Redoing my magna 17

[CATFISH DON]

I just wanted to see if anyone had any tips on some upgrades I am doing, going to install new carpet(any tips about compartment doors or going around the metal trim on them), and also putting in new floor and vhf radio, any advice would greatly help.



thanks



Don

 

[James D.]

catfish,



i haven't put in carpet before but know of a good place to start - bassboatcarpets.com - they have some kits, carpet, samples etc... and can probably help out a bunch.



i replaced a floor in an old fiberglass boat and it turned out to be quite a project. when you do the floor, if it is a wooden floor, use some treated plywoood and put a coat of resin on it to seal it real good so that it will last.



jd

 

[Greg Meyer]

Don,



Use stainless steel screws to prevent rust. I for one put the floor in an old boat with SS screws and then hit the screws and the wood around them with a rustoleum like paint.



A good tip is to remove the old floor as carefully as possible to end up with a useable "pattern" for the new floor. And for obvious reasons it's a good time to repir/replace/upgrade/add wiring...new bilge/livewell pumps, auxillary gas tanks for kicker motors...and other neat stuff.



I recall your dad posting here (I think) about you starting this project, so I hope you have been taking pictures along the way.



Good luck

 

[Tony Payne]

yup Greg, that was me.



We're still gathering materials for the project, but should be getting started real soon.



I checked out that Bassboatcarpets.com site, sounds like they have some good deals.



Jr, -> take a look at them and let me knwo hwat you think.

 

[JEFF WHITE]

i redid the bow piece on mine.use the old piece as a pattern.it works great.to put the carpet on use a waterproof glue and use marine grade carpet.lowes,home depot sells it.stainless screws,#14 phillips heads are the best.pilot holes also would help.remember where the old screws are and try not to make it in the same holes.if possible,get some clear tape and tape the stringers with it.it will stop corosion of them.



lay the carpet over the wood,cut it to length and width and shape.lay down a good layer of glue,lay the carpet down,use stainless staples,1/4" ones down to hold it.glue the edges,fold it over,then staple it down.leave the back open for drainage.let it sit overnight at least before screwing it down.



while youre in there,check the foam,make sure its not water soaked.if it is remove and replace.do it now while its easier.any upgrades can be done now.check the rivets in the stringers now.if you have access to them,replace them now with 1/4"ones,save the headache.take and make sure the bildge drains are open all the way through,remove the fuel tank and make sure they are open all the way through.clean out the fuel tank while its out.