Recent content by billhowardoutdoors

Front platform installed and mounted, front trap door working, and access behind seat on platform in place!

It's definately a Starcraft. I'm building the 14ft version of yours into a fishing/hunting/bowfishing boat. I'm installing a trolling motor on the front and turning the handle 90 degrees to steer. Im going to install 11 10w LED lights off the front (5 on each side, 1 submerged like a gigging...

First really nice weekend I've had in a while that something else wasn't planned.

Got the first coats on the inside and upper part of the outside. Next will be second coats, and dark brown on the trim around the top of the boat.

Gonna be a fun project. Out of curiosity, the foam under the seat, was it floatation foam? It looks like the type you use for a cushion and would soak up water like a sponge! Of course, this is just based on the pic. Can't wait to see the progress!

Weather cooperated a little this weekend so I was able to get a little hull work done. First I sprayed and cleaned with a pressure washer, sanded, primed, and got the bottom painted. Looks like Wednesday is my next warm day so I'm going to try and have the upper outside painted then (different...

That's what I measuring down to. The ribs run every 1 foot and that's where I'll be drilling the holes. Thanks for looking out for me though! :)

I'm going to run a 2x6 down the center for support (it'll be cut wedge shaped to fit the contour from back to front) but I do not have it cut yet. To find out the slope I am going to drill a small 1/8" hole every foot along the supports and stick a clothes hanger down the hole to see how deep...

The boat I am modifying now will run off 12v. I'm trying to design it where the lights can go underwater since I will run lower lumens with the LED's than other types of lighting. By going underwater, I can eliminate the reflected light off the surface of the water. Think flounder gigging.

Oh, and I figure this is as good of a place as any to keep up with project costs. This will be a running total. Here is the start. 14' Starcraft v-hull Even trade on Craigslist 4x8 plywood for floor Lowes $31 2x2x8' wood for...

All you have to do is start! :D One thing with 'projects' and men according to my wife...projects never end. Luckily, I set a goal of when I need it ready for the water so they encouraged me to get out there this weekend and finish tearing it down, even with the temps below freezing and snow...

Well, a little history first. I am an outdoors columnist for 8 newspapers in North Carolina, and freelance writer. I am currently working on 3 books (yes, all at the same time...), two of which are based on North Carolina's outdoors opportunities and one called Bowfishing the Slam. I am an...