Andy **'s first bass boat ... a project

[Andy **]

I have decided to create a thread about my boat project.

This opening sentence was very carefully selected, as I didn’t want to include any reference to persons who feel they may have been instrumental or persuasive to get me to start this thread. There are those who are dying to know what I am working on; and I somehow like to believe that their suggestion of proposing a thread; may serve as a vehicle to gain insight as to what is going on my driveway. I do also so enjoy keeping the suspense and will enjoy the day of the unveiling with enormous pride. So, for the record this thread is entirely my own idea.

The other thing that is noticeable about the opening sentence is the rather vague and generic description of the project. I referred only to: “boat project”. Picture me with finger over my chin, my brow stepped in thought and my gaze distant, as I am thinking of a good name for my boat. I don’t want the usual name that bass boats get. I don’t want something that rings with the typical aggressive predator branding used in bass marketing circles. It’s quite important to me, so I’m taking my time and trying very hard to be creative and original. When I eventually make a decision, I’ll update the opening sentence. Topping the list of my choices so far is: Carmen Electra. I could explain that one at length, but if you use your imagination and google you'll appreciate how appropriate it could be to call a lot of things Carmen Electra. I haven’t thought of another name to write on the list yet, but I’m not rushed. Let’s give it some time.

I started this acquisition with a critical look at my needs. There were a couple of important boxes that had to be ticked. Firstly the boat had to be at least 16 foot with a generous beam. I wanted a fairly solid and heavy boat with a strongly defined elegant leading keel and a widened transom. All paper work had to be in order regarding the buoyancy and valid COF. I know the dam I prefer to fish can be rough at times so it is desirable to have a craft comparable with the performance levels of a small ship. Yet, I do have a need to be able to launch and handle this craft by myself. The trailer is just as important: it has to be strong and preferably complete so that I could focus on what matters right now: the boat. I wanted a good couple of reliable horses. The way I see it, when buying a second hand boat, the biggest chunk of your buck goes towards the motor. So, it’s important to have a good look at the motor by doing the tests and checking for a service history. The last box was the price. The rest of my bass boat, I was willing to develop as required and if more plusses were purchased in the original package, it would be a bonus.

I think I’ve done well. Actually, I’m highly chuffed with myself on my decision to buy this boat.
I picked up a Pro Bass bass boat, originally commissioned for a Mr. Len Bakkes from the workshop of Camping and Boating Centre in the 90's. She’s displayed on a monstrous break neck trailer which is fully galvanized with spare wheel and papers present. She’s powered by a magnificent 130HP v4 YAMAHA motor which is in outstanding condition. The boat’s top side has taken a bit of a wear and nothing is broken; and helped me negotiate a price that made a neat fit to the size of my wallet.
There are some additional notables: two functioning live wells and both pedestal seats. The windscreens had been removed but were in storage, as were life vests and other safety equipment. There is even a ski pole that can be inserted and fixed to the rear pedestal’s fitting. In one of the boxes I found a 22 pitch stainless steel propeller as well, that looks almost new. The fuel tank carries 60 liters and there are two batteries that still carry some life. One of these batteries is only a year old. I have five other hatches for storing goods and the one on the floor is able to take rods.
The trolling motor is a Mercury Thruster R45 24V Machete foot controlled bow mount that looks good for its age. It’s complete and will get a good clean up. There are two black suitcases with Eagle fish finders, which makes me feel like Roger Moore.

I really don’t have an inclination to photograph much, but I’ll do my best and get some pictures up here as I progress. In addition, I’d like to discuss many things on this thread that are directly and indirectly associated with owning and grooming a bass boat. I am hoping that you'll help to make me aware of some of these issues.

[Navrik]

Congrats Andy.

Getting a bass boat is a huge step....in the right direction. The freedom of being able to fish when you and the weatherman agrees is really great!

Hope to catch you on the water soon.

[Juba]

Nice one Andy!

[KingDon]

Can't wait to see, to help, to advise, to long already, come on lets start where are the pictures?

[Riprap]

Lekka Andy, I sense your excitement and congrats on the new baby. You might just be astounded by the advice you get if you ask questions here. Good luck with her.

[LaRocks]

:lol: Thanks Andy, for including us in your boat project. The yellow Carmen Electra.

[PaulPlumstead]

Congrats my friend, cant wait to enjoy a session on her :eusa_dance:

[Andy **]

I've been interrupted with a trip to Jhb last week.
So, only this morning have I looked at the boat again.

Ooof, what a lot of work. And I want to get out on the water by at least the middle of December.

Here are the DAY 1 pics. The carpet has been ripped off. The carpet disintegrated into tiny pieces and was mostly removed with a scraper.
At a glance: The steering wheel has split and bubbled in the sun. The topside has taken a beating from UV rays. The fibreglass appears faded and the stickers are going to leave large ugly shadows in the top coat. The seat has been devoured by the sun. The lockers are ok, but the hinges and handles need to be replaced. Just a whole lot of cleaning and googling going on. She looks best in the late evening from about three meters away.

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[Andy **]

I went to a local graphics supplier in Maitland for some inspiration.

Shaky hand, five minutes with a internet tutorial and a heat gun that evening, had me put putting down a sample. Next time I would not do it in a howling south easter and I would not do it under a messy pine tree.

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[Andy **]

Later on, I called C to come have a look at my handy work.
Unfortunately her opening comment was: " hey, Mazda brings out a car in that color"
I didn't like it much, that, that was the first thing that would come to mind. The other weird thing was the amount of static that shocked me as I ran my hand over the vinyl.
So, I have removed the vinyl since.

[Navrik]

Andy just a tip before you start re-carpeting.

Put some Sondor EVA foam down under the carpets. It gives a bit of padding underfoot for long days on the water and I believe it also protects your carpets with a bit of padding between carpet and the deck.

[Andy **]

I hauled her out from the side and put her on the lawn for a full clean out.
You'll see the new steering wheel is installed.

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[Andy **]

by the close of a day last Saturday... ffwd..

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[supasalamisami]

I love that colour. Very unique.

[KingDon]

Well done so far Andy you are going to be one happy bass boat owner when all is done