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My Dad and I picked up a 18-foot wood sled for a project over the winter. We are hoping to keep the boat in use while doing the restoration.
We've only owned it a day, but have made some dramatic changes.
Here is what we started with, photos are from last owners post on Craigslist:
We unbolted, unscrewed and cut zip ties to try and bring the boat back to how the original builder had it. It was pretty obvious where the original builder stopped and future owners did their remodels. I ended up with a gallon ziplock of non-stainless steel hardware (all post original build), and only a small margarine container of stainless steel hardware.
Here is where it was today when we wrapped up work:
The plan is to wrap PT plywood with vinyl for the flooring, taking the time to cut around each rib. Build a small level step deck up front to store the fuel tank and build two seat boxes and mount just before the front step deck. Rebuild some of the transom, rebuilding it properly and adding 1.5-inches to the motor cut out to place the motor at the proper height.
We also slid the boat 24-inches forward on the trailer and will be cutting that 24-inches out of the trailer behind the axle, to help balance the boat a little better.
Any other suggestions?
We've only owned it a day, but have made some dramatic changes.
Here is what we started with, photos are from last owners post on Craigslist:





We unbolted, unscrewed and cut zip ties to try and bring the boat back to how the original builder had it. It was pretty obvious where the original builder stopped and future owners did their remodels. I ended up with a gallon ziplock of non-stainless steel hardware (all post original build), and only a small margarine container of stainless steel hardware.
Here is where it was today when we wrapped up work:


The plan is to wrap PT plywood with vinyl for the flooring, taking the time to cut around each rib. Build a small level step deck up front to store the fuel tank and build two seat boxes and mount just before the front step deck. Rebuild some of the transom, rebuilding it properly and adding 1.5-inches to the motor cut out to place the motor at the proper height.
We also slid the boat 24-inches forward on the trailer and will be cutting that 24-inches out of the trailer behind the axle, to help balance the boat a little better.
Any other suggestions?