Do any of yall think it would be possible to leave all my braces How they are on my skiff and grind off all the welds attaching the braces to bottom of hull then cut out the bottom and put a new sheet of 3/16 on the bottom maybe leave a half inch or so sticking out to get a good weld all around the bottom then Weld the inside the best I can between braces. I'm not to worried about it being a little warped it would be better than I have now my bottom is fed up pretty bad the whole bottom is concaved and cracked in a few spots. Any opinions and tips are appreciated I have everything needed to do the job except the aluminum which wouldn't be hard to get

Be easier to build an entire new boat.

Or just put the new sheet on the bottom of what's there. I don't think it's worth the time to cut the old off and try to replace.

It would be a big job, but it you have the tools and ability sounds like a fun project

New custom boat- IMO.

As stated skin over..

But I would filll the dings and hooks in with the steel flex filler first so u a have a nice flat bottom for new sheet to lay on.

Yea I guess I could beat it out then skin it would definitely be easier I was just wanting it to come out as flat as possible the boat is super light I can move it around by myself it's 16'3"x39" so a 1/4" bottom shouldn't make it too heavy I'm about to put a 50hp ob on it then will be looking into a gatortail to swap out for crawfishin. Would yall suggest a bunch of holes to weld the skin to the bottom or like grind some slits in it and how far apart and how big should I do the holes or slits? Also how do yall feel about making the boat longer and adding taller sides? Ive seen it done down in pierre part i would build a bigger one but ive never built a boat and skiffs look a little harder. A go devil type design looks to be easier. Im kinda wanting to save money id hate to spend the money on aluminum and my hull come out crooked or somthing. Thanks

I'd do slits and weld on where the existing braces are at if I were going to do it. Maybe every 8-12" down the bracing front to rear.

That's what I was thinking it would be alot stronger that way and I wouldn't have to worry about blowing threw as much I could get good penetration

What are yalls opinion on adding another 2-3ft on the length and another 6in on the sides ?

lol, now this is getting out of hand

just build a new boat!

Lol i dont know if im ready to dive into a complete build and im trying to save some money.

Are you running a 23hp Long Tail?

If, so I wouldn't do anything to it.

That said, if you want to redo floor, extend, etc.... you should just sell boat in current condition and either build you a new one or buy a custom.

If you are worried about pulling off building a new one, buy the kit from Uncle J. You can also buy all the pre-cut aluminum from Pearce Aluminum.

You can buy a custom "shell" as well, then finish it up yourself with how ever you want it.

No im running a 40hp ob about to get a 50 to put on it and will be looking into buying a gatortail to swap back b forth. I will look into the prices of buying everything pre cut. Im sure i could doit myself with some pointers. Im not sure how to lay out n cut the sides right. I see how the bottom is done and bracing and transom wouldnt be hard. If i could just figure out how to cut the sides out im pretty sure i can fab and fit the rest mainly just making sure everything is square as possible.