Boat Mod's Pics (or things I learned on Ifish)

Catching Nemo · 02-22-2004, 04:55 PM

Here are some boat modifications/accessories that I have done on my boat. Most I learned here on IFISH.

Heater with plumbed line to the bow and storage tank. Easily makes a 10+ degree difference between inside outside temp.

Helm and passenger side defroggers. They don't work as well as a car but they do a pretty good job. The small white box below the radio is an inside/outside temp gauge and clock.

Detachable lead weight box.

Floodlight for the stern and anti-skid tape (helps when leaning over the side with slime/water on the deck).

[ 02-23-2004, 12:21 AM: Message edited by: Catching Nemo ]

Catching Nemo · 02-22-2004, 04:57 PM

Bow with extra cleats for different rope positions. Anchor is drilled thru for a cable lock to secure anchor during transport and/or thieves. Partially coated anchor helps with handling and scratches.

Place some anti-skid tape under cleats to reduce rub marks.

More anti-skid tape on the trailer. Works good when putting in and out of the James Gleason ramp.

Finally the most important addition.

Still planning to add the washdown and the downriggers.

[ 02-22-2004, 06:00 PM: Message edited by: Catching Nemo ]

The Overfishin Condition · 02-22-2004, 05:02 PM

All very nice! The heater is key, I'd say 10 degrees, at least. Uusally we have to turn it off and on cause it gets too hot! Thanks for the pictorial tour!

sparse gray hackle · 02-22-2004, 05:31 PM

Cool! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Where did you get the defrosters ??? :whazzup:

FisherJack · 02-22-2004, 05:43 PM

Nice. Thanks for sharing.

Small Fry · 02-22-2004, 05:45 PM

I like it you made everything nice and clean. I with I could keep mine that way.

Birdnest · 02-22-2004, 05:46 PM

Nice post. I really like the defrosters and the skid tape on the trailer. [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

Joe

PS Nice boat. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Catching Nemo · 02-23-2004, 07:12 AM

You can find the defrosters at the other "marine" store in Delta Park. They usually only have a few in stock - sometimes none.

StinkyH · 02-23-2004, 08:15 AM

What model is the heater? (er...nevermind) :tongue:

Nice pics.

StinkyH

[ 02-23-2004, 09:27 AM: Message edited by: StinkyH ]

hookumhi · 02-23-2004, 08:19 AM

very nice work

and pretty ride

Bat-Ray · 02-23-2004, 10:04 AM

About the heater. I was considering the same heater for my boat but a friend of mine installed one in his and said every time the boat rocked, the tip-over switch would shut the heater off. I e-mailed the manufacturer and asked about the feasibility of disconecting the switch and they said not to. I still like the heater and would be curios to hear how it works for you in rough water.

sock i · 02-23-2004, 10:28 AM

The anti-skid tape looks really nice all your mods are really slick looking and functional.

Tacklebuster · 02-23-2004, 12:27 PM

Man, I remember when my Weldcraft looked that nice and new. I didn't get an anchor cradle so the inside of my bow is a little scuffed. What year is your Sabre?

Nice looking ride, makes me want to get outside and get mine all cleaned up :blush:

Catching Nemo · 02-23-2004, 01:34 PM

Bat-Ray,

How rough of water are you fishing in? If you are up in the gorge where it get's as bad as the ocean at times - then you will have a problem if you boat is constantly pitching up and down.

I usually never run the heater when I am running out to or in from a spot. With the exception during trolling. If you take some good rollers - the unit will shut itself off. I have only had to restart it once or twice and that is easy to do. However, a good gust of wind will put it out as well (BTW- the heater is secured to the step with some screws so it will not move around. That might help with the switch problem your friend is having).

The heater also has a low oxygen cutoff so it is safe to use in enclosed spaces.

Tacklebuster,

The boat is an 03 but it recently came back from Weldcraft for some warranty repairs. They cleaned it out for me before sending it back.

I also did not post pics of the the scratches in the paint job from early mishaps and the scratches in the hull from nails or bolts embedded in the side of some of our boats ramps. The one time you don't use bumpers........

[ 02-23-2004, 03:08 PM: Message edited by: Catching Nemo ]

Spoiled Daddy · 02-23-2004, 02:02 PM

Good looking ideas and installations. I have done the same with the heater, but got the idea from WrightAngle, who does a fantastic job with his metal work and installations.

SD

Rubber Robin · 02-23-2004, 11:57 PM

Thanks for the pics.
I always like to see how somebody else has their boat rigged up and what ideas I can adapt to mine.

Boy is your boat clean!!!!!