Here we have a few modifications on a 1756 'custom' built hull. I'm going to refrain from mentioning the manufacturer's name, as I really don't have any good things to say about the quality of the boat, and the owner certainly doesn't have any good things to say about how he was treated, but I still wanted to share the mods.
In any case, this boat was sold as a custom boat, by a somewhat reputable (at least in the duck hunting market) However, the builders were unable to add some of the accessories that the owner needed, so I got to help.
Here are a couple photos of the boat, before I started.
The owner needed four different accessories here - large forward storage hatch, forward side rails, rear steps, and rear storage hatches (one with a drop in liner to be later plumbed for livewell use).
We'll start with the forward storage hatch. I first cut out a section of the deck.
Then, welded in a few pieces of formed sheet, to create the lid support, complete with drainage channels.
Next step was to cut into the rear deck, and weld in a lid support frame.
Livewell tank for the port side. This will be used during fishing season (just to hold crappie for the dinner table - not really large enough for a bass tourney), then removed during duck season, to allow for a larger storage compartment.
And lids.
Next step was to install some bow rails. 1.25" sch. 40 pipe is the material of choice here. It has an outside diameter of 1.66, so I find it to be the perfect size to comfortably grip.
When the customer has guests with them, they sit backwards on the back of the bow deck, on throw cushions, so this rail gives them something more comfortable to hold onto. Also, when pushing the boat around while wading, these provide a better handhold.
Last step was to add these corner steps on the transom. Bent pipe, topped with a piece of sheet. These are fairly nonintrusive, but make reentry much easier when wading.
Customer even sent me a picture after the boat was painted.
In any case, this boat was sold as a custom boat, by a somewhat reputable (at least in the duck hunting market) However, the builders were unable to add some of the accessories that the owner needed, so I got to help.
Here are a couple photos of the boat, before I started.
The owner needed four different accessories here - large forward storage hatch, forward side rails, rear steps, and rear storage hatches (one with a drop in liner to be later plumbed for livewell use).
We'll start with the forward storage hatch. I first cut out a section of the deck.
Then, welded in a few pieces of formed sheet, to create the lid support, complete with drainage channels.
Next step was to cut into the rear deck, and weld in a lid support frame.
Livewell tank for the port side. This will be used during fishing season (just to hold crappie for the dinner table - not really large enough for a bass tourney), then removed during duck season, to allow for a larger storage compartment.
And lids.
Next step was to install some bow rails. 1.25" sch. 40 pipe is the material of choice here. It has an outside diameter of 1.66, so I find it to be the perfect size to comfortably grip.
When the customer has guests with them, they sit backwards on the back of the bow deck, on throw cushions, so this rail gives them something more comfortable to hold onto. Also, when pushing the boat around while wading, these provide a better handhold.
Last step was to add these corner steps on the transom. Bent pipe, topped with a piece of sheet. These are fairly nonintrusive, but make reentry much easier when wading.
Customer even sent me a picture after the boat was painted.
