Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

[JasonJ]

I have progressed somewhat, but have not had time to take much pics. Here are pics of progress to date.<br /><br />As you can see, it was gutted to the bare shell and rebuilt. I cut up and removed the entire upper shell, eliminating a lot of needless weight and lowering the profile by 6 inches. On this hull, the shape of the hull provides the torsional strength, so the new gunnels and structure will be more than adequate. On some hulls you can't do this and not have structural issues. I built the front casting deck out of 1/2 inch ply throughout except for two vertical 5/8th inch support members. The structure is more than strong enough, and far lighter than the original shell and casting deck. At this point I can still lift the trailer tongue with one hand, I could not lift the tongue at all prior to this latest conversion. When it is done, the boat will be at least a few hundred pounds lighter, I am going to borrow some different pitch props to redial it in for the new weight.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Here you can see the lower profile, much lower than its previous format.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Here you can see the secondary splashwell I cut in the transom for the kicker motor. Again, I did it to save weight, clean up the format, and make the kicker easier to use. I know, your thinking "why is the kicker on the right side instead of the left". It is because the fuel tank, batteries, and front trolling motor are all on the left side of the boat. The kicker and my carcass balance the load.<br /><br />

<br /><br />I have much more fishing room now. The casting deck is now just over 7 feet in length, and I have decided to not build a rear casting deck. Instead I will leave the back open so I can still fish for the big lake trouts and not fall off the boat in rough water. The layout is a simple side console, nothing fancy. It will be carpeted throughout after I seal all the wood. I am doing this on the cheap because I figure I will buy a new boat sometime within the next few years.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

I liked your other boat better JasonJ.

 

[jaymayne]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Originally posted by JasonJ:<br /> I have progressed somewhat, but have not had time to take much pics. Here are pics of progress to date.<br /><br />As you can see, it was gutted to the bare shell and rebuilt. I cut up and removed the entire upper shell, eliminating a lot of needless weight and lowering the profile by 6 inches. On this hull, the shape of the hull provides the torsional strength, so the new gunnels and structure will be more than adequate. On some hulls you can't do this and not have structural issues. I built the front casting deck out of 1/2 inch ply throughout except for two vertical 5/8th inch support members. The structure is more than strong enough, and far lighter than the original shell and casting deck. At this point I can still lift the trailer tongue with one hand, I could not lift the tongue at all prior to this latest conversion. When it is done, the boat will be at least a few hundred pounds lighter, I am going to borrow some different pitch props to redial it in for the new weight.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Here you can see the lower profile, much lower than its previous format.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Here you can see the secondary splashwell I cut in the transom for the kicker motor. Again, I did it to save weight, clean up the format, and make the kicker easier to use. I know, your thinking "why is the kicker on the right side instead of the left". It is because the fuel tank, batteries, and front trolling motor are all on the left side of the boat. The kicker and my carcass balance the load.<br /><br />

<br /><br />I have much more fishing room now. The casting deck is now just over 7 feet in length, and I have decided to not build a rear casting deck. Instead I will leave the back open so I can still fish for the big lake trouts and not fall off the boat in rough water. The layout is a simple side console, nothing fancy. It will be carpeted throughout after I seal all the wood. I am doing this on the cheap because I figure I will buy a new boat sometime within the next few years.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Yeah Realgun, I won't lie, I did like the other layout, but this layout will accomplish more for me. Its all in the little things. As my planned usage has shifted a bit, optimizing the boat to match that planned usage was prudent in my mind. Sure I could have left it as is and been fine, but it will better serve my purposes now. <br /><br />Like I said, I do want to get a new or new-ish boat in a few years, probably a bass boat or something along those lines. I am orienting more towards that type of fishing and away from the big lake trout, which is getting less and less productive. I have the choice of spending all day trolling and maybe catching one big lake trout or hitting some holes and tearing up the smallies. Gotta admit, I have more fun tearing up the smallies.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Sometimes more is better than bigger. It is a whale of fun catching a striper but 20 white bass more than make up for the 1 striper. <br /><br />If I redo mine I might try a center console. I like mine the way it is now for the kids.<br /><br />JasonJ I thought your boat was white not this lt. brown color. I liked the white better me thinks.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Nope, it was always the tan color. I had originally thought of painting it white, then decided to leave it. <br /><br />I am about halfway done carpeting it, hopefully will be done by the end of this upcoming week. Once I finish the carpeting, I just have to reinstall the wiring and the trolling motors and it'll be ready to go.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Well, Its done, for the most part. I just have a days work hooking up the wiring, then I can take it out on the water. <br /><br />

<br /><br />

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Looks good. At one time you were talking about going aluminum, are you still thinking about it?

 

[Kevin70]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

That's a sweet float, Jason. It gives us other guys with a garage full of fiberglass dust inspiration to finish our projects. But, would someone please tell me what a "kicker motor" is all about.

 

[wildo2ne]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

kicker motor is that smaller evinrude next to the main drive, on larger boats they use a small hp outboard as a trolling motor. If you are using a outboard as a troller it is usually referred to as a kicker motor

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Ondarvr, tin is still in the back of my mind, but since I am going through this fundamental shift in how I fish, I am no longer sure tin would fit my needs unless it is one of those newer bass or walleye rigs. I guess it will depend on the hull design.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

You got through that quick! Nice outcome... again Is that scoop just sitting on the Rude's hood in the pic or is it attached??

 

[Realgun]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

He got the turbo scoop backwards on that Rude!<br /><br />Sacralidge a Merc and a Rude side by side. LOL <br /><br />JasonJ- nice work dude hope you use it well!<br /><br />I am hoping you find a nice aluminium hull and fix that up too.

 

[DJ]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Jason,<br /><br />I was surprised to see the change. However, just like anything you do, it looks fantastic.<br /><br />Well done.<br /><br />I do like that soop on the "Punkinhead". Good for backtrolling-right?

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

The scoop was from my unfortunate bout of idiocy a month ago, when I couldn't get the motor to run well with the hood on and made matter worse by removing the one part that it needed to run right. The scoop was to allow the carb to get clean air. Its backward because thats how I ended up putting it on. It didn't matter much which direction I put it on. I'll take it back apart and fix it right in the fall after I am done with the boat for the year. If I feel like it...

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Hey it's the small little things that add character........

 

[Solarex]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

i really liked your center console setup, but this layout is great too. you're really know your thing...

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Project Pain In The Bass update: Project complete...

Thanks Solarex...I had it out today, it works really well. I can definately feel the lighter weight, both in towing it and when running it on the water. I didn't pick up a ton of MPHs, only about 5, but it gets there a lot quicker. I tried a 19 pitch just for giggles, but its too much prop. The motor doesn't go much beyond 4200 rpms. For whatever reason, the motor will go to 6000 rpms on the 17 inch prop. Seems like a little too much difference there, but I am not going to fight it. I just know that the boat is faster with the 17 than the 19, and the motor is not straining, so I'll leave it.<br /><br />The improved casting deck is a Godsend. I essentially doubled my casting deck surface area, and it makes walking around on it while fishing more pleasant. I did well, boating a number of small-mouth bass. Toss 'em all back of course. I may just have to install a livewell and compete, but all the guys in the nice fast boats will kick my butt.