I purchased a 16' 1971 starcraft aluminum boat about two weeks ago with intentions of restoring it. I picked up the boat/trailer for 300, so i figured even if it doesn't work out, not too much lost. I should also mention that when i say "restore" what i really mean is make the boat seaworthy. Its going to be a duck hunting/fishing boat...so i won't be restoring it to factory condition. So here goes, this is gonna be a long post....
That being said the hull is in decent shape and transom seems very solid....two small holes above the water line that appear to have been for bolts that held a piece of rubber trim molding in place. Not a big deal to fix. However, there is plenty of other work to be done. I obviously need an outboard, need to replace the decking, re-install the stringers, sand/prep/paint the hull and redo all wiring etc... I feel that i have a pretty good plan in place...but I live in ct, and its cold here now, so theres not much i can do outside, or even in my garage wich isn't heated. I have started sanding the hull to remove any non-adherent paint. I do have a few questions, but heres my plan...(in loose chronological order)
1. sand hull to remove flaky paint
2. patch 2 holes above waterline, tighten any loose rivets, and seal rivets and seams with flexible epoxy to prevent future leaks.
3. re-install stringers, and decking. For decking, use 3/4 douglas fir plywood (epoxy resin to both sides and all edges, predrill any holes, including for pedistal seat bases. 2nd coat of epoxy.
4. install decking, and side kicker panels (under gunwhales) seal to edges of hull w/ glass....then glass over entire deck. (top coat will have non-slip additive.)
5. zinc chromate self etching primer for any bare spots on the hull to help paint adhere to bare aluminum. Paint....either dull green or brown...for duck hunting, might not be pretty, but functional
5. mount motor, run wiring, cables, forward controls, etc..
Now for the questions....
All i've owned prior to this is a 14' aluminum jon boat that i used as a duck boat...it only has a 15hp outboard, so i have only a 6 gal. fuel tank. I'm not sure what size tank i should use for this boat....I will have at least a 50hp outboard....up to 85hp. Also, should i consider a below deck fuel tank, or is this not necessary?
Second, The previous owner removed the aluminum stringers by drilling out the old rivets. I am considering re-installing these by tapping the holes in the ribs and using stainless screws with permanent loc-tite to hold in place. Is this ok?
Third, theres no windshield on the boat, and i'm considering leaving it that way because in the fall/winter i'll have a pop-up blind mounted for hunting and the windshield would be in the way....I would consider fabricating some sort of windshield, possibly out of lexan if i could do this in such a way that it would be easily removable.
Finally, I have a wagner power painter that is intended for house paint. I'm not expecting a perfect professional finish, but could i use this with the proper paint on the hull, or should i look for something intended for marine paint?
Ok, thats it...for now at least....any input is definately appreciated....
That being said the hull is in decent shape and transom seems very solid....two small holes above the water line that appear to have been for bolts that held a piece of rubber trim molding in place. Not a big deal to fix. However, there is plenty of other work to be done. I obviously need an outboard, need to replace the decking, re-install the stringers, sand/prep/paint the hull and redo all wiring etc... I feel that i have a pretty good plan in place...but I live in ct, and its cold here now, so theres not much i can do outside, or even in my garage wich isn't heated. I have started sanding the hull to remove any non-adherent paint. I do have a few questions, but heres my plan...(in loose chronological order)
1. sand hull to remove flaky paint
2. patch 2 holes above waterline, tighten any loose rivets, and seal rivets and seams with flexible epoxy to prevent future leaks.
3. re-install stringers, and decking. For decking, use 3/4 douglas fir plywood (epoxy resin to both sides and all edges, predrill any holes, including for pedistal seat bases. 2nd coat of epoxy.
4. install decking, and side kicker panels (under gunwhales) seal to edges of hull w/ glass....then glass over entire deck. (top coat will have non-slip additive.)
5. zinc chromate self etching primer for any bare spots on the hull to help paint adhere to bare aluminum. Paint....either dull green or brown...for duck hunting, might not be pretty, but functional
5. mount motor, run wiring, cables, forward controls, etc..
Now for the questions....
All i've owned prior to this is a 14' aluminum jon boat that i used as a duck boat...it only has a 15hp outboard, so i have only a 6 gal. fuel tank. I'm not sure what size tank i should use for this boat....I will have at least a 50hp outboard....up to 85hp. Also, should i consider a below deck fuel tank, or is this not necessary?
Second, The previous owner removed the aluminum stringers by drilling out the old rivets. I am considering re-installing these by tapping the holes in the ribs and using stainless screws with permanent loc-tite to hold in place. Is this ok?
Third, theres no windshield on the boat, and i'm considering leaving it that way because in the fall/winter i'll have a pop-up blind mounted for hunting and the windshield would be in the way....I would consider fabricating some sort of windshield, possibly out of lexan if i could do this in such a way that it would be easily removable.
Finally, I have a wagner power painter that is intended for house paint. I'm not expecting a perfect professional finish, but could i use this with the proper paint on the hull, or should i look for something intended for marine paint?
Ok, thats it...for now at least....any input is definately appreciated....
