Cool/useful boat modification/set-ups?

[BrianH]

A while back I was reading all the posts about getting hot water out of engines and installing sinks. I found those posts extremely fun to read, possibly because I was waiting to get my new boat, but none the less. If you have modified your boat in some unique or usefull way please post, WITH PICTURES if at all possible. It doesn't have to be a major modification, it can be anything to make the boat better!

I tried searching the archives but didn't have any luck. I'm sure there are numerous past posts, but I didn't find any quickly.

[garyk]

It's not a very sexy upgrade, but the last couple trips I've really enjoyed having the newly installed windshield wiper on the passenger side.

The TR1 Gold autopilot is pretty good.

Our boat has a below-deck forward compartment accessed via a floor hatch. I removed the front deck and then cut and installed an piece of aluminum to serve as a floor. It makes a nice flat, dry shelf for all the extra stuff (downrigger, extra prop, emergency tools) to sit on.

If you're having a boat made, I'd suggest seeing if you can upgrade to a waterproof switch panel. It's easier to do while the boat's being made, rather than a retrofit like I just did.

Hour meters for your motors are a useful feature too.

[BrianH]

You reminded me that I was thinking about an hour meter for my kicker last Sunday. Hee hee, and so it begins...

When I was arranging add-ons for the boat I insisted on an extra windshield wiper. My wife thought I was throwing money away, but commented on how nice it was to have on our first trip out. :cool:

[Shaker-King]

Brian,

Congratulations on the new boat! My condolences for the addiction that has begun. Yamaha makes a LCD hour meter/tach that only has one wire that wraps around a plug wire.

There is a sight that is for Hewescraft owners that has a lot of good pictures of toys.
groups.msn.com/HewescraftBoats/messages.msnw

The first thing is to get some blood in the boat for a proper christening, herring blood doesn't count.

BTW I work with your better half, (I think), I will put together some pictures and give them to her.

[blubeast]

Inside my cuddy there was a alcahol stove. Removed it, made a lid to fit in the stove's place.. now have useable counter space plus additional storage under lid.