>I've just bought a 1995 16'
>x 6'2" modified V Mon
>Ark 1650MV jon boat with
>a steering console. Here is
>what I need to know:
>
>
>-What kind of paint do I
>need for it (I want
>to paint the inside and
>motor and will be using
>a spray gun.) Can't help with the paint.
>
>-What's the best way to prep
>the surface w/o sanding off
>all of the paint, can
>it just be wetsanded?
>
>-There are some holes in the
>deck that need to be
>filled, I have a welder
>that can weld aluminum, I
>can weld aluminum pretty good
>and do body work, but
>I can't fill in small
>holes too good so what
>options do I have?
Rhino liner can cover the holes with aluminum tape and then spray. I used this on my custom jon. The rhino liner is the way to go.
>
>-I want to extend the small
>front deck so I'll have
>enough room to mount a
>seat comfortably so how can
>I do this? Aluminum angle and .100" aluminum sheet metal. Any thinner than .1 and it flexes too much. Use the biggest rivets you can get away with and 1/4 20 bolts.
>
>-I need to build a floor
>in it like the new
>Grizzly jon boats have any
>ideas and this boat has
>a small V all the
>way to the back so
>the floor would bend downward
>towards the center? Same as the deck extension. Be sure to use plenty of rivets so the floor does not "pop" when you walk on it. I suggest at least 6 per rib.
>
>-I need to come up with
>a mount to build for
>a hand controlled trolling motor
>in the front where the
>boat V's. I used a large block of aluminum and machined it in the shape of an L. Any machine shop can bend you a 3/8 steel bracket as well.
>
>I want to do everything without
>using any wood at all
>and do it myself. Any
>pictures would also help me
>out. Thanks.

I bought a brand new 2003 Xpress tunnel hull a couple of years ago. I added an all aluminum floor and back deck. The rear deck is built off aluminum angle and sheet metal. Then I had the entire inside rhino lined. Turned out great have been very pleased with it since. It cleans out easy with a pressure washer and requires 0 maintenance.