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Thread: My aluminum boat rebuild

  1. 01-23-2010, 04:08 PM #1
    speck tackler's Avatar
    speck tackler
    speck tackler is offline Crappie Wall Hanger II
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    Default My aluminum boat rebuild


    I have had more fun with this. I had been looking for an inexpensive used boat for some time, but could not find what I was looking for, anywhere near my price range. Solution...

    I bought a 1974 16' EldoCraft jon boat (boat only), for $150, and went to work. Though it wasn't much to look at, the boat was in excellent shape. Very few, very minor dents and dings. No holes and not a single leak. The only structural problem was the rotten transom.

    I sanded the boat (inside and out), replaced the wood in the transom, sprayed on a self-etching aluminum primer, and topped that with a good quality marine grade aluminum paint. I picked up some camo stencils off the internet and applied the camo job with good old rattle-can spray paint. I floored and decked the boat with 3/4" marine grade plywood, coated with Tuff Coat non-slip marine floor coating. I hinged the deck lid, to give me plenty of dry storage.

    I already had the trailer, trolling motor and fish finder (from my last boat). My rod holders (don't laugh... they were free) were given to me. I bought the 1998 25hp electric start Johnson. All-in-all, I've got about $1,500 in the rig. However, more important than that is the enjoyment I got out of this project. I have never done anything like this before (never even held a paint spray gun in my hand before). If I didn't LOVE this boat, I might be looking to pick up another used boat and start all over!!! :D:D:D

    Here are a few pics (before, during and after)...







    There are a few additional pics at...

    Boat Build pictures by speck-tackler - Photobucket

    Let me know what you think.
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  2. 01-23-2010, 04:11 PM #2
    haus
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    That looks good, I'm about to post a picture of what I've been working on.
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  3. 01-23-2010, 04:55 PM #3
    GCD
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    You did an excellent job!

    Hard to believe it's the same boat!
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  4. 01-23-2010, 06:01 PM #4
    shipahoy41's Avatar
    shipahoy41
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    Very nice job.
    Aquatic Species Removal Engineer.
    May God be with you. Keep CALM and STAY ANCHORED with your faith.

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  5. 01-23-2010, 06:50 PM #5
    Redy2Fish's Avatar
    Redy2Fish
    Redy2Fish is offline Crappie.com 2K Star General
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    That really looks good!
    Don't outsmart your common sense!
    Jack
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  6. 01-23-2010, 07:28 PM #6
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    rcfillingham
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    Thats awesome. Good old American ingenuity!
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  7. 01-23-2010, 07:36 PM #7
    Dhawk
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    Great job. Looks like a great fishing machine!
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  8. 01-23-2010, 07:36 PM #8
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    Crestliner08
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    Great job! Looks awesome. Congrats!
    "A voyage in search of knowledge need never abandon the spirit of adventure."
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  9. 01-23-2010, 07:38 PM #9
    jaxsprat
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    Thumbs up

    I like, you should be proud that's a excellent rebuild job.
    I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.....

    PROUD MEMBER OF TEAM GEEZER
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  10. 01-23-2010, 08:27 PM #10
    JET4
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    looks good, nice job
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