67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

[mumbles18hp]

i got this boat about 3yrs ago after bartting a junk boat it has a 18hp evinrude with a yamaha snowmbile pull start handle helps save hands. the first time i had it out i noticed it sinks in to the water like it is over weight i looked at the boat closer and noticed deck is made out of 1inch thick particle board. i pulled the wood out my guess was close to 300 lbs. i plan on buying scrap allumin from where i work to make a new bench seat or a removable deck any i deals or sugestions and help finding cheap olive crab marine paint apreciated designs for duck hunting blinds

 

[mumbles18hp]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build



before and now pics

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

That was probably 3/4" particle board swollen to 1".

I don't know how much you're going to pay for the aluminum, but plywood is usually considerably cheaper... even with the epoxy resin to seal it and make it waterproof.

Did your boat have any floatation foam below the deck, or is it all in the bench seats?

You can paint your boat with oil based Rustoleum enamel paint, if your boat is unpainted or has bare spots with raw aluminum showing you;ll need to use a self etching primer like zinc chromate.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

Call the Illinois DOT and find out how they dispose of their Larger Aluminum Road Signs. If you can find a Salvage yard that has em their pretty reasonable on the price. As JNG stated it will be more than plywood but a lot lighter too.
The Link in my signature below has some good info on painting your boat on the "Cheap"

 

[mumbles18hp]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

i dont have a problem getting alumin my work sell it for what ever local scrap is. they have alot of it shouldnt cost me more than $100. im trying to set up a floor plan of remaking the middle bench then have a removable deck that connects front and midle it only has two chair plates i want to have 5 chair plates when done. dont really know how i want to make the deck removable. i want to thank you for the info .i probally check into the sign if i can get them for free more money for fun. the paint ideals sound like it will work well. my plan is to start leaving it out side during winter due to lack of space in my garage.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

Rebuilding the middle bench is a wise decision, it is/was a structural member of your boat. Fill it with the pink sheet foam for floatation, it had floatation foam in it before it was removed and whoever took it out didn't know what they were doing.

The problem with aluminum decking is it is LOUD, it'll "oil can" POP and BOING when stepped and walked on... plywood won't do that.

 

[mumbles18hp]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

Yeah the alluminum deck has me scratching my head I might have to save that until I get acess to a welder I plan using 1/8 thick or 3/16 for that part that

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

What is the thickness/height of your ribs on the inside of the boat? 1-1/2"... 2"?

 

[mumbles18hp]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

Its 1 1/2. I'm still ripping carpet out. I'm going to sand blast the glue off then paint it camo or olive

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

It's really not a good idea to sandblast an aluminum boat.

 

[mumbles18hp]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

The only parts I was going to blast is the benches

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

A kinked wire cup brush in an angle grinder works pretty well for removing paint from an aluminum boat, and chemical strippers make it even easier... then just use the cup brush to remove residue and give the surface a good roughened finish for the paint to grip.

 

[mumbles18hp]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

finally got all the carpet out. its definetly lighter i can pick up most of the boat off the trailler. dose anyone know if these boats came with flooring between the benches for strenght i wasnt gonna install any. hoping to have this project donebefore march try to get some more pics as i go.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 67 polarkraft modify v budget deck build

No decking between the seats back then, that's pretty much just a standard utility bench boat.