How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

[larryrogers]

This is what I had, a '76 malabu boat runabout. with a ' 75 murcery 1500.

This is what I turned it into over a last summer about 100hrs. I am retired so time was no problem. It was a fun project. I retired from a construction background so I had most of the tools needed. I know how much research time I spent before getting started. So maybe this will help someone if they are interested.

The hull and bow top was fiberglass, so before I started cutting and grinding, I was protected with dust mask and eye protection and full body cover. It can ruin your day if you get fiberglass in the wrong places.

I cut the top off the bow using a right angle grinder with a diamond blade. It cut rather nicely, however, I found the fiberglass was adhered to the foam fill underneath. So I had to cut the top out in pieces about 2x2.

Then I removed all the foam down to the fiberglass hull using a saws all with a long wood cutting blade (this conformed to the shape of the hull without damaging the hull. To clean up what was left, I used a wood grinding wheel on the right angle grinder then shop vac'd.

 

[larryrogers]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat


The floor was rotted so I replaced it with new plywood coated both sides with fiberglass resin.

RUNNING INTO A PROBLEM, CAN'T UPLOAD PICS SO I'LL LEAVE IT AT THIS UNTIL i CAN FIGURE IT OUT.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

Where have you posted this boat before? I know I've seen the dockside pix before.

Try using photobucket & copying/pasting the IMG code under each pix.

 

[larryrogers]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

I posted this a few months ago but only had the start and finish. I had all these pics of the in between and alot of people have asked how I did this or that so I thought I would tell the world. I will try pasting the IMG, thanks for the advise.

 

[larryrogers]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

[/IMG]
Ok now I am trying the potobucket system.
This pic shows that I cut the top of the bow out leaving the gun rail and about 16" of the front for support. I also installed a Minnkota with the power supply lines. I have the two ends connected to the bolts under neath the fiberglass and these will be my trolling motor connection point. All plywood ribs are coated all sides with resin.

shows that I cut the cowling to create a dash for the steering console...this was the scariest part as I didn't know if the whole boat was being held together by this, the hull didn't move a hair.

I built compartments in the bow starting with the two coming off the bulkhead. None of the ribs are attached to the hull but only hung off these two and attached to the ply floor I installed...I was told not to let ribs connect with the hull as this would eventually lead to stress on the hull...see next pic.

I used construction wall foam to fill in between the ribs, not only for floatation but for support of hull against rough waters...this proved to be good idea. All foam boards are laminated together and to each rib and the hull.

 

[larryrogers]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

want to say thanks to "jbcurt00" much better.
Show the deck going down. Filled these two compartments and saved the other compartments for storage and trolling motor battery. Again all ply is coated both sides with resin, deck is fastened to ribs using deck screws(they won't rust). You may note in previous pics, I attached a 2x2 to the top edge of these ribs for attaching the deck.

Front deck near complete. Now working on the rear deck.

I moved the gas tank from in front of the bulk head to between the seats, this is the skewed box. I did not put it all the way to the rear because I didn't know how the weight would affect the trim, but after having it on the water, I found that would not make a difference. Maybe this winter if I get bored, I will move it to the rear and make more room around to **** pit.

Show how I trimmed out around the steering console, looks pretty good with carpet on the wood areas.

 

[larryrogers]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

Here I am.

Until I win the lotto and get a new boat, this one will do just fine. Thanks for you interest, I look forward to any questions or comments.

 

[crossroads123]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

Turned out GREAT.

 

[redstrat]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

:cheer2: I have to appreciate a man with a vision and the stamina to see it through. Nice work.

 

[saginawbayboater]

Re: How I converted my ski boat to a bass boat

Very Nice Larry!!!