My new project

[rellis1962]

Just bought a fine Al boat. It is a 1994 Custom Flat 1654. Boat has never been in the water. Boat and trailer are the same age. Boat and trailer has been stored outdoors but has no real adverse effects except some oxidation on the primer and dry rot tires.
I am in the planning stage and have several questions.

1. I would like to add a pedestal seat on the front casting platform and maybe a storage hatch. How can I make sure I don't cut into deck support ribs.
2. Live well solutions?
3. Gas can/tank solutions? Bow/Stern? Permanent/portable?
4. Floor material? Thought about aluminum but is expensive.
5. Interior finish? some sort of rubberized spray in Liner (speedliner) is what is currently on my mind.
6. Exterior finish, if any? Someone suggested Perfection paint from Sherwin Williams.

I have been looking around the internet and found some good ideas. I am not looking to make this the ultimate fishing vessel, just something functional and convenient.

 

[Johnny Too Bad]

Re: My new project

A 16 year old boat that's never been in the water? What a travesty. Glad you're going to remedy that soon.

Anyway, as far as adding a pedestal seat on the casting deck, you should be able to install one pretty easily and inexpensively. I'd check out Academy, Bass Pro or Cabela's for both the seat and the pedestal. I'd be careful with the height so that it doesn't get squirrly on you.

My dad has a very similar boat and he installed two boxes, one along each side. They can double as seating and storage or you could use one for your live well. My dad put his live well on the port side to help balance the weight when he fishes by himself.

As for fuel tanks, you should be able to fit two 6 gallon tanks behind the back bench pretty easily. I like the portable plastic tanks because they're inexpensive and easy to take out and clean if you get dirt or crud in them.

I personally have a tank up front to help distribute the weight, but I also have a smaller boat with a closed bow, so I need the extra weight up front. My dad runs both of his tanks in the stern with no problems.

For the decking, I would suggest using plywood. It's affordable, durable and will help keep your weight down. You could carpet it or leave it exposed, depending on how finished a look you want.

As for paint, a lot of folks on these boards have had a lot of luck with Rustoleum. Just make sure you use a zinc chromate etching primer so that the paint will stick. Do a quick search on this forum about painting aluminum. Tons of threads.

Also, you may want to check out http://www.tinboats.net/

Hope this helps. Post lots of pictures as you go.

Good luck,
JTB

 

[rellis1962]

Re: My new project

Trying to decide where to put the battery(s) for the trolling motor and other accessories. I guess they need to be close to the tolling motor. That means somewhere on/in the front deck. Is there a box of some sort that can be used to house them. I am not against cutting holes in the front deck to accomodate the bats. But would like a good quality container to insert into the holes to contain the battery(s). Also would consider building something just aft of the deck in between the front deck and the first floor rib.

 

[wa_ssv197]

Re: My new project

You can kill your storage and battery problem with one stone.
Place your storage under the casting platform with the door on the vertical section. You can then place a battery to the left and right of the door and have then entire underside for storage and also have easy access to bolt your pedistal base to your casting platform. You will have to excuse my bad Paint skills.

You can then use one battery for the trolling motor/accessories and the other for the main engine and run the wire under the floor ribs to the controls and motor.