Boat modifications

[Hoytmystic]

I have a 1989 16' lund predator. The front of the boat has a nice platform for casting, but most of the time I fish with a friend. One of us ends up standing on the gas tank compartments.

I would like to make a larger casting platform for the rear portion of the boat.

Has any body ever done this to one of their boats? Any ideas?

I don't have the money to invest in a different boat.

Hoytmystic

[JRedig]

I did this last year. I take it you have a rear seat and then a gap in the back? I just made a frame out of 2x2's and screwed it down to the floor. Then put a sheet of plywood over it and voila. Got any pics of your boat to help you out?

[propster]

Hunter and I made a removable rear casting deck for our boat, and anchored it to the floor and side of the the existing lengthwise storage compartments with L brackets. Made it out of 2x4's and treated plywood on top, then carpeted it. Didn't tack the carpet at the bottom on the front side, so we can lift up the flap and stow tackle or gear under it. If I recall it's about 26 x 22 - combined with the 15 inch width of existing runway of the side storage, it gave a platform about 40 x 22, and we mounted a seat base in the top and a butt seat.

[b1gf1sh1]

Quote:

would like to make a larger casting platform for the rear portion of the boat.

whatever you decide to do please decide to go with caution. boat's are made a specific way sometimes and if modified can become top heavy and tip pretty easy. i'd suggest if you do it at least wear your life vest (if you don't normally) untill your sure it's stable . good luck and lets see those pics

[Random guy]

I welded up a alum platform that used to drop into my Stratos. The way the Stratos lids worked I was able to just close the livewell/rod lockers lids on it then attached a strap to the unused seat ped under the drop in deck. It worked great. I could go from walleye mode to musky mode in minutes.

[fishin58]

hoytmystic, give me your email I have some pics that might help you out. They helped me when I redid my ol Tyee.

[HugoBox]

I know you're looking at the rear deck, but my brother and dad forced me to make something for the fron of ours because I spent so much time perched up by the T/M. Here's a pic below. Also, when using plywood I'd always reinforce it with aluminum angle and bolts instead of just wood. I know it looks kinda clunky but its a nice vantage point to see follows from. Also we picked up a bit more floor space and quick storage underneath.

[Hoytmystic]

Fishin,

My email is [email protected]. I would be interested in pics.

thanks for the input everyone.

Hoytmystic

[krats]

Hoytmystic,

I hope you don't mind me jumping on your band wagon, I have a 1986 Predator and I have been trying to figure out a way to do the same thing to my boat.

I was thinking of doing something with the splashwell area between the existing rear compartments and transom (I have splash guards already to help keep the water out).

On my boat the ignition key is mounted to the front of the rear compartments so I don't really want to cover that area up.

Fishin, could you send me the pics too? Thanks.

[email protected]

[-Marc V-]

Can you send me pics too?

Have a Lund Rebel - basically - and would love to have a removeable casting platform for the back!

[email protected]

[b1gf1sh1]

Quote:

On my boat the ignition key is mounted to the front of the rear compartments so I don't really want to cover that area up.

having a hard time picturing that. can you just move the ignition?

[propster]

Big, I think he might be talkin about a tiller, with ignition in the back on the side of the storage.

Box, I'm all for crude but effective, but c'mon! Let's get a little carpet or non-slip tape on there or something

[b1gf1sh1]

Quote:

Big, I think he might be talkin about a tiller, with ignition in the back on the side of the storage.

thanks prop. i was painting and thought about a friends warrior and the picture was clear. probably no reason it can't be moved on the warrior but krats may be a different set-up.

[krats]

Propster is correct, the Predator is a tiller boat. I have thought about moving the ignition switch box but I think that I would leave that as a last resort.

[HugoBox]

Box, I'm all for crude but effective, but c'mon! Let's get a little carpet or non-slip tape on there or something

Prop -

I did mix a bit of sand in with the paint so its not a total slip-n-slide. Also thought about matching the paint to the carpet but a dark green deck heats up pretty quickly. Besides, anything too fancy on that boat would be like putting earings on a pig!!

-box

[propster]

I like the tally board though!