StarCraft kingfisher rebuild

[ifishmuskie]

Ok here we go. Just started today.
Is there any sealant I can use on the inside seams and rivets? Or is that a waste of time?
Ready for a leak test.

 

[jbcurt00]

Paging Dr. @BWR1953 to the drydock, STAT!
gluvit or coat-it for sealing rivets & seams

BWR did a great job on his Kingfisher and documentation posted in his rebuild topic is well populated w pix & descriptions

 

[ifishmuskie]

I just read BRW’s posts. I think I have everything I need. I’ll post pics and ask questions along the way.

 

[BWR1953]

Welcome!

For my KF, I did the leak test and then we rebucked every loose rivet. After that, I used Gluvit. I was lucky that I didn't have to replace any rivets on my KF though. Not like the Chieftain that I'm currently working on.

The nice thing about stripping the boat down completely is that it's a blank slate and you can configure it any way that you want.

I'll be following along!

 

[ifishmuskie]

I did a leak test. 150 drops per minute out of the seams. Where the bottom meets the sides. Both sides.
Rebuck 500 rivets or just Seam seal?

 

[BWR1953]

I did a leak test. 150 drops per minute out of the seams. Where the bottom meets the sides. Both sides.
Rebuck 500 rivets or just Seam seal?

We rebucked 300+ rivets, then leak checked again. It passed, so I then did the Gluvit. When finished, we had zero leaks and the hull has remained completely dry since then.

 

[ifishmuskie]

I’m going to seal the seams with coat it. Inside and out. No rebucking the rivets. Because the rivets aren’t leaking the seam is. Someone already put a sealer on the rivet heads and it would be difficult to remove. I know rebucking might stop the leaks but they aren’t leaking so they are probably tight. It must be a failure of the factory seam sealer.
If it leaks in the future I’ll have to fix it from the outside.

 

[Watermann]

The most common area for leaks is the keel plate as it takes the brunt of all the landings and is out front for whatever may come it's way. It's somewhat difficult to seal up properly so take you time in preparing the surfaces removing any crud or loose red smeg. leave the stuff that's stuck good.. Besides the coat it on the inside, some will add 5200 on the outside edges of the keel plate as well for added insurance.

 

[ifishmuskie]

It’s leaking about five drops a minute at the front keel. I guess I’ll coat it on the inside.
Biggest thing is to be able to fix any future leaks from the outside because once i put the floor in I might never take it out. I might use spray foam because I’d like how solid the floor would be.

 

[BWR1953]

So, what are your layout plans for your KF?

The boat is pretty small once seats and console are installed. There's very little storage space in my layout. I only have the two underseat lockers and honestly, they're not enough.

And with the seating layout I chose, there really isn't enough seating while under way. I'm actually thinking of adding an additional seat in front of the driver's console. There are a couple of other options for the pedestal seats that I'm considering as well.

My KF is perfectly functional for 2 people but gets crowded with three. I've never had 4 on board.

We're also considering adding more rod stowage.

With a stripped KF as a blank slate, there are all kinds of options open.

Here's how my layout looks right now.

 

[ifishmuskie]

I’m going to move the console forward 8”? Then seat to my left will have flush mounts in the floor. One spot 24”? Farther back from console seat. This will put that person in contact with Downrigger on his side. (All that is because the boat is narrow)
No live well just a fish bag.
Front and rear casting decks that also serve as benches. Removable pedestal seats.
I won’t fish with more then 3people but I can cruise with four.
The rear deck will have batt. Gas tank and 2pc rod storage. Under front deck will have anchor and lunch storage.
Boat is too small for full length rod storage or a live well.

 

[BWR1953]

I’m going to move the console forward 8”? Then seat to my left will have flush mounts in the floor. One spot 24”? Farther back from console seat. This will put that person in contact with Downrigger on his side. (All that is because the boat is narrow)
No live well just a fish bag.
Front and rear casting decks that also serve as benches. Removable pedestal seats.
I won’t fish with more then 3people but I can cruise with four.
The rear deck will have batt. Gas tank and 2pc rod storage. Under front deck will have anchor and lunch storage.
Boat is too small for full length rod storage or a live well.

Yeah, I really wish that I'd moved the console and front casting chair farther forward. I have plenty of room up front in that chair, but it's much too crowded for the other seats.

I considered front & rear casting decks but dismissed them outright because I'm 69, have health issues and am not steady on my feet anymore. I do miss being "on" the fishing platform rather than being "in" it like I am now. But, it was a safety tradeoff for me.

Those decks on yours will definitely be helpful with stowage and seating.

We only use a small cooler with a "bubbler" as a livewell. It works fine for us. My wife actually prefers catching Bluegill more than Bass, so the small cooler works.

Am enjoying your thread!

 

[ifishmuskie]

This is going to be slow. Plan to have it done by may.
Buddy just bought a big boat and needs me to run the gear.
I’ll post any updates.

 

[BWR1953]

Yeah, delays seem to be inevitable in these restos. I'd planned on 6 months for my KF and it actually took 3 1/2 years. I'm having the same issue with my Chieftain resto right now.

Ah well, such is life.

 

[ifishmuskie]

Worked a few hours on the boat today. I had to drill out about 50 screws and bolts. Steel ones rusted on. Also sanded the gunnel and inside of the boat. I’m at about 8hrs total now and it’s just about ready to have the coat it. I figure 100hrs total to splash.
Pic of the junk I took off.

 

[ifishmuskie]

Did the seams on the inside with coat it. Easy to do. Then I sprayed the inside walls.
About 2hrs. Work.

 

[BWR1953]

Rockin' on!

 

[ifishmuskie]

Two hrs more. Got it upside down and started on sanding.
Hard to get the sealer off it just goes soft and clogged the wire wheel. Seems like scrapping it off is better.

 

[ifishmuskie]

Back at it. Is 5cu ft of foam enough? Engine is 140lb,batt 30lb. Hull about 200lb.

 

[BWR1953]

Back at it. Is 5cu ft of foam enough? Engine is 140lb,batt 30lb. Hull about 200lb.

Not quite enough.

"For example, a cubic foot of fresh water weighs approximately 62.4 lbs, while a cubic foot of salt water weighs approximately 64 lbs."