Tool List for Boat Mod

Hi Guys,

So I have next week off and I'm excited to finally get started on my mod. Finally! Anyway, I have some tools (a Dewalt set I won a while back) but I'm wondering what sorts of equipment you guys would suggest I either borrow or buy for next week.

I plan on a 2x4 and 2x2 sub-structure forming the frame, and I'll probably just use wood screws to put it together. The frame will be attached to the hollow ribs "somehow." On top of the frame will be the 1/2" plywood deck. The deck will then be carpeted.

This is what I have:
-Drill
-Circular Saw
-Misc. Hand tools. (Screwdriver, Carpet Knife, etc.)

What else do you think I'll need or would make things easier?
-Hand-held jigsaw for cutting curves and the hatches?
-Some sort of rivet gun to attach the frame to the hollow ribs in the bottom of the boat? (would just some screws work too?)

Anyway, any list of tools you guys have used or was glad you had would be appreciated! Thanks!

FishyItch, I'm no expert in the shop by any means, but my main tools were:

circular saw
jig saw
rivet gun
2 drills (one with drill bit and one with phillips head)
saw horses - as many as you can
lots of disposable paint brushes for the spar urethane
carpet glue spreader

i didn't have a mitre saw, but that would have made getting square cuts easier. Also the simpson/samson? strong ties were nice to attach 2x2's together.

hope this helps

I used the following tools for all my mods:

pop-rivet gun
drill
jigsaw
dremel tool
pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers
wire stripper
heat gun (for shrink tube)
shop-vac
bread knife (for cutting foam)

Radio and

Beer.... :beer: But not too much...you want to do this without mistakes. :LOL2:

You'll need a camera too!!! :wink: We would hate to not be able to see your work in progress. Take pics and post them up during your project.

The best thing you can do is to make a drawing of your boat so you may have some kind of idea of what and how you want when finished. I went into paint in microsoft and drew up plans, before and after so to have something to go by, because if you don't, you will be back tracking all the time. Then I made a list in microsoft word of what I needed to do and when it was completed, I crossed it off my list. I also made a price list in microsoft excel to keep up with expenses.
See examples below of another boat I just completed.
My to do list.
List to do for conversion from tiller style to center console style.
1. sand and prime with self etching primer and paint console
2. build base for console and add carpet.
3. mount base to boat floor.
4. mount console to base.
5. move troll motor battery to console
6. run troll motor wires down the sides and across to seat compartment.
7. install on-board 6 amp battery charger in front seat compartment.
8. install divider between battery and storage.
9. big door in back covering motor battery and gas tank, cut down as needed.
10. have hole cut in seat thru the insulation and install 2” PVC pipe for wiring tunnel.
11. route all wires from motor and bilge thru 2” tunnel
12. remount start, kill, choke push buttons on console, no key start,
because all of those switches and push buttons were not working on the tiller when I bought it. Were mounted on wood side console
13. mount steering wheel and run cable thru tunnel
14. mount rebuilt shift box and run cables thru tunnel
15. remount bilge, light switches and wires to troll motor battery.
16. remount GPS and depth finder on top of console and run all wires to troll motor battery.
17. remount fuse terminal block under console.
18. mount small pull up grab bar on left side of console
19. mount tall grab rail on console for windshield frame
20. have windshield made and mount windshield to tall grab rail on console.
21. mount 2 shelves in console.
22. make padded seat made for console
23. have padded back rest made for console
24. install fuel/water separator
25. move gas tank to back and connect to separator
26. mount red/green tear drop navigations lights on sides of console because existing lights can’t be seen from all directions on the front because of troll motor mounted on the bow.
27. vacuum inside boat for saw dust and aluminum shavings.
28. Several other little small items to take care of.
29. TAKE THE BOAT TO THE WATER FOR TEST DRIVE AND FISH.
30. DROVE IT AND LOVE IT, IT’S A KEEPER, A LITTLE CHOP ON THE WATER, BUT HANDLED REAL GREAT, SMOOTH RIDE.

I would add the following to what has already been posted.

1. Table saw - I ripped 2x4's in half for my framing.
2. Good carpet knife with a lot of extra blades.
3. Rolling pin - I rolled all of my carpet after gluing.
4. An extra set of hands would have helped out a lot.

Thanks a lot you guys! My mod is going to be pretty simple so I think if I pick up or borrow a jig saw I should be good. Also, I've got my bro in law helping me and he's pretty good with all this sort of stuff. Me on the other hand, it will be a learning experience for sure!