Bass Tracker TX17 Conversion

[rook]

Yeah, you are probably right. I imagine with it all welded it will be quite stronger by default. The boat looks great and I think you will be real happy with it when your done. That 70hp should push that thing great. Doea it have tilt/trim? I dont have but a 50hp on mine and with me and my dog loaded for fishing it will go 37mph on GPS. Great job knot, I will be keeping up with your build. Think Im gonna do another one soon, except I want a tunnel hull this time.

 

[knotslippin]

Well haven't done much to the boat. Busy trying to troubleshoot the "no spark" issue. I did put together a driver seat. I installed hinges to allow access to livewell.

I am enjoying reading all the mods going on. It's like every other day there is a new one. Giving me ideas for the next project. Not a good thing.

 

[Cubman]

knotslippin, I have a bare bass tracker and had the idea about building a center console for it. I found your thread when I searched Tin Boats. I am impressed. Did you use the factory steering cable? How did you route it? My controls are the originals from 1980 and are not very flexible.

 

[knotslippin]

@cubman

I have not installed the cables yet. But no, the factory ones won't reach. These boats come with a side console, so I need a couple more feet. I just got the top mount controls yesterday. I will be installing this weekend. I will post pics of how I run the cables.

And the credit for the console goes to Rook. I just improvised a bit. But thanks

 

[PartsMan]

Console is looking great! Keep up the good work.

 

[smittles1179]

What?!!! Now that Was Awesome...Holy Smokes...your Good Man. Well Done.

 

[cretecutter]

Can't wait to see how you run the cables. I have a 87 Bass Tracker and I've been kicking around the idea of a center console for a long time, Your project looks amazing

 

[Jim]

Excellent work so far man! :beer:

 

[WantABigBass]

Very Cool. Nice Work.

 

[knotslippin]

Been very busy with work, so I haven't done much. I have a few updated pics.

Should be in the water in a couple weeks.

First off hre is the motor I finally went with. 3rd motor I should add. It is a 1991 Yamaha 90.

Got the controls and steering in

I also had some rod holders made. Sticking to the industrial look.

Used some SS Jeep Hood latches for the front seat of console.

Hope you are all enjoying your builds. I can surely say I have.

 

[possom813]

subscribed for updates...

 

[reedjj]

Great build. What is going on with it????

I may have an opportunity to get a gutted Tracker TX17 with a 70hp Evinrude (that needs carbs) on a decent trailer for a low low price. I want to turn it into a Center console. But I am concerned about floor width. I cant seem to find any real factory specs on this boat anywhere. I heard the beam was 69" from more than one internet post. Which would put the floor width at around 52''???? I think???. But I have also heard its a 48" wide floor.

There are not alot of factory made Center consoles with a 48" floor for a reason. Its just a little too tight. But there are with 52"-56" floors. Do you have enough room to walk around or is it a little tight.

If you had to do it over would you still have gone with the Center console?

Appreciate the help.

 

[dyeguy1212]

I think the width changed a bit depending on the year. My 95 tx17 has a 50 inch floor.

 

[knotslippin]

Well first test run of boat. Think it ran fine. Let me know what you guys think. Sorry but I forgot to check my gps, I was too stoked.


Now time for the paint and finishing her off. Appreciate any criticism


Click on pic for video

 

[etindoll]

Great job like the console. Eventually want to convert my boat to center console. =D>

 

[knotslippin]

Well it's been a while, but I finally fished the boat. All that is left is the paint. But that can wait. I was able to get 46mph on the gps. Not quite what I was hoping for. It does ride very smooth even through some chop. Ran the bay and went out of Haulover cut. Ran a couple of miles into the ocean, just to say we did on the maiden voyage.

Here is the boat at the ramp

Here is a nice mod for anyone that is disconnecting their oil injector. I thought it was a good idea. You can never have enough places to put your beer.

And here was the catch for the day. Not bad for a few hours.
2 23" Trout
2 18" Trout
2 16" Trout
1 Permit and 2 Mangrove Snappers

Hope you all enjoy the update. I will be out there again in a couple of weeks.

 

[mmf]

Man you got a good place to fish, I wish I could go out and catch specks anytime!! I see in your picture you went back and drilled holes where the tubes (PVC) went and put end covers on......

 

[knotslippin]

Yeah I wanted to put them on both sides but I lost one of the covers. Would you happen to know where I could get the covers?

 

[mmf]

I have not seen any but have not really looked, maybe ebay or contact tracker online.

 

[floridabrahmer]

nice build, wheres the redfish? they must have been hiding on you that day...