18' Lowe center console flat bottom rebuild

[BoatCop]

Pour some foam into the voids below the deck and along the gunwales. Then you'll pretty much have a redneck Whaler.

[Mrtoler]

I'm going to use closed cell foam 4x8 sheets under the raised floor, it's probably gonna take about 10-15 sheets. I'm going to do soothing that keeps them off the bottom floor so if I get a leak the water won't just sit there in-between the floor and foam it will still drain. The foam that was in the rear compartments is what caused alot of the problems I'm dealing with now!

[Mrtoler]

I recently got back in touch with the guy that does all of my welding, Hes been working alot so I dident want to take up his lil bit of free time with my boat..but since he got a new position at work he's got more free time and is going to help me on my boat. After talking to him we decided it would be best to remove the rear storage boxes and build new ones that don't block the drainage channels, and to reveal all the aluminum that was exposed to the foam to check for corrosion...I've got the boxes removed and I'm working on cleaning the aluminum so it can be welded to. I've got to go buy some 1/4" plate and some square tubeing, to build the transom. It will be way stronger than it was, that's for sure

[Mrtoler]

Finally a update,I bought all my aluminum. The other day to redo my transom and to frame my new rear deck, raised floor and console stand. My welder got it all done today, he ended up cutting the entire transom off and cut a new one out of 1/4" plate and welded it on. I dident get the detailed pic I would have liked to because I was busy helping him, but I did get these..



New plate and start of bracing



Done and doing a leak test

[curtiscapk]

Holy crap Ryan!

That will hold up through a hurricane!!!

[redbeard]

Looooking good keep up the good work.

[Mrtoler]

Thanks guys, Craig ya I hope it'll hold up...it wouldn't be fun doing 40 across the bay and the back of the boat break off...

[spurhunter]

Dammit Im jealous

[HandymanHerb]

Good job on the welding, it will be bad to the bone when your done

[Bamaman]

Just think about what's going on underneath the fiberglass in non-aluminum boats. Rotted wood.

And all the marine salvage yards are full of fiberglass boats.

A long life span is what makes aluminum boats such great values.

[Mrtoler]

Thanks guys, I talked with my welder tonight he's going to plug the leaky rivets and pin holes I have this weekend. I'm hopping if the leak test comes out good I can start with the paint and deck!

[Mrtoler]

Its official I've got a leak free boat. My father in law is suppose to be coming over this weekend to paint her so I should have some progress pics soon I can't wait! I did get some pics of the boat today doing a final float test before it gets some color, I got my grandpaw to sit in the boat but it's still EXTREMLY light, it was only drafting about 2"s

[DRock]

Very nice work. That will be the perfect fishing rig!

My dad is crazy about aluminum boats. He has had quite a few through the years. He would buy a fiberglass boat and keep it for a short time before he sold it to get another aluminum. Currently he has a 2000 Monark 18.5' with a 125 merc. It's pretty quick(mid 50's) and is great for fishing.

[Mrtoler]

Thanks, I like all boats but toons are still my favorite. I plan on selling this rig after completion to fund a center tube for my pontoon, and possibly a set of minn Kota talons (shallow water anchors) but I won't be dissipointed if it doesn't sell this year as I'd like to get some fish blood on it and catch up on some flounder gigging this winter!

[spurhunter]

Looking awesome!