MT's 20' Boat Project

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:46 am

I've been wishing for a while that my 17' VIP was just a little bigger for the Great Lakes/ Quinte adventures. Having scared the be-jesus out of me last year during a rough water evening at Quinte, I was sure I didn't want to go through that again.
Then, having spent some time with Markus on Erie in 8' swells, I had a pretty good idea of the kind of boat I needed.

And just my luck. BTS had picked himself up a project boat that fit the bill perfectly. But, like so many of us, he realized he didn't have the time to put into it or the energy to keep his wife at bay while he picked up another hobby.

Now me, I'm not so smart, thinking Misses Livewell's gonna love this. Well she didn't ... but she will.

The boat is a 20' center console that BTS aquired through an auction. As I understand it, it was seized by the coast guard as it was being used to run smokes across the great lakes. It had been equipped at one time with a 175, and as I understand it, made that boat fly.

Here is my baby to be.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/ ... ntLeft.jpg">
20' long, 7'6" wide

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/ ... arLeft.jpg">
A view from the back left corner you can see the outboard engine bracket. This sets the outboard back almost 2' for better performance and more room in the boat itself.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/ ... arward.jpg">
Looking from the nose back, this boat has nothing but a floor and console. Tons of room to spare and a blank canvass for the 'artiste' to create.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/ ... orward.jpg">
From the back of the boat looking forward you can really appreciate how deep this boat is.

Next project is getting a proper trailer under her and getting her back to my house. BTS has been very patient with me in loading on one of his trailers and letting me store it at his place, but I think he is ready to see it go, and I'm dying to get it home for some inspiration.

I am going to keep updating this thread so folks can track the progress of the build up.
(Sure wish there was a boat forum here ... wouldn't that be a great way to kick it off

)

BTW, I'm not certain how far I will go with this boat. 2 biggest factors being time and money. At this point, the money is all but gone, so we'll see what time can do for me.

Hope you enjoy.

M.T. Livewell

Post by **Markus** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:15 am

Looks like a fun project Bill! I can't wait to see how this morfs its way into a Big Water Fishing Machine! You have tons of options.

Post by **tallpaul** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:20 am

It looks great MT... I love the centre console and outboard engine bracket set-up.
As Markus said... lots of options, and when it's done, it'll be a machine!

Keep us posted!

cheers,
tallpaul

Post by **Steve G** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:26 am

Your NUTS

But I hope it works for you! and the Missus!!!!!!

Post by **Markus** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:32 am

Bill, by the look of the scum line angel, it appears the boat was sitting with it's stern fairly submerged.

Was it drug up on shore part way? Did it fill up with rain and sink the rear end? Was the motor weight too much for it? Have you floated this baby yet?

Man you're gonna have some fun with this.

Post by **Lunker Larry** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:42 am

Got the makings of a worthwhile project. That trailer sure looks familiar....................

Post by **Kpin** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:51 am

Ambitious project Bill, will be undoubtedly sweet once the MT magic has run its course.

Post by **Jale** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:53 am

Great looking project MT

Perhaps when u are done you can provide Fish-Hawk with some discount smokes as well

Good luck

Joe

Post by **Netman** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 10:27 am

I think that the scum line angle is that way because the boat was always speeding to outrun the coast guard

Good luck with it MT. Looks promising.

steve

Post by RJ » Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:04 am

It's official....

MT is nuts....

RJ

Post by **Gord** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:59 am

I wish you luck with your project MT! I'm sure it will be awesome when complete. Let the Madness Begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by **Canadian Bacon** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 1:11 pm

Post by **wolfe** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 4:18 pm

Well, that project should certainly keep you busy and perhaps even out of trouble for the next several months.

I wish you luck!!

W.

Post by **bucketmouth** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 4:39 pm

Well it's got potential. I think she'd be purdy all dressed up with a bimini top/tower, antennas, downriggers, and the honkinest engine you could throw on the arse end of 'er. But for now you've got a place to keep your cigarette butts and empty beer cans in while you contemplate how your gonna tackle the project. Keep us posted Bill.

bucket

Post by **fishforfun** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 4:45 pm

Shes a solid looking rig MT! I'd like to have her in the back of the shop! Picked up 3 sheets of lexan the other day got a couple of pieces would make a nice windsheild for that! The bow lends itself nicely for a small gimbled stove and ice box. Timmies made fresh while under way! the BBQ mount could go.... your right we need a boat forum

When starting out like that I see rod racks, tackle storage, the list is endless! No live well thats your curse