drift boat modification

ampersat · 11-21-2002, 06:40 PM

i'm torn. i don't know what to do. this boat is original from the early 70's. it's a classic. it's a little piece of northwest history. but as you can see, it's not all that comfortable for front seaters when pulling plugs. sure, what do i care? i'm on the sticks. let those slackers up front get sore backs waiting for a rod to go off. on the other hand, if it were more comfortable maybe i wouldn't have so much trouble getting and keeping front seaters. on the other hand, you have different fingers. also, i might want to sell it someday (perish the thought, but i might). will modifying it lower or raise the value?

[ 11-21-2002, 07:43 PM: Message edited by: ampersat ]

GutshotApe · 11-21-2002, 06:52 PM

Jeez ampersat, I used to have an Eastside DB I bought new in 1980, boat, oars & big EZ Loader trailer for $1,500. Piece of northwest history? You're makin' me feel old, buddy.

Seriously, although my Eastside was prettier than yours it too had factory-installed wooden seats same as yours - no seatbacks for frontseaters.

I sold it and got into the jetboat scene

.

lucky man · 11-21-2002, 07:14 PM

That is how my driftboat looked until I stripped the paint redid the interior--owner before me tore out the original seats. Just have to do final touch-ups and carpet on floor.

skrimmy · 11-21-2002, 07:20 PM

Heck, I ain't spoiled.....I'd sit on those front seats all day and like it. Your fishing buddies need to get in, sit down, shut up and enjoy the ride!

11-21-2002, 07:35 PM

Leave the boat as is and have someone build a set of clamp on seats.

Chilly one · 11-21-2002, 07:45 PM

Gosh I don't see any problem in buiding small wooden blocks out of oak or solid laminated sandwiched stuff and bolt them down to your forward seats that exist or have a fab guy fab up an aluminum bracket that would be the base either way for "fish on" seats w/pads. If you wanted adjustables that might be a bit more of a deal. Would help in leveling the boat for "rowdaddy" on sticks. Good luck, make her shine.

Wood N' Fish · 11-21-2002, 08:06 PM

Answer----None of the above------If your are not comfortable with it! Why should anyone else be???? Let'em feel the the river under them!

Flatfish · 11-21-2002, 08:22 PM

Hey it's a driftboat, not an investment property. Fish it for a while as is. If the front seaters get to wigglin on ya, do what you think is best. All front seaters wiggle. Too much is a bad thing.I think Clackacraft sold a stadium seat thingy that attatched to the rope seats. May be easier than modifications to her. Worth a shot.
Good Luck.
Mark and wiggle puppy.

SteelieSteve · 11-21-2002, 08:36 PM

I vote for the conversion to slides and nice plush fold down seats. I always spend my time up front. :grin:

byteme · 11-21-2002, 08:43 PM

Don't make it too comfy. If front seaters complain, let them try sitting on the ropes and pulling on the sticks for a while, suddenly the front seat is a luxury. My father-in-law fell asleep while I was pulling plugs on the last trip (padded seats). He woke up just in time to see his rod go down. At least he thanked me for hooking his fish for him.

Silver Hilton · 11-21-2002, 08:54 PM

You could make seat backs out of plywood. You'd want to build out a slot on the back of the seat to hold the backs, but it's be pretty easy, and should cost you $50 for the whole operation. PM me if you'd like me to scribble a plan and fax it to you. I built a similar set of backs for a wooden boat I built a while back.

Even plywood seats would add a lot to front seat comfort. Wouldn't be hard to put one in for the skipper, either.

go fisch · 11-21-2002, 09:13 PM

If you ever want to sell it let me know!!!!!!