My small Eaglecraft

[Illgotoo]

I picked up an older 16 foot Eaglecraft a while back with the intention of using it to fish with and just get out and explore. It's been sitting for a while, but I finally got around to getting it seaworthy.

Here's the boat before anything was done.



I had some new bow rails welded on and a new winch cable ring.



Now I'm replacing the floor. I ripped out the old plywood.



And cut in a new floor. (It's not a welded deck, but that's okay. This will end up being used primarily in freshwater)



Seating is next. This is going to make a great little fishing boat.

[Chaps]

Hey Tom you still out here on the left coast?

[Illgotoo]

Hi Bob, I'm here on the left coast and I'm restoring small fishing boats. Tomorrow epoxy with sand finish for the deck.

[welderbob]

Look like the project is coming along nicely. Nice welding job on the rails.
welderbob

[Illgotoo]

Thanks, WelderBob. Here's what it will look like when it's done.

[welder]

Any more progress on your little fish slayer?

[Illgotoo]

Got to spend some time on the little fish slayer. Here's how the she'll look once the new deck is screwed in.

First time installing a wooden deck -- hope I did it right. Started with 3/4" marine grade plywood. Scribed the outline of the old floor and cut the wood. I primed with pigmented shellac, second coat of blue enamel and a final coat of epoxy. Sprinkled some sand on the epoxy while it was drying.

[Chaps]

Tom, can't say I've ever heard of a paint system like that, be interested in hearing how it holds up

[Illgotoo]

Chaps,

We'll see I guess.

I prefer a welded deck with scuppers, but this is how these boats come -- with a wooden deck. If the deck doesn't last I can always have an aluminum deck welded in.
I'll install a Whale Gusher style hand pump to get rid of bilge water.

Next up is seating and I also need to get the internal gas tank checked before I screw down the deck. Here's a picture of what I have in mind for the rear helm seat. Daigle makes their own seats so I want to get one.