My First Aluminum Boat

My First lasted all of 1 day as I resold it (at a profit of course) to acquire one that could go on my roof...a free boat!

 A pretty rig but but around here what you need is a boat you can carry on your roof and self launch

So, I sold that and got this old Alcraft rivet bucket.

Some dent removal and a paint job to make the old hull presentable

Setting the boat up. I need an 8-15hp. outboard, a bow mount trolling motor, some wired lights and a bilge pump. It's a work in progress.

Feb.19,2013

Made a platform for my bowmount trolling motor.

Feb.20,2013

Attached the motor!

I used 18mm. marine ply for the platform. I still need to get the quick release mount but for now, I'm using wing nuts and lock washers to speed setting up...also need a decent battery box. The whole system (motor, platform and battery weighed in at 35 kilos.

Wired Led lights below the bow's overhang from this position they are visible but won't mess with my night vision. I ran the wires through clear tubing and sealed the ends with silicon sealant. I've also ran wires to the stern for the light and bilge pump. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that the 5hp Mercury belts out a few amps of 12V when running. It's got an alternator!

Feb.21,2013
Set up the wiring and placed tiedowns for the paddle.

My phone got a dunking last time out even if it was in a dry pouch so I decided to put a small watertight compartment on the boat.

It's from an old jetski. Cutting a perfectly good thwart/bench did not sit well with me but I did what had to be done.

March 5,2013

Added a quick release mount for the trolling motor.

March 8,2013

 Mounted my switches. These are toggles with water resistant rubber boots. A bit pricey but should last longer than regular ones.

Put binding posts on my battery box. This way I don't need to open the box to access the battery.

A little creature comfort...
March25,2013

Found a NOS humminbird for cheap.

added some fish stickers to the bottom of the hull to encourage baitfish to shelter under and to attract predators