All Gussied Up

Lengthy facelift process really floats this little boat

  • The author spent the last six months giving his 1994 Alweld flatbottom an extensive facelift. Among the list of upgrades were a 12 to 24 volt conversion, new trolling motor, modern electronics, lithium batteries, onboard charger, circuit breakers and all sorts of other goodies. (Photos by Jan Williams)
    The author spent the last six months giving his 1994 Alweld flatbottom an extensive facelift. Among the list of upgrades were a 12 to 24 volt conversion, new trolling motor, modern electronics, lithium batteries, onboard charger, circuit breakers and all sorts of other goodies. (Photos by Jan Williams)
  • Tucked away neatly in the rear compartment are three lightweight lithium batteries, a pair of 60-amp circuit breakers, an onboard charger, automatic bilge pump and a 6 gallon removable fuel cell. The former 12-volt electrical system was converted to 24-volt system to support a powerful trolling motor and to handle the draw of bigger and better electronic units and transducers.
    Tucked away neatly in the rear compartment are three lightweight lithium batteries, a pair of 60-amp circuit breakers, an onboard charger, automatic bilge pump and a 6 gallon removable fuel cell. The former 12-volt electrical system was converted to 24-volt system to support a powerful trolling motor and to handle the draw of bigger and better electronic units and transducers.
  • The front Garmin unit bolts to an 8-inch riser from Tiny Boat Nation (tbnation.com). The additional height is a nice addition for easier viewing of the screen, but it’s not so tall that it gets in the way. The riser bracket is available stand alone or with optional cup/plier holders pictured here.
    The front Garmin unit bolts to an 8-inch riser from Tiny Boat Nation (tbnation.com). The additional height is a nice addition for easier viewing of the screen, but it’s not so tall that it gets in the way. The riser bracket is available stand alone or with optional cup/plier holders pictured here.
  • The roomy casting deck got plenty of love in the overhaul. The plywood floor is outfitted with new carpet, a large storage box, Garmin Force trolling motor, Garmin electronics/ LiveScope Plus, an independent LiveScope pole from Railblaza and Panther recessed foot pedal tray.
    The roomy casting deck got plenty of love in the overhaul. The plywood floor is outfitted with new carpet, a large storage box, Garmin Force trolling motor, Garmin electronics/ LiveScope Plus, an independent LiveScope pole from Railblaza and Panther recessed foot pedal tray.
I love my ol’ tin boat. It’s a 1994 Alweld, a 15 footer with thick walls built to take a beating, wide draft for stability and a true flat bottom that will float in some really skinny water. There’s a 40-horse Yamaha that’s just as old strapped to the transom. It’s a tiller drive with a rope crank that typically takes no more than a few yanks to bust those ponies loose. Not bad for a 30-year…

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