Casting/Shooting platform

[nettek]

Built myself a platform for a boat I just got. I can't wait for warm weather!
I'm a bow fisherman so that's the main reason I built it.

 

[Troutman3000]

how does the weight distribution work out with that thing and a person up front?

 

[clarkbre]

It looks like it is very nicely built; however, I would advise wearing a PFD while on it. :|

 

[russ010]

that's awesome!

You need to get some hydroturf to put on that bad boy... it won't be slippery at all then

 

[bAcKpAiN]

Wow! That thing looks like you could hold a square dance on it, or at least a 3v3 bball tourney! Very nice, I can't wait to see it in action.

 

[dyeguy1212]

that things a beast... nicely done

 

[KMixson]

that's awesome!

You need to get some hydroturf to put on that bad boy... it won't be slippery at all then

I'm with Russ on this one. That is a very nice platform but it looks like it might be an ice rink when it is wet.

 

[RBuffordTJ]

Very cool, what is the size of the boat?

Bow fishing is my next step, I have done it in the past with a friends bow, but it has been years. I still shoot my bow and love the thought of mixing them on a regular basis.

Bufford in Orlando

 

[nettek]

To answer some questions...

My boat is a G3 1860.

Weight distribution is just fine. I have a big 60hp motor, 12 gallon gas tank and a battery in back.

I won't be going faster than trolling motor speeds with it up front.
It is not secured in any way. It slides right under the gunnels and locks itself into place. If I need to go someplace fast, I slide it back down in the middle of the boat and ratchet strap it down. It weighs only 90 lbs. (like 2 batteries or 4 big fish!)

I had to make it rock solid. My shooting buddy and I together weigh close to 430 lbs. The fish we shoot and fight can get upwards in the 30 lb range. It will have no problem with us on it.

I don't want to put any carpet / astro turf on it since it can get pretty bloody up there
I fished all last year on my buddies boat who has a smaller deck, also plywood with spar varnish and we had no problems (knock on wood!) I may put another coat of varnish on it and then sprinkle some sand on top. That will give the surface a gritty texture. We pretty much stand in place, not moving much.

Bowfishing is a great sport! If anyone wants to get involved and needs to build a cheap deck, this is pretty easy.
I don't have the funds to buy aluminum / steel nor do I know how to weld. I'm a carpenter by trade so this was easiest/cheapest for me.
I purchased 9 prime quality 2x4's and ripped them in half. The deck is BC grade 3/4" plywood. I used deck screws and liquid nailed everything.
The finish is marine quality Spar Varnish, 3 coats. Total cost: $65.

Thanks for the positive comments! Hope this will help someone or at least give them ideas.

 

[Froggy]

This is great, I just realized It stays on top... woah! as a bowhunter I am wondering about the slime/blood factor standing up theyre all giddy...slippery when wet!!!LOL Great job!

 

[Troutman3000]

What do you hunt? Catfish, Carp, ???????

 

[nettek]

This is great, I just realized It stays on top... woah! as a bowhunter I am wondering about the slime/blood factor standing up theyre all giddy...slippery when wet!!!LOL Great job!

Thanks!

Yes, slime and fish entrails will make it difficult to stay on 2 feet. Hey, it makes it that much more fun! :roflmao:

 

[nettek]

What do you hunt? Catfish, Carp, ???????

It's illegal to shoot catfish in Illinois but yes to Common and Grass Carp, Asian Carp, Gar, Buffalo, and a few more.

I don't eat anything but the Gar and Asian Carp. They both are very tasty!

 

[D-Man]

Nice job man.

 

[russ010]

hydroturf is not carpet or astro turf... get all the slime and guts you want on it - it's still slip resistant. it's an eva foam that's pretty much weather proof.

you can get a "b" stock which is not quite up to the specs they sell for full price - https://hydroturf.com/products.php?cat=Closeouts and Specials&man=Sheets of Hydro-Turf

 

[nettek]

hydroturf is not carpet or astro turf... get all the slime and guts you want on it - it's still slip resistant. it's an eva foam that's pretty much weather proof.

you can get a "b" stock which is not quite up to the specs they sell for full price - https://hydroturf.com/products.php?cat=Closeouts and Specials&man=Sheets of Hydro-Turf

Hey! That looks and sounds great!
I'll check that out for sure, thanks!

 

[RBuffordTJ]

It's illegal to shoot catfish in Illinois but yes to Common and Grass Carp, Asian Carp, Gar, Buffalo, and a few more.

I don't eat anything but the Gar and Asian Carp. They both are very tasty!

I just saw a program on the ariel bow fishing on the Illinois river, they were shooting Asian carp out of the air with bows! I really need to take up bow fishing!

As for Gar...blek! You eat them things? Man the alligator gar down here I wouldn't eat for nothin'

Bufford in Orlando

 

[Loggerhead Mike]

I just saw a program on the ariel bow fishing on the Illinois river, they were shooting Asian carp out of the air with bows! I really need to take up bow fishing!

i'd love to see that. them guys gotta have some serious skill

 

[nettek]

I just saw a program on the ariel bow fishing on the Illinois river, they were shooting Asian carp out of the air with bows! I really need to take up bow fishing!

i'd love to see that. them guys gotta have some serious skill

It's few and far between as far as hitting them out of the air.
Here is a video of the flying fish...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MJQ2bPWgc0

 

[dyeguy1212]

I'd like to practice some homeland security on those critters... STAY OUTA MY GREAT LAKES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1at1yk26BU&feature=video_response