Blinging up a 14' Tinny

[HunterDave]

Bling might not be a good description as I'm looking for ideas for mods that are functional as opposed to aesthetic.

I picked up an old Sears 14' aluminum a couple of years ago and I've refinished/painted the outside of it. I'm going to sell my 12 footer and I'll do all of my fishing from the 14 footer with a 15 hp. This'll likely be my last boat so I want to make it comfy/tidy and functional inside. I mainly fish medium to small lakes but I plan on fishing Cold Lake on occasion. The inside has aluminum benches with no storage area beneath them.

I'm planning on getting high backed seats for it but I'm not sure about what is best to secure them to the boat. Would I be better with a pedestal mount at least for the operator in order to see well over the bow or will those clamp on the bench ones be fine?

I have a 35 lb thrust trolling motor with a handle extension so I'll need a battery box and battery. I might as well install some nav lights while I'm at it. I haven't checked the regs to see if it's a requirement but should I buy oar locks and oars as well?

Vertical rod holders to keep things tidy?

I'm tired of accidentally dumping my tackle box so any ideas to remedy that would be great.

I'm going to have to pick up a fishfinder and find a good spot to mount it.

Is it a good idea to put in a removable floor about 1' wide?

I have a clamp on the gunnel downrigger to put on when I need it and I'm going to buy a rod holder but other than the required anchor, etc, I don't have anything else extra. I'm open to any and all ideas.....pictures would be bonus.

[58thecat]

IMG00633.jpg

I put in a flat floor with plywood and indoor/outdoor carpet so you can walk around (not too far though). Pedestal mounted seats for comfort, back has the gas can, battery case to run fish liar (fish finder) and yes a bilge pump too. Installed rod holders, middle bench is where i clean, prep and cook if I bring the coleman stove aboard. It aint fancy but really practical and in bad weather I go below, mix a drink, kick back and watch the outdoor channel on th 60" plasma!

[RavYak]

The clamp on seats work decent, kind of annoying though since they move around and rub paint off etc and don't feel that secure at times(depending on the seat you are clamping them to, mine I can clamp down as hard as possible but if I lean back seat will still move). They are nice in that they are easily movable though and that is why I will keep the one for the middle row as it is rarely used.

Another option is to just use a quick connect and a swivel, for this you will have to drill holes in the aluminum seats but the seats will be more stable and pretty much permanent which I like for the main seats.

A pedestal seat is likely unnecessary unless you have a super wide/deep 14 footer. I put a higher seat on my old boat because the fuel tank was in the way but the seat didn't feel comfortable.

I find the hardest part is trying to fit everything in on a little aluminum boat(fuel tank, battery, tackle, fish finder, trolling motor, rods, legs etc) so I am planning on modifying my seats so I can store some of the bigger things like battery out of the way, that is if I can ever get the thing out of the snow bank it is in...

Only requirement is that you have a paddle with you but oar locks and oars will sure make for easier paddling if you ever get stuck with engine issues. Mine has them built in but I need to adapt something better for oar holders when they aren't in use.

[thumper]

I've had a 14' Harbercraft tinny for 25+ years.

I put in a marine plywood floor by cutting it to fit the lateral ribs perfectly - then tapping it into the ribs with a mallet, so the floor stays put - even if the boat is flipped over - without any screws or adhesives. No carpet as I was (am) afraid that will eventually cause the plywood to rot. I like the floor because it keeps everything from collecting in the bottom, my dog can sleep on it without freezing, it's quieter for stealthy fishing and it gives a nice flat surface for kids & seniors to move around on.

I also covered the bow with plywood, because the dog likes to sit up there.

And I covered the seats with plywood, and just screwed the basic seat swivels to the ply. I started out with the clamp-on seats, but found that fishing line, nets and all sorts of stuff was getting caught up in the clamps.

[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by thumper

I've had a 14' Harbercraft tinny for 25+ years.

I put in a marine plywood floor by cutting it to fit the lateral ribs perfectly - then tapping it into the ribs with a mallet, so the floor stays put - even if the boat is flipped over - without any screws or adhesives. No carpet as I was (am) afraid that will eventually cause the plywood to rot. I like the floor because it keeps everything from collecting in the bottom, my dog can sleep on it without freezing, it's quieter for stealthy fishing and it gives a nice flat surface for kids & seniors to move around on.

I also covered the bow with plywood, because the dog likes to sit up there.

And I covered the seats with plywood, and just screwed the basic seat swivels to the ply. I started out with the clamp-on seats, but found that fishing line, nets and all sorts of stuff was getting caught up in the clamps.

Do you have any pics....Would love to see them as I am aslo experiementing with my aluminum boat..

Thanks eh!

[Mayhem]

Do a search, I'm sure there are some more threads about this but this is the one that comes to mind.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=20113

This is a bigger hull but lots of good ideas and well documented too.

http://correllconcepts.com/boat_conversion.htm

[desiel]

tinboats .net has lots of posts on modifacations with progress reports and pictures. everything from flats to deep v and home build jet mods from jet skis. i get lots of ideas from there for my tinner and my 18 foot lowe.

desiel

[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by Mayhem

Do a search, I'm sure there are some more threads about this but this is the one that comes to mind.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=20113

This is a bigger hull but lots of good ideas and well documented too.

http://correllconcepts.com/boat_conversion.htm

Thanks...But I asked to see pics of HIS boat....No pics in your first thread

[Mayhem]

Originally Posted by kevinhits

Thanks...But I asked to see pics of HIS boat....No pics in your first thread

Only one person that can help you out with that, I was replying to the OP...

[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by Mayhem

Only one person that can help you out with that, I was replying to the OP...

My Bad....Sorry about that

[bobalong]

I have a 14 ft Misty River, and the first thing I did was to put a floor in it, and some swivel seats. I like sitting sideways when I am driving the big motor, or operating the trolling motor, so swivel bases were a must for me. Mounted a sonar on the side, and an anchor lock on the front. Added some rod holders, storage and fishing, works well. I use it mostly in the river, and a couple of small lakes.

[Mranderson22]

I know it's off topic but if you need a buyer for your 12 footer send me a PM, I've been on the lookout for one
Thanks and good luck with your upgrades

[HunterDave]

Thanks for the replies, links and photos (bobalong).

I like the idea of stowing things away instead of tripping over everything in the boat so I'm definitely going to be putting in a floor. I think that putting in a floor and wiring the boat will be the first two things that I do. I kind of like what this fella did with his Alumacraft:

http://forums.iboats.com/completed-b...ct-267237.html

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by Mranderson22

I know it's off topic but if you need a buyer for your 12 footer send me a PM, I've been on the lookout for one
Thanks and good luck with your upgrades

People have been asking about it but both boats are out at the lake and I can't get them out (with the trailer) until the snow melts a bit. Maybe I'll have a look this week.

[Hunter Trav]

If you want to use the clamps for the seats, I've got 2 I won't be using anymore as I mounted the seats right onto the bench using the swivels. As for rod holders, get yourself a couple of these...

http://www.down-east.com/website_006.htm

They work great, a buddy showed these to me and now I've got a few of them on my boat...

[tonypower]

Dave please let me know what you do. I bought the same set up last year. 14 ft sears with the aluminum benches with a 15hp Johnson. Only took it out twice. I have done lots of research. The big problem we are going to have is weight. I am alone most of the time so I think a little extra weight will be ok. I can't wait to customize it. Great post!!

[tonypower]

One question though, my boat has an aluminum cap on the bow. So it covers from the end of the Smallest bench seat to front of the boat. Is this for strength? Am I ok to remove it? I would think I would be fine but want to be sure. thanks

[thumper]

I don't think that aluminum bow cap is for strength - it's pretty light duty.

[Mayhem]

I don't have any pics of my old Lund tinner but this is how I had the seats mounted. Full swivel and can easily be removed/moved for travel or fishing alone. Mock up your seat positions first while on the water to make sure everything works.

http://www.cabelas.ca/product/12394/...ck-chair-slide

http://www.cabelas.ca/product/12408/...-mounting-base

This is how I did the interior (pics 2, 3 and 4). I can't say enough about vinyl decking for durability and ease of cleaning. Just pull plug, raise the bow and pressure wash. I made a rear floor section too, keeps the feet dry.

http://www.lundboats.ca/boats/2013-a...4-16-a-18-boat

[Willowtrail]

Here's what I did to mine Dave.

It was fibreglass though.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showt...t=Boat+project

You got my number if you have any questions, feel free to call me

[FishingFrenzy]

Before:


After:







Casting deck is great for fly fishing/topwater fishing. Its fully removable, friction fit. All you gotta do is lift er out.

Front seat is bolted straight to casting deck with SS bolts. Drivers seat is removable, its got a "slider". I got the hardware at WSS for about 50 bucks?

Oars are home made out of 2X8s - not worth it. Way too much work for a so-so end product. Its cool saying I made them tho.

Transom board is added, just bolted on and coated with spar varnish. I did it more for looks than anything...

I've since sealed up some small leaks with 3M 5200 and added rod holders.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by tonypower

Dave please let me know what you do. I bought the same set up last year. 14 ft sears with the aluminum benches with a 15hp Johnson. Only took it out twice. I have done lots of research. The big problem we are going to have is weight. I am alone most of the time so I think a little extra weight will be ok. I can't wait to customize it. Great post!!

I used my 12 footer last year so I haven't even taken the 14 footer on the water yet. In comparison to other boats it looks very shallow so I'm thinking that any floor that I put in is going to be close to the bottom and maybe not too wide. I would have liked a little storage under the floor though.

Like you say, weight is an issue as well. I think that a little extra in the bow would be good for scooting around alone.

How high up did the water come up along the sides and back of the boat and how stable in the water was it?

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by tonypower

One question though, my boat has an aluminum cap on the bow. So it covers from the end of the Smallest bench seat to front of the boat. Is this for strength? Am I ok to remove it? I would think I would be fine but want to be sure. thanks

I don't have that on mine, I just have a smaller cast aluminum piece with a handle like what FishingFrenzy has. I'm thinking that as long as you have that smaller piece in the front the rest would be okay to take off. Maybe you should post a picture so people are sure of what you're talking about.

[FishingFrenzy]

HunterDave, I dont reccomend a deck as high as mine, she can be a bit tippy if there's any chop whatsoever. Im guessing if you were 3-8 inchs off the bottom of your boat you would be good. You could do rod storage under the deck?? Even tackle trays... I would like to do it to mine except I dont have a real boat trailer. Just a flat deck snowmobile trailer....so we have to lift it on and off by hand.

[HunterDave]

Is yours a Sears boat FF? I can't remember what the inside of mine looks like. To me my boat doesn't look very deep so I'm thinking that a 2" x 2" frame with 1/2" plywood/carpet on top for a floor is as high as I'd want to go. There wouldn't be room to store anything under the floor though. I like the idea of storage in the front like what you did for the anchor, etc.

Here's an upside down view of my boat. Does it look shallow to you?

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

Is yours a Sears boat FF? I can't remember what the inside of mine looks like. To me my boat doesn't look very deep so I'm thinking that a 2" x 2" frame with 1/2" plywood/carpet on top for a floor is as high as I'd want to go. There wouldn't be room to store anything under the floor though. I like the idea of storage in the front like what you did for the anchor, etc.

Here's an upside down view of my boat. Does it look shallow to you?

Your boat looks like the typical boat around here, not a deep v but not too shallow. I personally don't see the point in a full floor in a boat like that, maybe a deep v but not one like that. My old 14' was similar to yours and the seats are fairly low so I think it would just make things uncomfortable by raising up the floor.

The front storage is a decent idea depending on your front seat location/height. You would be able to store a few little things up there but not a whole lot. My old boat had the front boarded off and the fuel tank sat on top, that is an idea as well and you can still slide some things in under the seat(that is where we kept the anchor).

[FishingFrenzy]

Mine is a "King Fisher".

Its a pretty shallow v-hull. Yours looks about the same as mine.

The reason for the flat floor is to make standing more comfortable, as well as sound deadening and keeping stuff from getting wet. Most riveted aluminum's seep a little water here and there, and keeping your stuff dry is nice. A wood floor will also prevent some reflection going up into your eyes.

Make sure to be cautious when your out running around in that boat Dave, with mine I have to ease off the throttle real easy or I take wash over the transom... only reason I dont like my aluminum.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by FishingFrenzy

Make sure to be cautious when your out running around in that boat Dave, with mine I have to ease off the throttle real easy or I take wash over the transom... only reason I dont like my aluminum.

Yeah, thanks for that. Been there, done that. That's one of the reasons that I'm thinking a little more weight in the front won't hurt. Sometimes I throw a spare tire in the front of the 12 footer for ballast now that I'm older and +200 lbs. It's funny that I didn't have to do that when I was only 180 lbs.....lol!

[Kim473]

Originally Posted by bobalong

I have a 14 ft Misty River, and the first thing I did was to put a floor in it, and some swivel seats. I like sitting sideways when I am driving the big motor, or operating the trolling motor, so swivel bases were a must for me. Mounted a sonar on the side, and an anchor lock on the front. Added some rod holders, storage and fishing, works well. I use it mostly in the river, and a couple of small lakes.

With seats side ways like you got them bobalong, you can build in trays under them for your tackle. No need for a tackle box then taking up room. Buddy did that and its the cats meow.

[RavYak]

Originally Posted by FishingFrenzy

Make sure to be cautious when your out running around in that boat Dave, with mine I have to ease off the throttle real easy or I take wash over the transom... only reason I dont like my aluminum.

Heh, brings back memories of a couple years ago.

Had the old 14' out on a lake in Sask with family. Had forgot to unhook the gas tank on the short trip to the lake and the motor was flooded.

I opened up the throttle and started cranking on the pull start. What I didn't pay enough attention to was that it was in forward not neutral and because of that the throttle was wide open and obviously in gear. I was using both hands trying to get the thing started so the motor was tilted all the way to one side.

Finally the engine roared to life and that little boat did a 180 in a split second nearly throwing me over board. I quickly reacted and turned the throttle down but that caused about a foot high wave to come in over the transom lol.

Needless to say after my Grandma who was on shore thought it was quite hilarious after she saw that everything was all right.

I really like my new 12 footer, the deep v bottom makes a world of a difference.