Re: Need boat suggestions?
If you're handy, a 17' aluminum boat with 50+ hp OB could make an excellent "conversion". We finished one last year -- 17.5" Sylvan with 70hp, power trim & tilt, oil injection, etc. <br /><br />Paid $2,250 for B, M, and good trailer. Had 3 good pedestal seats, side console steering station, flat floor, live well, etc. Good basic fishing boat...<br /><br />Then things got interesting... We sat in the boat for about two weeks (in garage), took it out fishing a few times, and ended up with a reasonable list of "improvements". Yours will differ, of course, but we did the following:<br /><br />1) Relocated the mounts for the seats (some just a little).<br /><br />2) Extended the front casting platform about 18" backwards (this was a huge improvement). Good place for storage.<br /><br />3) Relocated battery box for front trolling motor to under the console.<br /><br />4) Built custom transom shelf extending over splashwell. Drink holders, downrigger mounts, etc.<br /><br />5) Widened the port side rod locker by creating a wider gunnel on top.<br /><br />All this is SO easy -- marine plywood, some carpet, a little head scratching.<br /><br />Now, this crappy little boat gets big time looks from fisherman everywhere we go. It is truly a pleasure to fish from.<br /><br />... so my advise is to go old and cheap, and spend some time making it what you want.
