15' GREGOR GETS A FACE LIFT

[Brokeass Boater]

Hi guys. I have lurked here a time or two for some good ideas for my 15' gregor, so I signed on this morning and hope I can pay back a little to the forum. The boat project is pretty much done but there'e a few more things that I want to do. I live in Northern California. The San Joaquin Delta is in my backyard. Good Striper, Bass and Salmon runs in the fall. The coast is about a 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive. So the boat see's some salt and fresh depending on whats biting. Yep that's right boys, these boats handle the open water just fine. Just pick the good weather days, no big deal to run out for Lings, rockfish,Salmon, Halibut,crab. sorry for the long intro but I wanted to explain why I set the boat up the way I did. I wanted a Center Console for our style of fishing Inshore but wanted some of the decking and storage for the delta fishing. so here what I started with. I picked this little gem up from my Daughters neighbor last Aug. for 500.00 bucks. He wasn't using it and just wanted it gone. It had the side console with steering and controls, a tired 20hp merc but it would start right up. A little FF, bilge pump, Nav lights and pretty decent trailer. I used it last year as bought but didn't like walking over the bench seating so I dug threw my sheds and came up some leftover's from other projects and ordered what I didn't have to complete my vision of I wanted to have for a small fish boat. Now it has comfortable seating for thee and great storage for items that you normally trip around in a tin boat. I had to buy a new rotory steering system because the original rack/pinion won't work as a center console helm. Also new controls, I needed binnacle mount because of the center console. I wanted to go with new vinyl for the raised decks and flooring but money was getting tight and the marine carpet I got was such a deal that I couldn't pass on it. The built in tackle storage is scrap pieces of Starboard that I had laying around. The Downrigger mounts I made from scrap Aluminum square tubing. To turn them, I just side the rigger out and turn it then slide it back in, really works pretty slick. ,,,gregg

 

[Brokeass Boater]

I'm having trouble posting the pics in the order that I want so Ill just do it the way for now,,multi posting. Here's the before pics,,,gregg

 

[Brokeass Boater]

now the tear down,,,gregg

 

[Brokeass Boater]

I wanted to use new vinyl for the decking but my money was getting tight and I got a great price on the marine carpeting. I had the center console that I picked up years ago at a sale, so I just put a coat of Awlgrip paint on it and covered the existing holes with some Diamond Plate. Had to buy new steering and controls. All the aluminum parts are scrap pieces from my other project going on.

 

[Brokeass Boater]

I replace the 20hp motor with a 35hp. Loaded with 2 guys and a Ice chest of beer, 30mph on the gps. I could get more with a prop change. But it would troll way too fast.

 

[Brokeass Boater]

I used the downriggers trolling for Kokanee this summer. I'm still trying to figure that fishery out. and I used the boat for river Salmon this Past weekend. I caught a decent 15lb'r or so and my wife did the netting. With the middle bench gone, we were able to land the fish with out hopping around the boat. I really like the rear deck with the hatch covers, gets things out from under foot.

 

[Brokeass Boater]

There is still a few things that I feel the boat needs to complete my vision of a small versatile Center Console. but its usable right now, and it is becoming a very fishy sled,,,gregg

 

[Brokeass Boater]

One of the things I would like to do is add a windlass. any thoughts on the smaller units that are advertised for pontoon boats. There around 150-200 bucks. I was wondering how they hold up for the money,,,gregg

 

[kcatto]

I dont know about the windlass, but I do like the conversion yo did on your boat... looks nice, what is that compartment with the blue tub used for? a livewell or cooler???

 

[Brokeass Boater]

so far its been for live bait and some beer a couple times. Its not insulated. I wanted comfortable seating for three and that happened to be a good location for both bait tank and seat mount,,,gregg