1987 Bass Tracker Overhaul

[silentbravo]

Looks great. Maybe I should look into that gluvit, definitely some leaky rivets on my boat, but I really don't want to strip the floor out lol.

 

[capperja]

Thanks for the replies!

Made some more progress today on framing, also cut all my foam (pink xps) and taped the ends. Maybe at some point I’ll add some pour foam but I was so disheartened with how waterlogged the old stuff was and how it blocked all of the drain channels I’m not sold yet. There was a triangular piece of wood I get the front cap of the boat, replaced that with aluminum and cut all my aluminum as well for most of the decking. Waiting on hatches to come in so I couldn’t progress further without knowing where I should add more suppport. Looking forward to buttoning this thing up before winter and then knocking out the wiring.

 

[capperja]

One more. I’d like to put my batteries up front. Right now I have a deep cycle and a cranking battery. If I bought a Noco 5x2 and later decided to add a second deep cycle for a total of 3 batteries, I could just wire them in parallel and not have to get a 3 bank charger right? Appreciate any advice you all can provide unless I should just buy a 3 bank to start but other than the trolling motor and some time on the fish finder I don’t think I’ll use electronics all that much.

 

[silentbravo]

Each battery has different charging needs. Charging 2 in parallel would probably work but I haven't researched it.

The problem with parallel batteries is that they both need to be the same model of battery and ideally purchased at the same time so they are both in the same condition. The weaker of 2 batteries in parallel will be constantly drawing down the stronger battery to equalize, so you want to get them matched together as closely as possible.

Now you could put a simple disconnect between the parallel batteries, and even add 2 separate pigtails for each battery and just swap the charge lead between the 2, but that won't help for a maintenance/float on both.

 

[capperja]

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted any updates, got all the framing done and sheeted the floor and front casting deck. Next will be the rear casting deck and then gunnels. Finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, getting excited to put hydro turf down.

 

[Transplant]

Thoroughly jealous of your garage space. The boat is looking good!

 

[capperja]

Thoroughly jealous of your garage space. The boat is looking good!

Thank you very much, I’m fortunate to be able to use a family member’s garage. Closest thing I have for now is a 10x14 shed at my place lol.

 

[user 23839]

So impressed with your dedication and skills!

 

[capperja]

So impressed with your dedication and skills!

Thank you very much, I appreciate you following the thread

 

[capperja]

Still plugging away at it, I have almost all of the metal riveted. Man do street signs take forever, especially trying to ensure there’s a rib or angle at ever seam. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, and really hope hydroturf covers some of my shortcomings. After I get the trolling motor mounted and drill holes for the accesories I’ll start wiring. Currently the only thing I have left to sheet are the sides, I cut all the pieces already. I’ve learned a ton, some things I’d do different, but **** I’m exited to fish out of this thing.

 

[airshot]

Even the factory takes shortcuts and makes mistakes, so no worries....as long as your happy with it....cant wait for some pics after it is all finnished !!

 

[capperja]

It’s been a while since my last update. Got all the hydroturf down mins my access panel for running cables to the center console. Found out my throttle and shift cable are too short, ordered new ones and should have them Thursday. Originally wanted to put my switches on the center console but decided fishing wires underneath the floor to the panel and back down and over to the fuse block would be a lot to manage. Instead made a plate to put my switch panel and bilge pump switch below the driver seat pedestal. Also made up a plate and bracket for the master switch, trolling motor fuse, and main fuse block. Had to fix bad wiring on the trolling motor. As of now, I believe I’m in good shape to knock out all of the wiring on Saturday. I haven’t taken too many pictures lately, time constraints and a new puppy have had my attention. Here are 3 I took today. Hope everyone is well.

 

[Stand Up]

The finished product should look real fine. You've put a lot of labour into this boat. I've enjoyed following this build.

 

[capperja]

I’m close guys, the finish line is finally on sight. Wiring is all done, cables are all run. Just need to mount the outboard and wait for a longer steering cable to come in. Will need to do some touch ups with tidying up my mess of wires, riveting the console down, and replacing my deep cycle battery (it’s 4yrs old and barely lasted for testing lights). Anyone have experience with the ionic batteries or any lithium battery in their boat? Hope you all are well. Pic of my main helper attached as well

 

[Transplant]

Your main helper is just a younger version of my main helper. Although all my helper has done so far is to poop in places that almost guarantees I step in it and transfer it directly to the new carpet. She’s much better at fishing than she is at helping.

 

[Ray Clark]

I just caught up on your project. You've done a great job and it's really amazing that you were able to keep pushing through even as life happens. Love the pup!

Batteries: I use a dual battery setup.

- Cranking battery is a small Group 24 AGM battery that I got at a home improvement store. The motor on my boat is a 2021 20 HP Merc four stroke with electric start and manual pull rope backup. It's very easy to start with the rope, and so I'm OK with a cheap battery on the motor. This battery is only used for cranking.

- Fish finders, trolling motor, and accessories are powered by a 100 Amp Hour Lithium Ion Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery I got off Amazon. I couldn't afford a big Dakota LiFePO4 battery so I did a lot of reading and even found some vids on YouTube about the cheaper offerings on Amazon. I bought a CHINS battery. I paid about $350 for the battery when I bought it, but the price has actually dropped since then. The CHINS has a battery management system built in with thermal protection on both cold and hot extremes. The vid that convinced me on this brand was by a YouTube creator who specializes in solar power systems. He has vids in which he "dissects" batteries. Some of the batteries were absolutely atrocious in build quality. The CHINS was very clean inside with good solder joints.

- Charging is accomplished with a NOCO 5X2. I mounted the charger such that I can easily remove it when the season is over and I can move the charger and batteries into the shop building to stay on trickle charging for the winter.

I moved the batteries from the stern to the middle bench to even out weight distribution in my small boat. They are mounted so they can be removed quickly and the troller & accessories are all hooked to the battery at a fuse block with overload protection.

I don't have a "long term test" on the lithium battery I bought, but so far, so good. My fishing trips are typically one day outings, and I have yet to use more than 50% of the battery's capacity in a day. I don't have the lighting on my boat that you do, I don't fish at night, and I don't have a sound system (don't know if you're looking at one for your boat.) I won't stress a battery like you might. My personal feeling is that you will need a minimum of 100AH of battery capacity. As far as I'm concerned, LiFePO4 is the way to go. Weight savings and life cycle costs are superior.

Good luck on this adventure. You're almost there!

 

[capperja]

Your main helper is just a younger version of my main helper. Although all my helper has done so far is to poop in places that almost guarantees I step in it and transfer it directly to the new carpet. She’s much better at fishing than she is at helping.

Great looking pup you got there, can’t wait to take mine out fishing. He’s slept through a lot of my work but just loves to be in the same room

 

[capperja]

I just caught up on your project. You've done a great job and it's really amazing that you were able to keep pushing through even as life happens. Love the pup!

Batteries: I use a dual battery setup.

- Cranking battery is a small Group 24 AGM battery that I got at a home improvement store. The motor on my boat is a 2021 20 HP Merc four stroke with electric start and manual pull rope backup. It's very easy to start with the rope, and so I'm OK with a cheap battery on the motor. This battery is only used for cranking.

- Fish finders, trolling motor, and accessories are powered by a 100 Amp Hour Lithium Ion Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery I got off Amazon. I couldn't afford a big Dakota LiFePO4 battery so I did a lot of reading and even found some vids on YouTube about the cheaper offerings on Amazon. I bought a CHINS battery. I paid about $350 for the battery when I bought it, but the price has actually dropped since then. The CHINS has a battery management system built in with thermal protection on both cold and hot extremes. The vid that convinced me on this brand was by a YouTube creator who specializes in solar power systems. He has vids in which he "dissects" batteries. Some of the batteries were absolutely atrocious in build quality. The CHINS was very clean inside with good solder joints.

- Charging is accomplished with a NOCO 5X2. I mounted the charger such that I can easily remove it when the season is over and I can move the charger and batteries into the shop building to stay on trickle charging for the winter.

I moved the batteries from the stern to the middle bench to even out weight distribution in my small boat. They are mounted so they can be removed quickly and the troller & accessories are all hooked to the battery at a fuse block with overload protection.

I don't have a "long term test" on the lithium battery I bought, but so far, so good. My fishing trips are typically one day outings, and I have yet to use more than 50% of the battery's capacity in a day. I don't have the lighting on my boat that you do, I don't fish at night, and I don't have a sound system (don't know if you're looking at one for your boat.) I won't stress a battery like you might. My personal feeling is that you will need a minimum of 100AH of battery capacity. As far as I'm concerned, LiFePO4 is the way to go. Weight savings and life cycle costs are superior.

Good luck on this adventure. You're almost there!

Ray,

Thank you very much for the detailed reply, I certainly appreciate it. I’m going to buy a second ionic battery for two reasons, increase my capacity but also, if I decide to go to a 24v trolling motor, I’m already setup with the batteries. The ionic batteries also have the BMS system, very slick! Standby for the next progress update, hope everyone is well

 

[capperja]

Outboard is mounted, now just to tidy up wiring, replace the fuel line and the seal on the steering housing, and add my rod holder. Hope everyone is well!

 

[capperja]

Never posted finished pictures, here you go guys. Only difference is there’s an Ulterra on the front now. Thank you for all of the help and advice along the way!