1985 Sea Nymph bass boat hull up custom rebuild

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 11:08

This is my first time posting!

Project boat= 1985 Sea Nymph Bass Attacker 16.5' with a 40hp Evinrude

This took me 7 months working mostly 1-2 days a week with a few setbacks and constant re-imagining along the way. I decided to document my project as I worked and then post all at once, instead of updates along the way.

Forgive my lack of details about materials, sizes and written information in general... I will rely more on pictures to explain than anything else.

Here is the Bass boat to Center console flats boat story. Enjoy!

PA Delaware Fisher · Post by **PA Delaware Fisher** » 26 Oct 2014, 11:10

That's awesome man! Enjoy it!

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 11:16

First on the list is replacing the (mulch-like) transom...

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 11:25

While the boat is mostly stripped down, it was time to flip it over prep and steel-flex the bottom and paint the sides.

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 11:39

Next step is the floor. I am lucky enough to have a metal recycling center nearby that sells aluminum fairly cheap.

I ran irrigation drip hose up the chines in order to run wiring under the flooring.
I laid down foam for floatation and sound reduction.

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 11:57

I chose the center console style at this point... This is where I got creative...

I repurposed an angle-sided aluminum truck tool box.. It turned out better than I expected and makes a great, lockable electronics storage area. It holds an onboard 3 bank charger and a battery. Near the steering wheel I mounted a switch panel and gas gauge.

The steering cable was long enough to reach, but i had to buy longer shift and throttle cables. The controls were easiest to mount on the left side of the console. It was awkward to use at first, but after 5 minutes it seemed natural.

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 12:13

Now on to the rear deck, flotation sections, storage areas and hatches.

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 12:36

The front deck was originally two-leveled, so I added a support brace in the center and along the edges to make it into a single front deck. There is open storage underneath, a 12 gallon aluminum fuel tank, a trolling battery and two sections of closed storage. I then added decking along the gunnels (repurposed bleacher seat) to connect the front and rear decking.

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 12:45

While creating this post, I realize that there are a few details I still need to get pictures of... I will soon post pictures of the gas filler hatch and the front compartments.

As with any project, I still have some work to do. I plan on adding a swim platform with a ladder in the near future.

Feel free to ask any questions!

Thank you to all who have posted their projects before me, it was a great asset in helping with mine!

PA Delaware Fisher · Post by **PA Delaware Fisher** » 26 Oct 2014, 13:12

VERY impressed with your console idea!!!

I might use that. You would prob be able to sell some if you made a few!

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 13:46

Thanks! -The original idea came from this forum!

I forgot to mention some other finishing touches...

I used inexpensive interlocking foam mat on the deck for comfort and glued it down with 3M adhesive...

I put in flush mount LED navigation lights in the front...

I installed a three bank charger in the center console... One battery in the back, one in the console, and one up front...

The original 40hp Evinrude had issues, so i switched it out with a 60hp Johnson....

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 26 Oct 2014, 14:32

One more glimpse at the starting point..

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 28 Oct 2014, 21:38

Today I took a few more photos of the boat, highlighting the storage compartments I built into the decking and the unusual gas filler hatch.

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 29 Oct 2014, 12:01

I forgot to mention the hatch handles I used. They are Southco brand stainless handles. I found them on eBay at a reasonable price. They work very well with the thin aluminum decking i used.

chiroflorida · Post by **chiroflorida** » 18 Jan 2015, 20:31

Lately I've been fishing more than working on the boat, but I have managed to add a few more things.

I glued down foam mat to the floor for a cleaner look, sound reduction and a bit of traction. It also helps keep my rods and reels in better shape when trailering the boat.

I used 5200, glueing the floor section first, then each side.

When time allows, I have plans to add LED strip lighting inside the boat, a tilt/trim unit and a swim ladder.