Let the Rebuild Begin

[Jamesdean]

Well it lasted less than a year...I had put a wood deck on the bow of my 14' Rich Line Challenger. I had covered it with a Tarp to protect the wood from the elements and help keep water from accumulating then freezing in the winter. Well, the local feral cats the lady next door and and across the street feed made short work of the tarp and the winter weather did the rest of wrecking that deck. So now we going to make it out of aluminum...And will probably be getting a portable garage to keep the boat in. Work on that part later.
So tomorrow we start on the front piece for the trolling motor, and maybe get the side supports for the casting deck in. Friday will come the deck itself but will be at least another week till I get the indoor/ outdoor carpet. That will give me time to get the deck cut, and sealed, as well as figure a solution for these cats....
I will post picks on the progress as the build goes.

[SKs Crappie Catching Adventures]

Those cats need a shot.....

I think you'll be happier with the aluminum....

[MCG1]

Be careful with the weight. Don't let it sneak up on you. Good luck. Havahart traps and relocation would work on those cats, if they won't leave on their own.

[happycaster58]

Epoxy is a lot cheaper than aluminum- if you need an alternative. I double coated mine and it looks just like it did a year ago and it's out in the weather too.

[Jamesdean]

I agree on the cats, something needs done. But as long as two people, (next door and across the street supplies them with food, they are going to stay around...but let me get this done and one sprays my stuff marking it's territory and then they gonna get a bill they don't want...but onto bigger and better things. Ok I got some aluminum sheet yesterday as well as some angle. I spent some time this morning before it got too hot...what you all think....I was hoping to get a sheet that was 3' x 4' but it was more than I had. but I am going to get a piece big enough to cover that nose piece and all the ugly holes. Nothing in solid yet as I'm going to extend the lower deck for the foot pedal and casting to near the very bow and back to the back of the first bench seat. And put a floor in the mid section and back section leaving the very back as it is. Thats the game plan for stage one anyway...once the casting deck is in the front, I'll go a head and finish this all up, and thinking of putting some Lizardskinz by Gator Guard on top prior to mounting the trolling motor. Battery well will be centered in-front of front bench under the deck.

[KokomoTerror]

Looking good! Instead of worrying about another piece of AL for that front, get a piece of "stair/Grip" tape, and cover the entire piece - holes are gone! Plus, if you ever need to step there (loading or unloading the boat yourself), you will more traction on that spot. Good luck with everything!

[Jamesdean]

I watched the deck framing video again, and Michael said to keep the floor level, he starts at the stern, so I almost stepped on it hard...but I'm just getting cut pieces I have. I think I know what your talking about. That wide tape with like sand on top right, Kokomo Terror? How water proof is that stuff?

[skunked again]

Looking good!
If you stick with aluminum, check with a local fab/ weld shop. They'll usually have good prices.
Are you planning on welding or riveting? If riveting, get a pneumatic gun. I got one from harbor freight, for the 150+ rivets I put in the top cap.
I like the gator guard idea. I've been looking online at Eva faux foam sheets also.

[Jamesdean]

I don't know about fab shops but got some pretty good prices at Rose Metals. I thought the sheet aluminum was a bit high, but they said it's sold by weight. I will check on some fab shops. I thought about the EVA foam, but it wears pretty fast in the high traffic areas like on the casting deck...My actual casting deck will be wood, sealed with resin, and covered with carpet. I will be riveting the aluminum as I have problems even brazing. I like the idea of either an electric or pneumatic riveter for sure. Arthritis would kill my hands with the number of rivets it will take to complete this project. and I'm going to do it in stages so the boat can be used at the same time...

[skeetbum]

Take a file and smooth the top of the nose piece before you cover with the traction tape. Mine lasted 8 years and was still going when I sold the boat. I believe you’re on the right path. I’d relocate the cats cuz there’s too many phones with cameras if anyone ever saw something a tree hugger could whine about.