamond plate floors, and it's the high end upgrade on custom made aluminum boats built around here, it's my favorite floor for a fishing boat.

1. It is shiny when new, after a short time it will become dull, you can speed the process up in several ways.

2. It doesn't get that warm, it's not that much different than most other surfaces.

3. It's a one time and done surface, it will never need to be replaced, although putting it over plywood may limit the life of the substructure. We try to put an alumnum framework under it.


4. It's not slippery, at least after it's dull. We did spill some oily bait scent on a new floor one time and it was a bit slick for part of that trip.

5. Bikinis are not fond of aluminum, so this may influence your decision.

6. If you live in FL it may not be the best choice, we don't fish barefoot much in this part of the world so how it feels on your feet isn't that important. Other products may be much better in this environment.

7. Carpet and vinyl are way down the list, I know some people love vinyl, but it's the lowest end flooring product used on boats, and it doesn't hold up that well to hard core use. Carpet isn't even a possiblity on a fishing boat for me.

 

[bonz_d]

I guess that's the great part of refinishing an old boat. One can finish it out to suite their own needs and tastes.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

6......... We don't fish barefoot much in this part of the world so how it feels on your feet isn't that important. Other products may be much better in this environment.

I know you're a proponent of tin floors Ondarvr but the above is the rub. For me boat time is barefoot time and why I keep asking, but we never seem to hear back very often.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Holy double post smokes, atleast it's only two and not six like it showed after I hit the post the button.

 

[ondarvr]

For me boats are strictly a tool that I use to fish, so function is at the top of the list, the details of each boat are dictated by exactly how and where I'd be fishing. People that use a boat differently would place a higher value on other aspects of a product.

If I fished mostly in FL my boat(s) would be set up differently than here in WA.

I made the list about aluminum because people have so many opinions based on speculation about it that actual long term results in the real world need to be presented.

 

[bonz_d]

For me boats are strictly a tool that I use to fish, so function is at the top of the list, the details of each boat are dictated by exactly how and where I'd be fishing. People that use a boat differently would place a higher value on other aspects of a product.

If I fished mostly in FL my boat(s) would be set up differently than here in WA.

I made the list about aluminum because people have so many opinions based on speculation about it that actual long term results in the real world need to be presented.

Not going to get an argument by me on your points. Boat as a tool is how I see it also. The water I fish would also play an important part in the decision on what type of boat I'd be using.

If I were to consistently fish Lake Michigan it would be a completely different boat than the one I use for my local 1000 acre inland lake or the 150 acre pond.

I also wouldn't have a problem with leaving the deck in my aluminum fishing boat just plain sealed plywood but the problem then is that it greatly reduces the resale value when it's time to sell.

 

[redneck joe]

FWIW i posed the question once here on the forum and the overwheling consensus was tool do NOT count towards the budget, so you can deduct that.


Agree with WOG, gonna be a hot one.

 

[Tenzero1]

In the 90s this week here. Took it out twice for a few hours and it was not hot at all. Reflected a lot of light, but that's about the only downfall. I am surprised so many of you think it isn't that great. Already like it better than carpet when I was getting the boat wet!

 

[ondarvr]

You will like it more as time goes on. The glare will go away after a while on its own, or you can scrub it with a Scotch Brite pad, other methods work too.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

That's good to hear Tenzero

 

[Woodonglass]

Yup, I STAND CORRECTED!!!! Congrats on your New Aluminum Deck!!!

 

[pckeen]

Nice progress in a short space of time here....if we get to vote on the deck, then I vote Nautolex Marine Vinyl

 

[Tenzero1]

Nice progress in a short space of time here....if we get to vote on the deck, then I vote Nautolex Marine Vinyl

I don't think I will be putting any material over the deck at this point.

 

[Tenzero1]

Quick update with a few action photos. I got a new to me 15hp evinrude and a newer trolling motor. With myself and gear I can do about 18 - 19 mph. So far the boat works very well. It has been out about a dozen times so far and has proven to be a good boat to fish from.

 

[Frey0357]

TenZero1.....Great looking boat there! Those pics are priceless, they make all that work completely worth it!

Nice 'gill he caught there!

Frey

 

[pckeen]

Little one looks like he's having a blast.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Mental note to self: Keep small child on hand to make the puny fish I catch look huge. :laugh:

J/K that is a nice BG hopefully you caught a basket full of them, even if you didn't I'd say some still thinks it was the bestest day ever.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Tenzero1]

Hey everyone,

Let me first say I appreciate all of the comments and support from everyone, I love this group!

It has been a while since I have had the time to post. Bought a house, started a new career, that whole life altering period! Anyways, now that I have a bigger garage and more permanence I can continue work on my boat!

Order of things to do:
#1 smooth aluminum edges (some were rough and scraped legs a bit.
#2 Obtain removable pedestal seats and install ( thinking of going with Springfield taper lock but open to suggestions)
#3 Find a way to make the edges of my hatches look cleaner (maybe rubber trim?)
#4 Add more flotation to stern
#5 Add rod storage (open to suggestions also)

I look forward to advice!

 

[Tenzero1]

No Title

Here are some more recent photos of my boat and some of my projects that have gone on with it.