Any classic "V" alum designs? I have the boat, want to finish it.

[cpholley]

So I found this old aluminum 14 footer up at my lake place. It looks like this V14 below here. I'd like to spruce it up for my little boy because I already have a decent fishing boat. I'm wondering if there are any plans out there that can help me along the way. I'd like to gut it completely and start from scratch, new seats, new flat floor, compartments, rod storage, new electic, new everthing really....

It looks like this V14 but in much worse shape...



And I'd like it to look like this eventually.....including the carpeted plywood...



Are there any sites you all could direct me to, or any books, or anything? Is this a possible transformation?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-Casey

[lewisboats]

First ya gotta stretch the boat by about 2.5 ft, then ya gotta...
Seriously...Start by gutting it.... then make sure the hull is still watertight. Once you have that, then you start framing it up and decking it. Don't expect to get too much in the way of live wells and such because you will soon exceed your weight limit ( water is HEAVY at 62.4 lbs/cu.ft. Use exterior grade plywood and outdoor or marine carpet. Should be relatively simple, just remember to try and avoid making holes in the hull below the waterline.

Steve

[stokes]

The aluminum boats of that size in that era didn't have drain plugs, so unless you intall one, don't get too fancy with a sole that can't be removed for bailing. Also, the seats were built as the integral flotation structures. If they're still intact you could add deeper seats and back-rests. One more thing...check out the rivets!