BIG TIN! Ever done a resto on one of these big lake boats?

As a kid growing up in Ohio I remember seeing different BIG Aluminum boats. Crestliner, Alumacraft, Starcraft, Smoker Craft, Sea Nymph.

example
https://sturgeonfalls.canadianlisted.com/boats/crestliner-24-aluminum-boat-cuddy-cabin-cover-5-7l-v8-outdrive_249786.html

another example
https://boats.iboats.com/1988-sea-nymph-cuddy-22-5755-cincinnati/723659.html

Later after Joining the Marine Corps I lived in coastal NC, (Havelock, NC) and was exposed to Carolina Skiffs and sportfishing Center Consoles and walk arounds. One time on leave back home in Ohio in the mid 90's I spotted one of these older aluminum big water lake boats. I thought " its the same as a saltwater fishing walkaround".

example



Has anyone done a resto of one of these "big Tins" ? I would love to go back home and pick up an old one, bring it to Fl and restore/mod it into a saltwater off shore rig. What do you think?

Alumacraft has done something similar to this with their new center console. they have taken the saltwater CC

and made a tin version of it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NShOP0XFCRk

Sure, it's just more involved, and more expensive...

No reason why you can't do it though.

Check out https://www.gaudetboats.com/index.html

We have several local builders building them. I've never run one but I do see them around. I've heard a lot of people love them but have also heard a lot of complaints. One is the abuse they take in "big" water. Aluminum doesn't flex like fiberglass which leads to metal fatigue and stress fractures. On the other hand I work for a company that makes RBM's and Coast Guard roll over boats. They are all made from aluminum.

Those boats are awesome!

I don't think the big waves and chop of the great lakes would be any less harsh on a boat than the waves and swells in the ocean.

But common sense always applies. Im not going to take a 20 year old riveted thin alum boat and try to re-enact the perfect storm with it. Just like I wouldn't buy an old tracker 1436, put a jet motor on it and try to slide over rocks in the susky river with it.

I would like to get one about 20-22 feet in length. a Cuddy Cabin of some type with an outboard (just because its easier to work with). For use just offshore or in the intracoastal waterways. A starcraft Islander would be great.

I found this link of a Starcraft Islander. Something like this would be perfect. I just need one that has an outboard. Or maybe a Jet Inboard would be good too. Now Im getting ahead of myself.... My wife is so mad that I am even thinking about this... Lol.

I would really love to have on the of the New welded Alum sportfishing boats, but thats not going to happen. If I had that kind of money I would be in a Blazer or Legend with a 250merc jet right now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55cvGU5DuiI&feature=related

My brother has an 18" Starcraft with a 90" beam that we are going to do some time. I can't wait!

That would be an awesome build Decatur.

This is a Starcraft Sabre with an outboard. Perfect for what I want to do.