Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

On the fiberglass patching, I tapered around holes each side of hull with sander then starter with small and built up to larger cut cloth on inside.....using plastic with flexible backer taped to outside hull to get a smooth finish to hull. Some filler and gelcoat should do on exterior.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Ok, that sounds good. I was confused for a minute there. Thought you went the other way. Glass looks good!!!

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

This afternoon I glassed in the keel.....I'm not going over top of keel or stringers with glass....just gets coated with resin....since my structure is greater than original and I will be using epoxy PB with chopped strand to glue the floor down.

Ok.....now I can bed the other 2 side stringers ! Then Transom install.....got to pick up the pace if I'm going to make oct 1st completion schedule!

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Man, you are flying! Glass work looks pro.

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Update: Stringers are complete.....bed the Transom next and then I can finally get a floor to walk on & build off !

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Moving right along and looking good...
Happy Friday!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Why did you install the stringers before the transom? It's usually the other way round'! How large of a gap is between the end of the stringers and the transom? Why wouldn't you want the stringers attached to the transom?

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

The original stringers faded to just the half round profile of the hull rib and they went all the way to the transom skin under the transom. Since I have increased the height of the stringers all the way to the transom, I decided to continue them to the skin at the increased height....with a 3/16" gap, filled with PB thicken with chopped strand. The transom will be supported by the stringers as original design....just deeper/ stronger stringer section at the transom. I plan to notch the transom over the stringer with a similar epoxy PB gap filled joint. This should be sooo much stronger than the original design.....my experience with a good executed epoxy joint has shown them to be stronger than the wood itself.

Also, the stringers will have a 3/4" plywood gusset attached to the transom in the form of a compartment partition at each side of the bilge area...this should again provide much greater structure than original.

I am trying to increase the structure somewhat on this build where possible.....since it will not be a "Lake boat".... But will see Gulf & ICW water and possible heavy water. The hull had a lot of flex to it so I have also used 8" glass tape at the stringers to span the space between stringers and give more glass to the original hull.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

I really don't think a 14' boat should be seeing to much "Heavy Sea's" If it does it could spell big trouble for ALL on board!!! I'm still not sure I understand your reasoning on the order of install but... it is what it is. I'm sure it'll all come out in the end.

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Wood ....lets hope it doesn't....but I like to know I have a sound boat just in case....I've been outside many times with various boats from 17'-26' and more than once caught an unexpected storm....but had piece of mind knowing boat could handle it. I don't see any problem with my method....basically it is the same as original, except the stringer now gets glued contact with the transom on 3 surfaces instead of 1....and it gets 2 full 20" transom height x 36" long gussets to each stringer as additional structure.....probably now an overbuild.... ! :friendly_wink:

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Yeah for a 14 footer those gussets sure do sound like a bit of overkill. I'm also confused a bit as to the cut outs in the keel? are they to accomodate some kind of bulkheads or cross bracing? A drawing of the under deck structure you're envisioning would sure help me out cuz I'm kinda lost at the moment.

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Pic below is rough out for the cross frames. I have placed them where the originals were,but again these are taller, since I have raised floor for foam (also not in orig design). The cutouts allow free flow of watering both direction to slosh around and finally down to the outlet at solid face cross brace at bilge area (marked circle). The outside areas near the stern will drain thru similar hole at side of stringer with the hull sloped toward it (will add some sloped glass & fillers from transom going forward). I plan to have plugs at each hole to keep water out of underfloor.

I am still debating whether to add a couple holes on each side stringer further back to allow side drainage to center area???? Do you think it's necessary???

Also is a pic of the epoxy joint at stringer/ transom skin...when I set transom I will do the standard blush removal & sand it all good and expose wood for mech bond to make a composite joint with stringer/transom which wraps around the stringer.

The gussets are actually a plus because I am running a 3' section of flush deck back to raised transom (don't like open low transom with following water)....and creating a 20" x 12" ? compartmented storage each side...gussets form 1 side at stringer location. The remainder of the space will get foam.

I plan to do a cardboard mockup soon of the decks and bulkheads....I'll post pic.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

As long as you make allowances for water to get to the bilge once the bow has been raised I see no reason for weep holes in the stingers except at the stern. I now understand how the substructure layout is to be constructed and it appears your plan is a good one. Not trying to bust your chops just trying to get my head around what you were doing. Using epoxy is going to make this thing a tank!!

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

So I have been re-thinking the draining of the hull under the deck at the bilge some more....and at present I'm not happy with the idea of having 3 plugs in the bilge area as earlier planned. Attached is a pic of an alternate plan, where I would add a small cross frame from the outside stringer to the hull side. This would block any water draining beyond the frame toward the transom and I would put a cutout to let water drain to the center drain where the only plug would be required.

The small aft area of the side stringer would also have a cutout to let it be part of the contained bilge area. This way I don't have to have plugs here as originally planned. I don't think structure is an issue, since original design didn't have any raised stringer in bilge area....all stringers faded to flush with hull as the center one does now....also all my stringers are 3/4" -1 " taller than original where I would do cutouts. This coupled with the gussets still would be an overbuild in my opinion....???

What do you think?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

I see no problem with your proposed redesign. It should drain the hull as desired and not decrease the structural integrity of the boat in any fashion. Of course, that's just my OKIE opinion!!!

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Thanks WOG.....I think I'll do it....the little areas at sides near transom will get some glass/filler to direct the drainage back toward the cutouts so it will easily flush out.....busy weekend here enjoying family gathering...now back to some boat work & progress this week!

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

So I've been thinking about the painting....for all my interior floor/ decks and sides/gunnels and the Cap.....should I try the Magic Alkyd Enamel or the Rusty Pro enamel and go less money instead of marine paint? Even though the mfg don't list fiberglass as applicable, it seems like most of the folks here on iboats has had good success with these two paints? Has anyone reviewed this with the mfg???

My white topsides & outer hull are just fine and will just get some gelcoat touch up and buffed. My transom stern face will need to get painted as I am raising the transom and the existing surface skin is beat with holes and outboard bracket punctures.

I'm thinking I will do the cap, transom and interior all the same.... A custom mix light "SeaFoam" color.....and for the interior and floor I would add some dark gray splatter paint.....and just add some no skid to the floor & decks where wanted.

I would do the roll & roll method .....would i add the hardener and use the primer for Magic or Rusty ?

Some advice would be appreciated!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

"Paint Your Boat for Under $100 Bucks...Well Almost" covers most of your questions

PM Sam Phelps, sphelps, he & WOG cooked up a custom Seafoam color for his MFG:
'64 MFG Rebuild

 

[matt167]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Easier way.. Ace Rust Stop ( re branded Rustoleum ) can be tinted to any color you want, as long as the Ace you go to has the right base in stock.. I recently did it for my boat. I actually brought home about 50 color chips from various places of colors that I thought were close, I matched the color to a chip which happened to be a Valspar chip from Lowes. Ace had no problem scanning it and getting me a perfect match.. Currently spraying my trailer and it's coming at almost a dead match to the trailer, and the minimal variation is probably due to the light grey primer I used

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

Matt.....that's sounds good....I will check out ACE.
JB .....I want to go lighter than Sphelps....it may be wrong for me to call it SeaFoam....I would like a very pastel color....typical of South Florida ........I 'll find a color chip and do the ACE match as suggested.....here's a pic of a boat color that I I'm thinking of....

So Rustoleum Pro enamel is lookin like a way to go! Thanks.