Jerry Rigged Bowrider Fishing/Ski boats

[BigBoatinOkie]

Howdy all. I have an '86 Cheetah 180 bowrider I/O. This boat is not intended for fishing but I have been thinking of some ways to make it interchangeable as a fishing boat and ski boat. The boat needs reupholstering so I thought about making the bow seat cushions removable and cutting a piece of plywood that fits in the bow seating section and have it carpeted to match and install a fishing chair on it. In addition, I thought about making a deck that will go inplace of the sundeck over the engine. My deck is the width of the boat. This deck would also be carpeted and have a chair and I would rig up a way for this and the sundeck to attach and detach easily and interchange. Also, there is not really a good place for a bow mounted trolling motor, so I would like to hear how some of you have mounted yours. The boat will mostly be used for skiing/tubing but I would like to do more fishing. If there is anyone out there who have done something similar to what I'm talking about, please share your ideas and pictures would be great. I look forward to seeing what others have come up with.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Jerry Rigged Bowrider Fishing/Ski boats

For the front fishing deck idea check out this thread http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=292511&page=4

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Jerry Rigged Bowrider Fishing/Ski boats

You need to visit a couple of boat dealers and look at boats that the manufacturers have set up this way. If the bow are has an area six inches wide and about 10 inches long you can easily mount a quick release plate and a Minnkota Power Drive trolling motor. They have a very small footprint and the quick release plate allows quick removal of the motor which is in keeping with your conversin plans.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Jerry Rigged Bowrider Fishing/Ski boats

your idea for the bow is exactly what a friend of mine did with his Sea Ray. it works great. He was able to mount his trolling motor though. it blocks his anchor compartment on the bow (oh well) but I feel the deck is better use of the space. if someone wants to ride up there (there are 6 other seats on the boat) they can just sit on a throwable PFD.

most times 1-2 guys just stand on his ski platform and cast, and 1 guy up front casting.

lack of livewell and rod storeage are the two main faults of this setup.