bowrider for fishing

[whogotz]

Does anyone have any good pics of their bowrider that they use for fishing? I just bought one and am trying to find ideas to modify it more for fishing.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: bowrider for fishing

I have no pics, but the best plan is to just take the front seat cushions out and custom make yerself a nice plywood drop-in platform that's got a swivel seat mounted to it. Coat it in marine carpet to make it pretty and presto...you have a hillbilly fish-n-ski! When you don't want to fish just hulk the thing outta there, dump it on shore and put yer cushions back in for cruisin'. I've seen more than one old bowrider rigged this way.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: bowrider for fishing

Who, I use my 19 foot bowrider for fishing in the ocean and bay. I removed the jump seats and installed rod holders on the rear bulkhead (each side of the I/O motor box). The seats fit over the rodholders, if I need to use them. <br />My boat has two drinkholders in the bow area. Since they pull up and out, I installed a piece of PVC for a rod holder, under them. If you want to pop in a rod, pull out the drinkholder and voila. I also have two rail-mounted Atwood plastic rod holders, which I use for trolling. I can troll four rods comfortably, and use rubber bands on the read bulkhead mounted rods and "flatline" their lines to the rear cleats.<br /><br />I mounted a fishfinder under the side panel, drivers side. It is out of the way, and with the transducer in the bilge, I get good depth and fish readings at all speeds.<br /><br />I bought a sea anchor (drough) to slow down the boat's drift.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: bowrider for fishing

check out fish and ski boats. Find one you like and adapt it to your hull design. Tahoe boats makes some good ones.

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: bowrider for fishing

I have 1988 Bayliner 1950BR. While on E-bay Motors (boat section) I found a converted Bowrider, he had put a floor plate in which holds the seat post. Then he used a fanny seat (no back). When sking etc. he just pulled off the seat and pulled out the seat post and stored them. He also created a deck where the cushions in the bow go as suggested by another. Lastly he added a trolling motor with a long extending neck to get around with. This folded neatly out of the way when not in use. Hey, a boats meant for many things, go for it! <br /><br />I have an old cooler which I converted to a live well when fishing crappie and panfish. I just use a battery operated airator and throw in some ice every once in a while to keep the water cool.

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Re: bowrider for fishing

Hi,<br /><br />I have a 17' bowrider. I had the local boat dealer make me two boards from marine ply coated in resin and non slip grit. Where the boards rest on the boat I also had them glue felt strips in place to avoid damage to the boat. Each board has a swivel seat allowing two to fish comfortably.<br /><br /><br />Firstly I remove the two seats from the bow section and the two aft (my seats are loose fitting). One board goes in front while the other in the stern section. I have made an attachment that clamps to the ski pole which are the rod holders.<br /><br />Negatives. The boards ended up 2" thick as I was concerned about the flex where the seat mount would be positioned, I weigh 250lbs. The boards are heavy and although I can get them in it is easier to have two people lift them in. As the boards are at seat level (about a foot above the floor) f you have wish the bimini up then to move to the to fishing stations requires a bit of a bend (i'm 6'2"). Wifey comes with and sits under the bimini while I fish.<br /><br />The next step is to make a slip on "nose cone" to allow for the mounting of a trolling motor.<br /><br />The live well is solved by having a mesh "keep net" hanging over the side of the boat.<br /><br />My boat stays at one of my factories for safe keeping. If you can wait a week I will take pics for you. Let me know if you need pics as I will need to fetch the boat home.<br /><br /><br />Cheers<br />Andrew

 

[phantoms]

Re: bowrider for fishing

Originally posted by craze1cars:<br /> I have no pics, but the best plan is to just take the front seat cushions out and custom make yerself a nice plywood drop-in platform that's got a swivel seat mounted to it. Coat it in marine carpet to make it pretty and presto...you have a hillbilly fish-n-ski! When you don't want to fish just hulk the thing outta there, dump it on shore and put yer cushions back in for cruisin'. I've seen more than one old bowrider rigged this way.

This is an excellent idea and I Think I'll do it with mine. Only, My front cushions are the covers for the front storage areas. I'll make a template to fit the bow area, use 5/8" plywood that's covered with fiberglass and add a couple hatches that will open to those two storage areas and remain flush when closed. A couple clasp to latch is down and have the perfect platform to fish and cast a net off. When it's time for fun instead of fishing, leave the platform at home, reinstall the cushions and take the family out for some watersports. Thank you craze for the idea.

 

[whogotz]

Re: bowrider for fishing

thanks for the suggestions. if you have pics that would be great. also, if anyone has any pics of how they have a trolling motor rigged on their bowrider i would appreciate that too.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: bowrider for fishing

This isn't mine but I wish it was...good looking, smooth lines, what more could a guy want?<br /><br />

 

[BRG25]

Re: bowrider for fishing

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Re: bowrider for fishing

Whogotz<br /><br />Picked up my boat today. Will take pics. Just need to get a good vantage point. You will have them by Sunday pm.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Andrew

 

[whogotz]

Re: bowrider for fishing

Is that guy on the back of the Stingray sitting on a floating chair?

 

[BRG25]

Re: bowrider for fishing

Nope...his right leg is hiding the pedestal. I have this boat but have never used the seats.

 

[d.tro]

Re: bowrider for fishing

Originally posted by EZLoader:<br /> This isn't mine but I wish it was...good looking, smooth lines, what more could a guy want?<br /><br />

the boat looks pretty good too

 

[EZLoader]

Re: bowrider for fishing

Finally, someone got my drift...