Boat modifications suggestions

[FishinLogician]

I have a 93 Crestliner NightHawk 1640. I want to make a platform that I can insert into the back third for bass fishing ease. I also need to be able to remove it as my partner Buzbunni and I fish a wide range of species. I've been told that wood is better than steel in terms of weight to strength so I'm going that route.

I'm sure there are many FMers who have thought of this and tried so I'm looking for any suggestions, tips and or warnings. Pictures would be great as well. TIA!

[Mike Walerak]

I know of of a guide that has a plywood platform the goes over the top of his outboard. This serves as a casting deck and a splash gaurd. The deck has a hinge and latch system so access to the motor is fairly easy. I'm not sure what he has for supports under it, but it is fairly sturdy.

Not the most visually appealing, but definatly functionable.

mw

[FishinLogician]

That seems way too tall. My boat only has a 73" beam. I'm looking at staying under the edge of the boat...basically extending the top of the side storage from one side to the other and from the back of the steering counsol seat to just before the motor cabling.

[Steve Bakken]

If you go the wood route, the best results we have had are with BC grade plywood. Marine grade and green treat are great, but very cost prohibitive and the green treat is more prone to warpage. The key is just to treat all the surfaces with a good paint or resin, and just keep it maintained. In all the years we've been doing this, we haven't had one come back yet for the wood going bad.

[Surface Tension]

I would be concerned about stability when raising a deck on a narrow and light boat like yours. Don't think you'll get close enough to the edge to lip a bass without flipping the boat. Put two guys up there and you'll really have some fun.

Do a test on the water by placing 2x6s across the storage areas you plan to raise the deck to and stand up there. Move to the edge of the boat, you'll notice that you can't get to the outside like you can when standing on the floor.

[Groloe]

I did this to my boat (17 ft Lund) last year. I went with the fabricated aluminum. Basically, I just extended the narrow platform that was back there (too narrow to cast from). I have 2 seat bases in front of the original platform (as do most boats), so I extended the new one just beyond those bases and used the pedestals as the legs for the new platform. I attached the same hardware that's on the bottom of the seats to the bottom of the platform, and, just like a seat, I can add or remove it without problem. I should mention that a couple Z brackets hold the platform to the original base. Anyway, add some matching carpeting from the manufacturer, and it not only functions great, but it looks great.

Not sure if that helps, but that's what I did and I love it.

[wisconsinfish]

We have built various decks on our boat over the last 10 years. The green treat only seems to last about 3-4 years and that is with storing the boat in a garage when not used. Urethaning the edges of the plywood and all cuts seem to help a little bit.

One thing to remember is that if you are covering up gas tanks and batteries you should have some way for them to breath and release the fumes. Another note is that you don't want to cut the existing wood in the boat. Prior to us getting this boat, the previous owner cut out the front battery tray and made the door bigger. Well the plywood from the factory is a lot better than green treat, and was also coated with fiber glass. It didn't take very long and we had to replace his little modification due to rotting.

Good Luck,

J.T.

[FishinLogician]

These are all good ideas, suggestions and warnings. The stability is another reason besides strength that I'm keeping this to the storage bin level and no higher. I would still plan on kneeling down to lip the bass but I want a better center location to walk around. I agree 2 people would not be safe on that deck. Just my buddy (him in the bow with the trolling motor) and me aft maxes out my comfort level.

[moby1]

I am in the process of putting decks front and rear on my lund s14 with console. It currently has benches. I am using plywood coated with 2- .025" coats of polyurethane parking deck coating. They will be the same height as the top of the benches. I currently fish about 3 times a week out of a lund WC12. All it has is 2 clamp on seats. I fish using the little area left between the seat and the side of the boat to stand on and cast. Mr special is even bold enough to accompany me on a majority of outings and he stands on the other and casts. Neither of us has gotten wet yet. Good luck, good balance, and big fish.

[Captain B.R.K]

I replaced my floor in a 85' Lund Angler last year with marine grade plywood. I didn't coat it with anything other than I laid some glue down and carpet (quality grade carpet from Cabela's).

I'm looking at replacing the rest of the original flooring (front or deck part) but don't know what to go with. The marine grade ply is $$$$.

Any other options out there for me...I want something that is going to last so if I have to spend the extra $$$, I will to make it last.

Maybe I didn't do my floor right with the marine grade plywood?!?!?

Thanks for the reply's on this one.

[moby1]

Captain

Do you make it down to the maple grove area at all? If you do. You could swing by and look at what I coated my plywood with. I havent cut it out or installed it but if you like what its coated with, we could probably hook you up since I work for the manufacturer.