Lessee....a boat is a vehicle isn't it? :)

[great white]

I inherited my dad's 12 foot tinny sometime ago.

He's always used it like a utility fishing boat, so it was pretty beat and pretty stock when I got it.

Me, I like a bit more comfort so I started a "mini bass boat" style build.

Dad using it:

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As I got it:

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First thing I had to do was fix the wheel bearings so I could tow it home:

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Waitaminute, there are no bearings!

20 years of salt water use and neglect (Dad was never good with regular maintenance) had completely dissolved the races and balls. All that was left is the inner and outer race.

The spings were rotted down to a single leaf from the 3 leaf pack and that was as thin as a piece of tin foil. The axle was still there, but it was thin enough I could poke a screwdriver through the tube.

Fortunately, the trailer frame was good since it is galvanized an was out of the water for the most part when launching/recovering.

The tiny 10 inch tires were also near useless. Ozone and salt water had destroyed the sidewalls.

So I swapped on a new axle assembly, hubs, 12" tires and rims, then springs and towed it home.

After getting it home, i started adding lights and stuff:

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Then started framing and decking:

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Gotta have a fish finder:

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Need more cubbies and a place to mount the switch/panel:

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Of course, need a stereo and a place for lure boxes:

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Now we need a front deck for sleeping on in the sun and holding the drink cooler...eeerrrrr...I mean casting from and holding the catch:

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Now some anchor storage and a possible future trolling motor mounting spot:

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Battery locker:

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Moving along:

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Stopped to use some scraps to build a "drill center" in the shop:

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Coming together now:]

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Starting to carpet the decks:

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Starting to work on the cover supports for travelling:

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Turning attention back on the trailer, the bow stop needed to be rebuilt and the winch repositioned:

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Now a removable transducer mount and some rub pads for the transom tie down straps:

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Now one trailer must die so the other may live:

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I'd already pirated the axle, springs and wheels of it so it was essentially scrap metal anyways

Swap out the rusty coupler:

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Now to make some loading guides/side bunks and raised lighting so it doesn't get dunked everytime I launch:

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All roughed in and waiting for final welding and finishing:

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Burned on a couple brackets for the marker lights:

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More welding and metal work to clean up yet. Have yet to build the carpets side bunks, kind of thinking of just carpeting the metal pieces. Have to install some rollers on the back of the bunks. Thinking about adding some bunks under the hull further up for just a wee bit more support when trailering. Some ubolts and assorted others still need replacing. Still thinking about making some side steps and a walkway. Then it into paint and rewire.

That's pretty much where it sits today.


Once it's done, I haul it back to the cottage:

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where dad spent most of the few retirement days he had left before Alzheimer's robbed him of everything. Once there, I'll launch the boat, tool out into the harbor:

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where he fished the flats and spread the last of his ashes so he can be one with his most favorite place on this earth....

 

[RyanMerrick]

Very cool project, keep the thread updated on how this project progresses!

 

[thz71]

this is an awesome build man both the build it self and what your are doing to honor your dad's memory

 

[94Sierra4x4]

Epic refurbishing, that thing is flawless. Bet the ol fella is up there enjoyin his time on the water, just wishin he had that kinda comfort back in the day!
Seriously nice work man.

 

[Vortec Lover]

You do everything so cotton-picking thoroughly..... it's rediculous. Is there anything you take it easy on????

Haha, looks awesome man! You got a talent for understanding things, designing and restoring.

 

[great white]

You do everything so cotton-picking thoroughly..... it's rediculous. Is there anything you take it easy on????

Haha, looks awesome man! You got a talent for understanding things, designing and restoring.

47 years old and I work on aircraft and Fly Search and Rescue...."thorough" is a way of life for me and a way of making it to my next birthday.....

 

[Vortec Lover]

47 years old and I work on aircraft and Fly Search and Rescue...."thorough" is a way of life for me and a way of making it to my next birthday.....

 

[thz71]

47 years old and I work on aircraft and Fly Search and Rescue...."thorough" is a way of life for me and a way of making it to my next birthday.....

you should fly down and work on my crew cab when get it haha

 

[1low95GMC]

cool woodworking skills

 

[JAW's]

Awesome work