So guys, its been quite some time since i've been on the forum. If any of you guys remember, i turned my 1542 allweld into a makeshift hide boat. I had a 23 MB mini strapped to the back. Since then, I purchased a 25 longtail to accommodate the rules of the refuges here in TX. Decided to take the hide off. Just didn't use it as much as i had hoped to. With every one sitting on the same side, you could only hunt in very shallow water because the boat would lean too hard to one side.
Anyways, I have always wanted to be able to weld aluminum. I think the main reason was that repairs were so expensive, and i am so hard on boats. I just couldn't afford to get it fixed every time i messed something up. So, i got a welding machine and a spool gun. Since then, I have been at it non stop, and here are some pics of my progress. (The work isn't completely done)

The platform isn't done, but it held 340lbs of man. I dont ever really pole from it, but i've always wanted something to allow me to see farther when scouting, so that is the purpose it will serve for me.


The front deck is made from bleacher seats


The grab bar is removable (pardon the imperfections, it was my first time to bend pipe)

I'm no professional, but some day I hope to be on that level. I have been building push poles, yeti rod racks, and other misc items in my spare time also.

Hope yall like the pics!

Looks good man!

Looks good I like the bleacher seats idea lol

Pretty slick!

You must have tiny feet to be standing on that platform. Please video the first time you get on that platform while the boat is in the water, 1542 and small platform could be great entertainment lol. J/k man looks good. Welding is a blast when you figure it out.

GOod job.....but i think your gonna need a new trailer tire before you take it back out

Looks great. Hope you feel as good about your efforts as they look.

Thanks guys! I still have a ways to go. New tire on the trailer, of coarse shark eye running lights, LED headlights, paint, and a few other ideas that only pictures will do justice. More pics coming soon!

Looks good, can u post some pics of how u attached the grab bar??

Welded angle to have some support between the floor braces

Screwed some diamond plate to the angle and welded the bar in.
I am welding a few more supports on the sides without them before too long

A push pole i built this afternoon after we rained out. 10'

What kinda airplane is that in the background?

No idea, ha, some guy pays us monthly for us to keep it there. Some kinda bush whacker i guess

lol ok

Looks good.I need to start doing the same thing.How much are ya in the welding unit?

Cool. I got a lincoln 180. With the spool gun, a good helmet, and decent sized tank, it wasn't much less. 1800 isn't bad at all for what you got.

No offense but that look like an invitation for Virbrio to stage on the ends of that platform & are those recycled bleachers??? please tell me this is a joke... God I hope so.

I put caps on the platform. Just didn't get pics