22-2 FB Modified Commercial

[Jeremy]

So I bought a 222 a few months ago and I don't know if I would classify it as a re-build but I did put some work in to make it safer and a bit more user friendly.  I fished mullet season with it and am currently fishing ladyfish a couple of days a week or as often as possible.  I have been debating selling it or possibly re-building it so I welcome opinions on the matter.  I have a good friend who thinks the work is too much and I should sell.  I'm posting some before pictures and some during but I will need to take some afters this weekend.  I know how much everyone likes pics so her goes!

[RickK]

Wow - that certainly is a modified hull.  Looks like they added around a half foot of hull side all around.

[Jeremy]

It measures 9" from the "fold" to the top of the cap.  It came from the east coast of Florida where the mullet guys charge through pretty high seas.  Not really necessary over here on the west coast.  The boat holds a lot of weight when you need it too but pulling the nets over the high sides really sucks.  That's why I've been considering removing the extensions and returning the cap to it's original height.  But my friend is saying it's more trouble than it''s worth and that I should just sell it as is and move on.

[RickK]

A sawzall or jig saw would make short business of the extension. I think the challenge might be to put back the wood along the top of the gunnel that you screw the cap into.
Restoring it back to original would not be any harder than any other once you have the sheer line back and the hull gutted. Make sure you create a support structure to support the hull from twist and deformation.  Then after grinding her clean, lay a few layers of epoxy and cloth on the insides and that will stiffen her up and make the rest easy.  A clean slate.  So it all depends on how handy you are and how much effort you want to put into her.
We have a ton of examples of FB rebuilds here to give you some ideas.

If you do want to sell her I'm sure another commercial guy will make you an offer.  Down here, there are plenty of other Aquasports out there to choose from.