Ultimate lightweight 12' aluminum boat build project (pic heavy)
Been working on a build lately, and realized it's been forever since I've checked in on Teh Forumz of Radnessezzz. If you don't know me irl, I'm a welder and custom fabricator by trade and I've been doing this for about 17 years now. I've got a few certifications in TIG welding and have full access to a pretty damn good sized metal shop, so this has been an exercise in actually putting my talents into something I can enjoy rather than just a paycheck. It's been a while since I've done something like that and I can't wait to get this thing back out on the water!
Picked up this lil 12' semi-v hull for a measly $400 with the trailer.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...psehp1kbij.jpg
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...psatqoheks.jpg
Neglected for sure but the bones were in great shape. I took it out once just to make sure she was seaworthy, and then the teardown began. I wanted simple carpeted floors, hidden storage and minimal clutter. It also has to stay extremely light, as I want it to be able to be carried by two people over short portages if necessary. It will also be run primarily by a trolling motor. Just as simple, light, clean and as well-executed as possible.
pulled the plank seats and started to run floor joists with 1x1 aluminum square tubing fitted and welded to the reinforcement hull bands.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...pstaf97v3g.jpg
(closeup of the fit-up before welding them in:)
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...psqwggyhlk.jpg
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...pskcva7fpn.jpg
Once I got the basic floor layout finished, I started in on the front platform structure. This was made to create a storage space as well as a *slightly* raised position for fishing. As you can see from the pics, it is double-reinforced to provide a strong base for the seating as well as the hinges to provide access to the front batter tray and the hidden storage up front. This part was particularly difficult since none of the hull bands were quite straight, so finding the middle ground between 8 sets of angles was challenging to say the least- but as long as the finished product is straight and lined up I'm happy.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...psnxe3b2i8.jpg
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...psqz3z5i3l.jpg
all welded up and braced
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...psughj6jeh.jpg
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...psg0ou14cs.jpg
The next step was the floor board for the main deck. I went with 11/32" to find a nice in-between for strength and weight. It will have a foam backing underneath it and have aluminum joists so i'm not concerned about it's durability int eh least. It is drying after being sealed as I type this.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...pszwfakxwf.jpg
Shown here with the seating mocked up.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...psyohlsuzj.jpg
I just finished up the front diamond plate platform and spacing a little while ago, but can't mount it until the boat is painted. This diamond plate section will be painted the same gloss gray as the rest of the boat.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...ps6dkwmtzq.jpg
Hopefully I can paint it today if I have time. I picked up Gloss "Smoke Gray" (lol) heavy duty industrial epoxy so I think that will look great. The floor should get carpeted this week sometime, the pourable foam flotation/subfloor will get poured as soon as the paint dries and then it's just putting in the flooring, seating, trolling motor and running wiring. I'm really hoping to get 'er back in the water by this weekend! I'll keep updating this thread as the project progresses too.
Your thoughts? Advice? Shit talk? Knock-knock jokes?
