It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here and was hunting catfish in Bastrop county area. I started going to Somerville about an hour away. I drift fished and got into a bunch of channel cat. After about 7 or 8 trips I was checking/inspecting my 1983 16/52 Monark. I keep a good eye on it because it’s been around a while and I was still finding things that needed attention. The previous owner did no maintenance. Took a few hours on carburetors and a new fuel system before I took it out the first time. Long story. So I decided to pull the floor and clean the inside bottom. I found a nightmare. 3/4 wet plywood and old signs made up the floor and it was holding a lot of moisture. There was corrosion almost everywhere. Holes in some ribs even. I spent several hours on the abatement finishing with a Dremel and magnifying glass then acid wash to get it all. Then I just polished the bare aluminum let it sit and after 3 months no corrosion. I got it all. I started building a new flooring system that’s completely removable to clean and inspect the aluminum. Even the new carpet just snaps off. After I got finished I figured there’s some other things I want to do. Then it turned into a rebuild. I just started redoing all the wiring and adding some new accessories while I’m at it. Probably about 2 more days and I’m going to the water. Still going to do more to the boat but this will be a good stopping point for now. I’m waiting on 5 more rod holders for the gunnel for side drifting but I’ll be moving those holders after I build the multiple rod holder across the stern and get some planner boards. This time I’m rigged out for Big cats. And I know Somerville has them in it. Along with stripers. Also adding new led lights for night fishing this week.Done a lot to the trailer too so I can venture farther from home like Canyon lake or so. I’ll dunk it in Bastrop first to check everything out. Make sure I didn’t cause a leak resealing the rivets etc. If anyone has been lately how about a fishing report? Bass crappie whatever?
Thanks for reading my story. I skipped a bunch of the work I did trying not to drag this out as much. I’ll be back on here regularly. Giving fishing reports I hope.
Douglasdzaster wrote:
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here and was hunting catfish in Bastrop county area. I started going to Somerville about an hour away. I drift fished and got into a bunch of channel cat. After about 7 or 8 trips I was checking/inspecting my 1983 16/52 Monark. I keep a good eye on it because it’s been around a while and I was still finding things that needed attention. The previous owner did no maintenance. Took a few hours on carburetors and a new fuel system before I took it out the first time. Long story. So I decided to pull the floor and clean the inside bottom. I found a nightmare. 3/4 wet plywood and old signs made up the floor and it was holding a lot of moisture. There was corrosion almost everywhere. Holes in some ribs even. I spent several hours on the abatement finishing with a Dremel and magnifying glass then acid wash to get it all. Then I just polished the bare aluminum let it sit and after 3 months no corrosion. I got it all. I started building a new flooring system that’s completely removable to clean and inspect the aluminum. Even the new carpet just snaps off. After I got finished I figured there’s some other things I want to do. Then it turned into a rebuild. I just started redoing all the wiring and adding some new accessories while I’m at it. Probably about 2 more days and I’m going to the water. Still going to do more to the boat but this will be a good stopping point for now. I’m waiting on 5 more rod holders for the gunnel for side drifting but I’ll be moving those holders after I build the multiple rod holder across the stern and get some planner boards. This time I’m rigged out for Big cats. And I know Somerville has them in it. Along with stripers. Also adding new led lights for night fishing this week.Done a lot to the trailer too so I can venture farther from home like Canyon lake or so. I’ll dunk it in Bastrop first to check everything out. Make sure I didn’t cause a leak resealing the rivets etc. If anyone has been lately how about a fishing report? Bass crappie whatever?
Thanks for reading my story. I skipped a bunch of the work I did trying not to drag this out as much. I’ll be back on here regularly. Giving fishing reports I hope.
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here a... (
show quote)
Welcome back Douglas, and good luck with the rebuild rig. Looking forward to the pictures.
Douglasdzaster wrote:
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here and was hunting catfish in Bastrop county area. I started going to Somerville about an hour away. I drift fished and got into a bunch of channel cat. After about 7 or 8 trips I was checking/inspecting my 1983 16/52 Monark. I keep a good eye on it because it’s been around a while and I was still finding things that needed attention. The previous owner did no maintenance. Took a few hours on carburetors and a new fuel system before I took it out the first time. Long story. So I decided to pull the floor and clean the inside bottom. I found a nightmare. 3/4 wet plywood and old signs made up the floor and it was holding a lot of moisture. There was corrosion almost everywhere. Holes in some ribs even. I spent several hours on the abatement finishing with a Dremel and magnifying glass then acid wash to get it all. Then I just polished the bare aluminum let it sit and after 3 months no corrosion. I got it all. I started building a new flooring system that’s completely removable to clean and inspect the aluminum. Even the new carpet just snaps off. After I got finished I figured there’s some other things I want to do. Then it turned into a rebuild. I just started redoing all the wiring and adding some new accessories while I’m at it. Probably about 2 more days and I’m going to the water. Still going to do more to the boat but this will be a good stopping point for now. I’m waiting on 5 more rod holders for the gunnel for side drifting but I’ll be moving those holders after I build the multiple rod holder across the stern and get some planner boards. This time I’m rigged out for Big cats. And I know Somerville has them in it. Along with stripers. Also adding new led lights for night fishing this week.Done a lot to the trailer too so I can venture farther from home like Canyon lake or so. I’ll dunk it in Bastrop first to check everything out. Make sure I didn’t cause a leak resealing the rivets etc. If anyone has been lately how about a fishing report? Bass crappie whatever?
Thanks for reading my story. I skipped a bunch of the work I did trying not to drag this out as much. I’ll be back on here regularly. Giving fishing reports I hope.
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here a... (
show quote)
And hopefully your personal satisfaction level is at an all time high. To be able to do all the different types of work you have done wow what an accomplishment. 👍👍👍
Billycrap2
Loc: Mason county,W(BY GOD) Virginia, 🇺🇸🦅
Douglasdzaster wrote:
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here and was hunting catfish in Bastrop county area. I started going to Somerville about an hour away. I drift fished and got into a bunch of channel cat. After about 7 or 8 trips I was checking/inspecting my 1983 16/52 Monark. I keep a good eye on it because it’s been around a while and I was still finding things that needed attention. The previous owner did no maintenance. Took a few hours on carburetors and a new fuel system before I took it out the first time. Long story. So I decided to pull the floor and clean the inside bottom. I found a nightmare. 3/4 wet plywood and old signs made up the floor and it was holding a lot of moisture. There was corrosion almost everywhere. Holes in some ribs even. I spent several hours on the abatement finishing with a Dremel and magnifying glass then acid wash to get it all. Then I just polished the bare aluminum let it sit and after 3 months no corrosion. I got it all. I started building a new flooring system that’s completely removable to clean and inspect the aluminum. Even the new carpet just snaps off. After I got finished I figured there’s some other things I want to do. Then it turned into a rebuild. I just started redoing all the wiring and adding some new accessories while I’m at it. Probably about 2 more days and I’m going to the water. Still going to do more to the boat but this will be a good stopping point for now. I’m waiting on 5 more rod holders for the gunnel for side drifting but I’ll be moving those holders after I build the multiple rod holder across the stern and get some planner boards. This time I’m rigged out for Big cats. And I know Somerville has them in it. Along with stripers. Also adding new led lights for night fishing this week.Done a lot to the trailer too so I can venture farther from home like Canyon lake or so. I’ll dunk it in Bastrop first to check everything out. Make sure I didn’t cause a leak resealing the rivets etc. If anyone has been lately how about a fishing report? Bass crappie whatever?
Thanks for reading my story. I skipped a bunch of the work I did trying not to drag this out as much. I’ll be back on here regularly. Giving fishing reports I hope.
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here a... (
show quote)
Glad to hear you are getting it in shape 👍🏽👍🏽
Be waiting to see your results 👍🏽👍🏽🎣🎣🎣🎣🐟🐟🐠🐠🐋🐋🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🦅
Gordon
Loc: Charleston South Carolina
Douglasdzaster wrote:
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here and was hunting catfish in Bastrop county area. I started going to Somerville about an hour away. I drift fished and got into a bunch of channel cat. After about 7 or 8 trips I was checking/inspecting my 1983 16/52 Monark. I keep a good eye on it because it’s been around a while and I was still finding things that needed attention. The previous owner did no maintenance. Took a few hours on carburetors and a new fuel system before I took it out the first time. Long story. So I decided to pull the floor and clean the inside bottom. I found a nightmare. 3/4 wet plywood and old signs made up the floor and it was holding a lot of moisture. There was corrosion almost everywhere. Holes in some ribs even. I spent several hours on the abatement finishing with a Dremel and magnifying glass then acid wash to get it all. Then I just polished the bare aluminum let it sit and after 3 months no corrosion. I got it all. I started building a new flooring system that’s completely removable to clean and inspect the aluminum. Even the new carpet just snaps off. After I got finished I figured there’s some other things I want to do. Then it turned into a rebuild. I just started redoing all the wiring and adding some new accessories while I’m at it. Probably about 2 more days and I’m going to the water. Still going to do more to the boat but this will be a good stopping point for now. I’m waiting on 5 more rod holders for the gunnel for side drifting but I’ll be moving those holders after I build the multiple rod holder across the stern and get some planner boards. This time I’m rigged out for Big cats. And I know Somerville has them in it. Along with stripers. Also adding new led lights for night fishing this week.Done a lot to the trailer too so I can venture farther from home like Canyon lake or so. I’ll dunk it in Bastrop first to check everything out. Make sure I didn’t cause a leak resealing the rivets etc. If anyone has been lately how about a fishing report? Bass crappie whatever?
Thanks for reading my story. I skipped a bunch of the work I did trying not to drag this out as much. I’ll be back on here regularly. Giving fishing reports I hope.
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here a... (
show quote)
You have done a lot of work. Cant wait to see your first fish caught in it.
Fredfish wrote:
Welcome back Douglas, and good luck with the rebuild rig. Looking forward to the pictures.
Thank you. I’ll post pictures for sure.
Graywulff wrote:
And hopefully your personal satisfaction level is at an all time high. To be able to do all the different types of work you have done wow what an accomplishment. 👍👍👍
Thank you I appreciate your comment. I’m big on DIY. And yes sir it’s a lot of work but it doesn’t feel like work as passionate as I am about it. Every problem I solve or project I complete gives me a ton of self satisfaction.
Thanks for the comment. There’s definitely pictures coming.
Gordon
Loc: Charleston South Carolina
Douglasdzaster wrote:
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here and was hunting catfish in Bastrop county area. I started going to Somerville about an hour away. I drift fished and got into a bunch of channel cat. After about 7 or 8 trips I was checking/inspecting my 1983 16/52 Monark. I keep a good eye on it because it’s been around a while and I was still finding things that needed attention. The previous owner did no maintenance. Took a few hours on carburetors and a new fuel system before I took it out the first time. Long story. So I decided to pull the floor and clean the inside bottom. I found a nightmare. 3/4 wet plywood and old signs made up the floor and it was holding a lot of moisture. There was corrosion almost everywhere. Holes in some ribs even. I spent several hours on the abatement finishing with a Dremel and magnifying glass then acid wash to get it all. Then I just polished the bare aluminum let it sit and after 3 months no corrosion. I got it all. I started building a new flooring system that’s completely removable to clean and inspect the aluminum. Even the new carpet just snaps off. After I got finished I figured there’s some other things I want to do. Then it turned into a rebuild. I just started redoing all the wiring and adding some new accessories while I’m at it. Probably about 2 more days and I’m going to the water. Still going to do more to the boat but this will be a good stopping point for now. I’m waiting on 5 more rod holders for the gunnel for side drifting but I’ll be moving those holders after I build the multiple rod holder across the stern and get some planner boards. This time I’m rigged out for Big cats. And I know Somerville has them in it. Along with stripers. Also adding new led lights for night fishing this week.Done a lot to the trailer too so I can venture farther from home like Canyon lake or so. I’ll dunk it in Bastrop first to check everything out. Make sure I didn’t cause a leak resealing the rivets etc. If anyone has been lately how about a fishing report? Bass crappie whatever?
Thanks for reading my story. I skipped a bunch of the work I did trying not to drag this out as much. I’ll be back on here regularly. Giving fishing reports I hope.
It’s been a since I’ve been here. I was new here a... (
show quote)
My father was a boat mechanic at the Outboard Shop back in the 60's and they sold Mon Ark boats. He some how got this cooler from the company. Sits in my shed in the back yard.
Me as well. With the knowledge I had and time to study how to drift more product fully I’m going after the biggest I can catch. I’ll take quick pictures and get him back in the water. I have pretty good equipment already but I just got my sure enough first catfish rod rigged out. 8’ med/heavy with fast action and a Abu Garcia 6500 reel with 50# braid. I’ve even made my own snag free dragon weights.
I have a question for y’all. Before I install them. I’ve been reading a lot of controversy about led lighting. The only thing I’m doing is putting green led strips on the inside of the gunnels for night fishing so we can see. They will not be on while underway how ever drifting at 1 mph I may. Does anyone have any experience with extra led lighting? I want to be a legal beagle but this seems to be a gray area. I was going to put a light bar on the bow for running and that seems to be a definite no , no.
Welcome back Douglas, best of fishing for those cats.
Douglasdzaster wrote:
I have a question for y’all. Before I install them. I’ve been reading a lot of controversy about led lighting. The only thing I’m doing is putting green led strips on the inside of the gunnels for night fishing so we can see. They will not be on while underway how ever drifting at 1 mph I may. Does anyone have any experience with extra led lighting? I want to be a legal beagle but this seems to be a gray area. I was going to put a light bar on the bow for running and that seems to be a definite no , no.
I have a question for y’all. Before I install them... (
show quote)
I have Blue LED Strip lighting around the deck. I have them on a Remote that allows me to Dim or change Modes. I've found them to be too bright even when on the lowest setting.
WOW! That is awesome. There’s a bunch of their boats still going I’ll see one every now and then. I saw the twin to mine one day.
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