Progress on bow fishing platform

[bear_69cuda]

Gang,

Been working on my fishing platform, As I mentioned before. I'm able to place bow seats over this deck.

I'm gaining extra storage area under the deck platform ~ 35" x 19" total.

I plan on mounting a 12v 55lb motor-guide trolling motor with foot remote of some type (need to fab mounting if Bayliner can't get 99 fish/ski mounting hardware).

TM battery storage will be front and under the pedestal seat. I'll also install at some point the circuit breaker for TM, cable for A/B or AB 12v switch that links to stern port side aux battery, used primarily for audio. These two and the starboard house/starting battery all will be connected to guest charging system..

Following pics show bow w/o seats.

Cardboard template.

Cut out and shaped 3/4 plywood deck with doors for storage.

Very front of bow section can also be removed for anchor access.

I plan on using epoxy paint on all treated lumber, then finishing off the deck with stock marine carpet. (storage doors and anchor access panel will also have recessed finger handles).

And my hope is to top it off with a seat like the one found here. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=253809

Sorry for the data like e-mail... But the Packers lost, and I'm fixin dinner! Hope all had a great weekend!

Bear

Bear

 

[briguy2817]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

Nice! Now you got me thinking I need to do this to my boat to make it a fish & ski. Keep us posted on the progress.

Brian

 

[rcracerx]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

Very nice, I plan on doing the same thing to my 19 Bow Rider. That is after I get the engine running, gut the whole boat and replace all the rotted wood. I have some time so I will keep an eye on your progress in the mean time.

Thanks
Rc

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

Gang,

Just an update.

Picked up all seat hardware and seat. plus carpet, door piano hinge and ss hardware... Painted all the wood with epoxy paint. fitted platform to bow. Now getting ready for carpet install, and door fitting.

some pics...

 

[gcboat]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

I see it's all starting to come together for you - very sweet and an excellent job to boot !!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

Installed carpet... Not bad for the first time.

Need to install the hardware and hinges.

Pedestal seat post goes through the cool stainless deck fitting I found, and has a cap for when not in use....

 

[tbear1964]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

Nice work. The PO of my boat almost did the same thing....but found a Tracker and I bought his. If I was into fishing, this would be a great project.

I might have missed it, but are you planning on making this removable?

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

Hi tbear,

Yep the platform can be removed anytime. It simply fits in place between a natural curve on the bow. The bow seat cushions can also be placed over the deck, and the pedestal seat can be stashed underneath... I wanted a Tracker, but the wife was like. "where do the people sit?"

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

My deck is finished! Here are the results...

I'm starting some other projects with the boat that will be posted on this thread if you're interested...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1964697&posted=1#post1964697

 

[azlakes]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

... hellava job man, looks factory fresh.

great work!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

Thanks for the kind words!

 

[88BLiner]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

That is a great idea. I am thinking about doing something similar to my bayliner but I am not sure exactly how yet.

 

[Meadfisher]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

Man everytime I read your posts, Im jealous dude, there is so much more I could do custom like you have done, I have been so preoccupied with just getting back to original, that I could and even may do different later, I cant say enough how great of a job you are doing, keep it up!!

~P.S. what Grateful Dead lot, did you find those wonderful amazing hippies, lol i.e. acoustic in open bow.., love it.

were kind folks out here, lol we tend to keep alot of kind company around as-well.

Oh did I mention Great work!!!

 

[MacPointMan]

Re: Progress on bow fishing platform

While I was on R&R I bought a 1988 Invader 18 foot Bowrider powered by a mercruiser 3.0 and an Alpha one drive. The boat itself is in great shape. The gelcoat on the hull just needs some TLC.

My buddy was like Hey you should do this ... That got me thinking, I just had the roof on my house redone while I was on R&R and I have a sheet of roofing OSB left over. So I figured that over the winter I could do something like this to make a multi purpose fold away deck for the Bow of my boat. I am Glad I found your thread.

It would also give me an opportunity to practice and learn some fiberglass skills that I may need to use in the future.

Your project has given me some interesting Ideas and now I am thinking about how to tackle this in the off season.

Thanks for posting and sharing.

MacPointMan