Building a catfish boat

Just a couple more pics.

I’ll also say the next time I do this I’ll use West Systems 105 epoxy with a filler so the sanding isn’t so horrible. I know if I carpeted or coated it with something Like gatorskins I wouldn’t have to sand it so smooth but I like that smooth painted look.

This Bondo stuff is ok but I’d rather use metering pumps instead of trying to mix up small amounts in a mixing up and dripping hardener out of a tube.

I’m wondering if I should wrap the front deck is some fiberglass cloth? I I don’t think it’ll add too much weight to it but I’m not sure if it would be worth the effort in the long run?

I have given the boat a name. Jon Ramboat. Simple but durable, low tech, highly capable, mission oriented.

Jon Ramboat also has a mascot...

Since the name is a play off of Rambo I thought I’d put a big raven on the bait tank lid being it was his call sign in Vietnam.

I found a silhouette of one I liked so I drew it to size and cut it out to use as a pattern. If I had a scroll saw I’d just cut it out of wood but instead I cut it out of black EVA foam from hobby lobby.

I’m iffy about using it. I have some 3M spray adhesive that I may try if I decide to go with the foam but not sure if it’s what I should use or not. My worries are fading and peeling. Does anyone have any experience with any of this they’d like to share?

Battery hatches cut. I have them halfway coated with resin and drying now.

Jon Ramboat is getting closer to being finished every day. I cut out the top of the front bench to make an anchor locker. I’ll cut the wood later.

A beautiful creation. You'll be sad when it's finally "done".... That's usually when it's time for a new boat...

Shaugh said:

A beautiful creation. You'll be sad when it's finally "done".... That's usually when it's time for a new boat...

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I’m way ahead of you. A buddy of mine recently gave me a 12 foot sea king with an old Mercury 8.9 two stroke.

Devised a way to hold my mats in the floor of the boat. Just some .05” hdpe plastic cut in strips with some aluminum to keep it from buckling up.

I also took the same hdpe plastic sheet and cut a splash guard for the bait tank as well. Also got the battery doors hinged and locks put in.

Stuff gettin done...

DM1975 said:

Devised a way to hold my mats in the floor of the boat. Just some .05” hdpe plastic cut in strips with some aluminum to keep it from buckling up.

I also took the same hdpe plastic sheet and cut a splash guard for the bait tank as well. Also got the battery doors hinged and locks put in.

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That is a pretty clever solution to keeping your floor mats in place. Nicely done.

LDUBS said:

DM1975 said:

Devised a way to hold my mats in the floor of the boat. Just some .05” hdpe plastic cut in strips with some aluminum to keep it from buckling up.

I also took the same hdpe plastic sheet and cut a splash guard for the bait tank as well. Also got the battery doors hinged and locks put in.

Click to expand...

That is a pretty clever solution to keeping your floor mats in place. Nicely done.

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Thanks. I think I need to put another bolt through halfway between the aluminum strips and each end. That would still allow them to be easily removable but would take all of the play out of them.

Some stuff I’m working on today and for the last week.

I was wondering where you were in Kansas as that stretch of river looks familiar. Yesterday I was going to Walmart and saw your boat, it looks great. It really is a small world we live two blocks from each other. :roflmao: :roflmao:

Roy said:

I was wondering where you were in Kansas as that stretch of river looks familiar. Yesterday I was going to Walmart and saw your boat, it looks great. It really is a small world we live two blocks from each other. :roflmao: :roflmao:

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Oh wow!!! Thanks! You should give me a shout sometime!

I wanted to see how much this weighs before I committed to it too much. It comes in at just 4 lbs. I think that’s pretty lightweight and will work well.

DM1975 said:

I wanted to see how much this weighs before I committed to it too much. It comes in at just 4 lbs. I think that’s pretty lightweight and will work well.

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Very nice woodworking you do there

jerseycat9 said:

DM1975 said:

I wanted to see how much this weighs before I committed to it too much. It comes in at just 4 lbs. I think that’s pretty lightweight and will work well.

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Very nice woodworking you do there

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Thank you!

I cut out the top and got it attached. As it sits now it weighs 6 lbs.

DM1975 said:

Roy said:

I was wondering where you were in Kansas as that stretch of river looks familiar. Yesterday I was going to Walmart and saw your boat, it looks great. It really is a small world we live two blocks from each other. :roflmao: :roflmao:

Click to expand...

Oh wow!!! Thanks! You should give me a shout sometime!

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Float downstream to Topeka and I'll wave! I kayak the river in sections between Manhattan and Lawrence quite a bit.
You're doing beautiful work on this boat. I've really enjoyed looking at your process.

I got my rod holders built and installed and have everything ready to go with the switch console. Just have to epoxy, paint, and wire it up. Total weight of the switch console is now 10lbs.