Tinnie Project

[PatricsOnTheCoast]

Hey guys,

Been a long time since I've posted on here! Anyway got offered a tinnie for a very healthy price and my DIY side can't resist...
I have some big plans for it! As long as the minister of war and finance gives me the thumbs up

I want to put a livewell in it. At the moment the front casting deck needs work as all the screws are seized or just too hard to get out. Some one thought a stereo was a good idea and has installed a car stereo under the casting deck, this is no1 to be removed once I figure out the best way to get the floor off without damaging the deck. I then came up with a great idea however. I want a livewell and though how about using the the left half of the casting deck? The the right hand side can be the storage! The only dramas I can see is how to get the intake and overflow to work at the nose or the boat... Also would I be messing with the balance of the boat too much adding 20ltrs or so to the left nose?
Ideally I want as much free floor space for people and movement on the boat as possible but if its too much hassle or more so not possible, I will just make a DIY bucket or esky bilge and move it when I need.
I think the only issue would be the force needed to get the water into the tank if I still have intake and bilge pumping off the back of the boat?

I will draw up a diagram and take some photos of what I am thinking, would love to hear your opinions.

Just a little info on the boat I neglected to add. Its a 3.7m (12ft) Sea Jay Barra and I think its a 1996 as thats the motors year (can't find a build plate anywhere)

Thanks,
Patric

[PatricsOnTheCoast]

Here is the dodgy sketch I wipped up, I have since run a few different ideas in my head, but I'd love your opinions.

[mustang5]

What Bracing are you going to use for the seat post??

Only other thing to consider is the weight.

What material are you going to use for under floor floatation?

[MikeyS]

i think a 20 litre livewell in the front left might help balance up the boat nicely, depending on the usual number of people you are likely to have. I have a 12ft tinnie and the more weight I can get in front of the rear thwart when it's just me in the boat, the better.

Can I suggest that you use a plastic tub as an insert for the livewell. Cheap, light, easily replaceable and you can do all sorts of elaborate plumbing on it if you want. I've used such a tub as a livewell but had it behind the rear thwart, and with the fuel tank it put too much weight at the very back. Was OK if someone else was in the boat to put more weight up the front.

[chappie]

I agree with Mikey, the weight up the front should help. I had a stessl 3.7 and use to have one or two 20lt drums full of water up the front if it was just myself or if the kids were with me, if it was over to one side it took minimal movement from me to balance it if needed. Mind you we had a four stroke 15 hp honda, myself (120kg) and battery ect all down the back so it was a little tail heavy.
Iain

[PatricsOnTheCoast]

Seat posts are already fitted, just have to work around them. I think the majority of the time there will be 2 of us, but I'm probably always going to be 20kg heavier than any passenger I take so this should balance nicely.

I'm definitely looking at a plastic tub idea, have a very old 20ltr esky that could be perfect aslong as I can make it fit. I will have to work the plumbing out that's for sure though.

Thanks for the help so far guys I will keep you all posted and ask many more questions I'm sure!

[PatricsOnTheCoast]

You guys may be able to shed a little light on this for me... I am chasing up info and parts for my 25hp merc but the serial number when typed into boats.net comes up with 40/50hp range of parts???
Engine info is this:
Serial: 06309104
Year 1996
Model Description: 25M
Rev Limit: 6000rpm
HP: 25
LB 115

Any ideas what motor it is regarding parts?

[Fed]

25 1983 M 6185159 - 6453342

http://www.maxrules.com/models/Merc_...les/15-25.html
Straight from googleman.

[PatricsOnTheCoast]

If mine is built in 96 how can it be a 83 though... This I don't understand.

[tunaticer]

How is the plate attached to the motor? It is not rebirthed is it?

[PatricsOnTheCoast]

I'll take photos tomorrow on my day off. Its possibly a rebirth, my honda (car) engine is an old model with newer parts that honda built to use up old stock (PITA!! when it comes to looking for parts)

I will take all the photos and show everyone what I intend to build on the boat, hopefully people with experience fitting out tinnies will be able to give me better options than I've come up with.

[Fed]

Take you info to a Merc dealer they will sort out what it is for you.