redoing my boat. need input

[2formulas]

I've been wanting to redo my boat since not long after i got it and I'm finally getting to.

So i need to know do you all prefer carpet or vinyl for the main floor?
I had carpet before and liked it and think it looks better, but i have to wonder if its easier to keep the vinyl nice.

anything thats a must have when talking about storage compartments?
so far i have a rod locker and 2 large storage compartments ive made, plus a box im building for the driving seats that will flip up. i have a rack for some plano boxes in one but the rest is just open for me to throw stuff in.

ill try to get pics up when i can

i started on tuesday and got the entire front of the boat ripped out along with console seats and floor

wednesday i cut and fabbed some aluminum and got to work on the welding which should be done tonight. then im going to plastic in the compartments i made and go to town with plywood and carpet/vinyl




heres the start



torn down



fab work so far

im alot farther now but you can see in the center is rod locker and to either side is storage in front of that is going to be 3 seat mounts im open to suggestions as long as i see em before its too late

[mduncan62]

Would like to see pics, would help to know what you're dealing with. I'd consider not going back with Plywood if you can fabricate a deck yourself with aluminum, I'd go that route. That way this would be the last time you have to do it. JMO though.

If I had a boat to redo, I'd get as much front deck as I could, and get the most out of the storage space as possible.

[2formulas]

pics are uploading now its kinda slow cause theyre on my phone

i brought the deck as far back as i could. i moved the console back 6 inches to get the space i wanted in the rod locker. wish i had room for a bait bucket maybe i can fit one in the back


so if i deck it in alum. do i just carpet that i dont need any plywood? how thick is it usually if you know?

[strmwalker]

i would use tuff coat non-skid coating its rubberized deck&dock coating.this what i used in my boat when i took out the carpet and its great you can get at bass pro shop they have some great colors i used light grey and it stays cool in summer heat here in south carolina and all you have to do when it gets dirty just spray it out!!!

[Hogster1]

Looks good so far. Keep in mind the added deck will add some wieght to the front so you may have trouble getting on plane depending on your motor size.May have to raize the motor or play with different props. You will definately like the added deck space though.

[Double D]

Duncan is right on the deck and storage space, you cannot have too much of either.

[jimp]

check out tinboatsdotnet for some good ideas and tips for a tin boat.

[BarryG]

I Really like strmwalkers idea!!!!! duncans idea is great too!!! Aluminum deck would be the way to go if you can!

[rugsrme]

If you go with carpet, I recommend looking at a local carpet store for auto carpet, it's the same stuff you get at Bass Pro and such places, and compare the prices.
If you are going to carpet metal and areas that can't be stapled as you upholster, use contact cement, you can use it for all of the carpet for that matter, or use an outdoor adhesive (go easy on the amount, it don't take as much as the bucket label recommends for a thin carpet).
Also, avoid carpet with any loops in it (not much fun with fish hooks).
Just my $.02 I kinda know a little about carpet

[Jigging15]

Looks like a lot of work for sure but will be worth the effort and hard work. Bwillaub did his recently and it turned out spectacular with the Auburn colors/theme. Keep the pictures coming as you make progress on it. Don't think I would ever want to tackl. A project like that but love to see the step by step pics when people do.