Resto/Upgrading 1985 Springbok 16' Mod-V. 2012 Mercury 20HP. New Transom, New Seats, Build Storage Under Benches, New Floor, Fresh Paint Inside & Out. Custom Live Well

[Fronk]

Hey everyone! I am posting to get some suggestions on my boat restoration project. I have owned this boat for 3 years now and we have been on many adventures together. Unfortunately, the transom is completely rotted out, and it has no storage of any kind other than the floor. I want to change that and renovate the entire thing. I want to build out a custom livewell, replace the transom, and add a bunch of storage compartments. I will finish it all off with new seats/floor/paint and some rod holders.

 

 

Deconstruction/Demo
So far I have managed to build an engine stand, remove the engine, remove the rotted Transom (in pieces), and Remove/Cut the Wood/Aluminium/Saturated foam from the seats for storage compartments and reinforcing for seats. It is unbelievable how heavy and wet the massive blocks of foam were. I had to cut them apart with a reciprocating saw, then pry/smash out everything. It came off the sides pretty easily. 

 

The Transom Troubles

My transom was completely rotted out, and the Aluminum making up the back and inside of the boat are in really rough shape. Some of the nuts/bolts had pulled through from overtightening in the past by some other owner, and they put plates on to add some strength for the bolts to grab onto. The aluminum is also pitted and full of holes like you wouldnt believe. I think that my only option was to have a welding shop make up and install a new back plate and insert panel, which I had done this week. Next step is to build wood core from two sheets of 3/4 marine plywood and seal it with epoxy, then mount and drill holes for everything. 

 

Storage

I am thinking that I want to build some compartments in every bench seat. It would be nice to stash the battery/fuel cell under the back bench opposite the driver, and also have a spot for lifejackets/tackle boxes and other misc stuff without them being on the floor. Im not sure which position will be ideal for everything yet because I still havent decided which seat I want to build the livewell under. I am leaning for the middle seat. If anyone has experience with these things and has any tips or tricks to offer, I am all ears! 

 

Livewell

I am planning on building a custom livewell inside one of the benches. I will do this by framing it all up nicely, then I will find a plastic container that fits my dimensions perfectly (maybe build it to fit the bin lol). I will have an aerator setup and a pump for filling and draining. I wanted to pipe the fill/drain ports out of the back of the boat. I was thinking that the drivers side rear bench would be the ideal location because it would take minimal plumbing to get to the ports at the back of the boat, but I am not sure if it is a good idea to add that much weight into the back of the boat when it is filled with water. I already have my engine, myself, battery, and fuel cell back there. The middle seat is probably the ideal spot. It would allow for a much larger tank, and it would distribute the weight better. Only downfall is that I need to run piping to the back, which isnt that big of a deal.  I would love to hear any suggestions/tips/tricks! 

  
Looking forward to talking to some of you about the project! 

Edited June 8 by Fronk
Adding photos

[firedome]

Quite an ambitious project, nice work!!

I rebuilt an 18' Starcraft cutty cabin once and it was maybe easier that this one!
You'll have a great little boat when done!