Bass Tracker tx17 conversion question

midgetracer2222 · Sep 8, 2013

I was considering getting rid of the decks and livewell and going with a open Jon boat type layout with the flooring covered with marine vinyl. Do the casting decks add structural support to the boat, and if so, what would you suggest in order to get as much of a open layout as possible and still have the necessary structural integrity?

CLM · Sep 8, 2013

Yes, your decks add structural support. The problem with tracker is that they do just enough to get by. Therefore your structural ribs across the bottom of the boat don't come far enough up the sides to properly support the boat without the decks. So your hull will flex and crack at the ends of those supports without the decks.
You would probably be better off selling it to someone that wants decks and buying an open style john boat to start with.

As an example, look at the '16 Monark makeover thread. You will see how far up the sides the ribs go, this is what you should be looking for in a boat to have an open layout.

Also look at the 1751 Polar Kraft build as another example of what to look for.

Then look at this one as an example of what you will run into.
https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=23955

midgetracer2222 · Sep 8, 2013

Thanks for the response. I bought the boat with a 50 hp evinrude and the trailer for $750.00. I can live with the decks but I do a lot of crabbing and it is easy for a crab to get out of the boat when on the deck. There is very little room between the front and rear decks. That is why I was considering taking them out. The motor has good compression and runs well, the decks and the floor are in need of replacement so I figured since I would be stripping it down I would put it back together the way I wanted it. Could the proper support be added or is it more trouble than it is worth?