1982 SmokerCraft 1650 Deluxe Angler - Rebuild Troller

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badbill

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Hello all,
I love rebuilding older boats and have been a fan on tinboats.net for a while looking at the different builds. I have been into kayak fishing over the past few years and decided a few weeks ago to go back to boats. Since I love the challenge and love to troll for various species I decided to look for a v-bottom to start my next trolling fishing machine.

My wish list:
Older 80's v-bottom 16-17 feet but max 18
something that will take a open cockpit design and did not have built in seats in it already
Engine must be running and in good condition since I wanted most of the budget to go into the rebuild not the engine
something stable and wide so that I can carry 3-4 and fish 2 comfortable

I looked all over Craigslist looking but I am very sceptical of boats on the website so I continued to look around. I found one a few days ago on Craigslist so I decided to go look at. I called the owner and much to my surprise it was a nice older man.

I called and we met at his home. He showed me the boat and I was really surprised at the condition. It is a 1982 SmokerCraft that he purchased. It has a 1985 35HP Mercury engine that he ran in his driveway. It cranks first try and he had just had it fully serviced. Tilt and trim worked perfectly too.

My plans are to gut it and replace the decks. I want to make a lower deck in the front, a plate for new trolling motor, open the floor plan up so I can move around while trolling.

I have a few questions for the experts:
- on the sides of the boat there are areas with Styrofoam that I would like to remove and build lower spaces like the new boats. do you think this will hurt anything if I make sure the flotation under the desk is all secure and in good condition?
- I think I'm going to move the livewell to the middle front deck to open up the cockpit. Does anyone see any issues with weight if I do this? I will post a sketch of my thoughts
- any suggestions on widening the gunwale rails so I can mount down riggers?

Stay tuned for the progress! and I will try to keep this a real-time posting as much as I can
 
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Well I started my project tonight by removing the front deck. I want to go back with a lower deck with the livewell moved to the middle of the front deck. In front of the livewell will be a battery box for 2 batteries for a 24v trolling motor in the future.

I removed it all and found a stowaway "Black Widow" spider who did not see me before I saw him!

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Now to the console, floor and the rear deck removal to see what is underneath the floor to take care of


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Removed the rear deck today and will replace it with one like the new boats have. Small deck but access under the sides for the battery and gas tank. Want a smaller deck to allow for more room in the cockpit for trolling
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Livewell and everything but the console and floor out. Now to start removing the floor and carpet

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Approximately where the livewell will go next

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Carpet is up and only one spot found that is bad. The rest of the floor actually pretty nice. I think I will replace the rear 4 foot. The original floor is 2 layers with a sheet of aluminum in between.

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The front deck seems that it will be 11 1/2 inches high. Unless I recess the two battery's I want to put in the front


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I have a question for someone. I have a drain on the starboard side that was for the livewell that's about 1 1/2 inch. Is there a way to plug it? I want to move the livewell up front and put in a new one because it will not be easy to pipe to it where it is now


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I work for a company who has a extrusion division. I was able to buy scrap for under my deck for scrap cost so my front deck is underway!

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Well I have the inside clean and primed now for paint. Going with white all over and gray carpet. White on the outside and a graphic.

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Removed the sticker graphic and sanded the sides for paint. What is the best way to fill holes in the aluminum where people have drilled?

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Removed the bad place in the floor and will cut a piece to replace since the rest of the floor looks great.

How would you suggest patching?

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Dude, I really like this boat and where it is headed! =D> =D>

Some scrap aluminum and some 5200 should patch your livewell.
 
Ictalurus said:
Dude, I really like this boat and where it is headed! =D> =D>

Some scrap aluminum and some 5200 should patch your livewell.


Thanks! I was beginning to think no one was out there :D

I have some holes on the side where things were attached from previous owner. I want to patch them before I paint. I got some more of the extrusion for trolling bars so I think you will like them when I get them in place.

Want to paint it in the next 2 weeks and start on the inside carpet and deck / storage. I think I'm going to take the console out and make a new one too with the extrusion and plywood / fiberglass.
 
Off the trailer and almost sanded. Ready for paint! and some trailer repair

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This is where heading with the paint - without the Lund stickers lol

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pbw said:
How did you get it off the trailer? Maybe I need a fork lift for mine!

Made it as lite as a could and pulled it out in the yard. My neighbor and I attached the front to the wench and pulled it off about a foot in the back. Put the blocks and 2x4s under it to sit on. The front was lite so we put a strap under the front a lifted. When lifted we drove the trailer out from under it and put 2 blocks and a 2x4 under the front.


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Primer coat is on! Paint 1st coat tomorrow

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Looks great! Quite the ambitious project to be sure, but will be well worth it! Very similar layout to the 16' V-hull I rebuilt last season.

Kayak for sale ... LOL
 

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