Monday, March 9, 2015

Spring is Right Around the Corner

With spring right around the corner the yearly ritual of readying gear is on full force.  Been having fun with these saltwater influenced streamers for trout and bass.  Can't wait to give them a go.  Although it might be a little while before that becomes a reality.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Five Year Anniversary


Five short years ago, I made a purchase that literally opened up a bunch of new water.  Water that otherwise would have been beyond my reach.   The work that it took to complete this project transformed the way I feel about this boat.  It literally has my blood, sweat and tears embedded in the surface of it's hull.  I really didn't know what I was in for when I purchased this hull.  It was functional and the hull was solid, no water in it.  I built a dolly for the boat and moved it in the garage.  The transformation took 4 months.  It could have gone faster but at first I didn't know what I was getting myself into and the only time I had to work on it was after work.  Once I decided that I was going all in on this boat the work moved forward at a good pace.  All the work on the hull was cosmetic in nature, some good gouges and dings to flare out.  Then came the joy of gel-coating.  At first I was intimidated by the process but once I got the hang of it the task went quickly and was easy. I am very pleased by the results. 

 
 The biggest gouge
 Yeah it's been sitting in the back yard for a while.
 Sad to see the teak so far gone.  Sold it all for some cash.
 Its been a well used boat.
The trailer needs new springs
 Springs installed, one of numerous little side jobs that I never know about until they hit me in the face.

The materials needed to get the job done.

 
 Now were getting smooth.

 Closeup of the repair to the bow.

 Bottom of the transom.

 Close up of the bottom of the hull.

 After the first coat on the old gouge areas.

 Looking good.

 This stuff is expensive


 Now were talking.

 Now to put Humpty Dumpty back together.

 Everything but the motor.

Ready to hit the water. 


Up next will be some pics of the species and the places she's taken me.