Dwreckers
Well-known member
Had a lot of fun with this build as I needed a small upgrade from an old 89 Valco 14'. Upgraded to a 2011 Lund 1648 with a modified V. Started out with just the plain Jane boat. Had the stock floor upgraded already but absolutely HATED the front as it was so sloped. When I bought and tested it I actually slipped and fell on my ass in the middle of the lake stepping down from the bow (pretty funny).
Started off installing a 3/16 aluminum deck braced with 2" angled structural aluminum going from the middle bench seat to the bow. Had to remove foam from the middle seat/livewell as well as a few inches from the bow to reduce any chance of lighting the Styrofoam on fire during welding. Next i had to get new hatches. Ordered a few from Amazon so I had access to my livewell again and one on each corner of the deck to be able to use the space underneath for storage.
Next was to install some sort of flooring in the boat to dampen sound and protect feet from the metal heating up. Ended up going with 2.5 sheets of hydroturf. So far it's really quieted it down and the wife/kid enjoy being barefoot in the boat.
So far it's been a really fun project! Will be adding 2 small light bars to the front with rivnuts (for duck hunting/bowfishing) as well as a minn kota terrova/power drive instead of the minn kota 45 edge that came with it. Also at some point will be adding a switch panel in the back for easy access. Will probably do even more small upgrades as I think of them based on needs/suggestions. Think a 35/40 jet is in the future
Started off installing a 3/16 aluminum deck braced with 2" angled structural aluminum going from the middle bench seat to the bow. Had to remove foam from the middle seat/livewell as well as a few inches from the bow to reduce any chance of lighting the Styrofoam on fire during welding. Next i had to get new hatches. Ordered a few from Amazon so I had access to my livewell again and one on each corner of the deck to be able to use the space underneath for storage.
Next was to install some sort of flooring in the boat to dampen sound and protect feet from the metal heating up. Ended up going with 2.5 sheets of hydroturf. So far it's really quieted it down and the wife/kid enjoy being barefoot in the boat.
So far it's been a really fun project! Will be adding 2 small light bars to the front with rivnuts (for duck hunting/bowfishing) as well as a minn kota terrova/power drive instead of the minn kota 45 edge that came with it. Also at some point will be adding a switch panel in the back for easy access. Will probably do even more small upgrades as I think of them based on needs/suggestions. Think a 35/40 jet is in the future
