New member new boat.

[MG42]

Hello to everyone my name is Ed. I could not find an introduction page.
I just picked up my second boat without a choice because mother nature took out my first.

My insurance company actually gave me 1500. for personal watercraft damage on my homeowner policy.
I searched for 3 months for a good boat without a motor. I had a tuff time and wanted to upgrade a little. I came across this crestliner and could not pass it up for 3k and after the insurance money i have 1500 in it. The boat has been in a garage for 6 years. In 2002 they bought the 40hp power trim for it and had it out 5 times. I am pretty amazed by how well build this boat is. It is a 16' and weighs 700lbs.
It is a utility model so the inside is basically like a jon boat with benches. This has led me to this forum and i would like to get some ideas for modifying the inside for more of a fishing boat.
Ed

 

[crazymanme2]

Welcome aboard =D>

Nice looking boat.Make sure you take lots of pics of your mod.

Happy fishin :wink:

 

[imgonnamissher]

Welcome. That is a great boat you have there!! Can't wait to see what you do with it. It's great that the floor is already in. The way it's already set up, I have a few recommendations:

1. If you have the ability and money, go with all aluminum simply because you already have the aluminum floor and it looks pretty simple to build decks right on top of the seats. Wood will work out fine too if you don't want to go that route though.

2. Research the modification threads and search for a similar model. There are some great ideas floating around out there and they are there to be used, borrowed, claimed as your own, or whatever else necessary to help you make the boat you want.

3. Consider just fishing out of the boat the way it is this year to help you decide what all you want and to allow you to have more time to get it done. I waited way too late in the year for my schedule and I now am missing out on some good crappie fishing because I am still a long way from getting my boat finished.

4. Take lots of pictures and ask lots of questions and share all you can throughout your build - you never know who it might help.

 

[MG42]

Thank you guys.
I think i will go with the aluminum floor being a machinist and all it would be easier for me than wood. That is a good idea on fishing with it this year to get a better idea what i want to do.
Happy Easter
Ed

 

[countryboy210]

Welcome Aboard :WELCOME:

Take Lots Of Pics To Document Your Progress For You, And To Share With TinBoats.

Find A Safer Place To Park This One Between Trips To The Lake. #-o

 

[basstender10.6]

Nice boat you picked up there. the same thing happened to my boat (mother nature took it out) only it was a 23' searay speedboat. Now trees have become the enemy in my family

 

[MG42]

Nice boat you picked up there. the same thing happened to my boat (mother nature took it out) only it was a 23' searay speedboat. Now trees have become the enemy in my family

That sucks basstender. After talking to my insurance company i was glad the old boat was crushed!!

Find A Safer Place To Park This One Between Trips To The Lake. #-o

Unfortunately there are trees everywhere on my property.
If anyone is interested i have listed my damaged jon boat and trailer on the classifieds for free. If anyone wants a big challenge there you go. All you have to pay for is the price of gas to come get it. (Harford County MD)

i purchased my boat and after a couple of weeks saw a crestliner fishhawk and was in love. Unfortunately they are crazy expensive and i like my boat. The hull is basically the same boat. Then i found this forum and after looking at all the mods that have been done i now realize that i can make a fishhawk or whatever i like in any configuration. I am now thinking all aluminum with carpet or spray in bed liner. Some of your mods are amazing!!
Ed M.

 

[basstender10.6]

Nice boat you picked up there. the same thing happened to my boat (mother nature took it out) only it was a 23' searay speedboat. Now trees have become the enemy in my family

That sucks basstender. After talking to my insurance company i was glad the old boat was crushed!!

Is the motor still good?

 

[fender66]

Hey Ed...Welcome to the TinBoats family. This is the best group of people you can find on line.

Sorry to see that damage on your tin. Looks like you have a good start at rebuilding your rig though. Don't forget to use the search feature at the top right of this page. You'll find tons of info there.

 

[bcbouy]

i agree with fishing in it a few times.you'll know what you need after a few times out.

 

[reedjj]

I think it looks great the way it is right now! What a great boat!

It's too close to summer to be working on a boat right now. Enjoy it this season and figure out what you want to do/change for next year. As you are getting used to it over the summer months you can purchase little things like lights, fish finder, anchor mates, rod holders, seats etc. Things like that that you want to add to your build. Then when the weather gets crappy up there you will be completely prepared with supplies and plans to commence with whatever you decide to do.

I just took a look at the crestliner fishhawk.....

It looks like your boat could be easily converted to that layout. You wouldn't even have to remove the center seat. Here are a few ideas...

1. You could deck the whole front of the boat all the way back to the side console over the center bench. Cut a hole and put a live well or storage in the center bench.

2. Also you could put storage/batteries/live well in between the center and 1st bench under the floor. Whatever you do don't waste that space under the floor.

3. put a pedestal seat in the front bench (NOT the little one all the way up front).

4. Deck over the rear area to cover the gas tank and put a pedestal seat in the center of the rear deck and 2 more pedestal mounts in each of the existing seat locations. That way you only need to take 2 seats with you. One for you and one for your fishin buddy. When you get to your fishing spot one seat goes to the rear and one goes to the front. You can store the pins in one of your many storage areas and get them out when you get to your fishing spot. These kind
https://boatingsavings.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/swivl-eze-snap-lock-177-base-plate-9-aluminum.aspx?a=627921&pn=1

 

[reedjj]

I can't wait to see what you do with it. I love these kind of boats and want to do something like you are doing with a
Deep-V!

On a more personal note. When you do the decks I would lose the blue carpet and go with the light grey stuff from Home D. and replace the seats for something a little more comfy and modern looking. https://boatingsavings.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/attwood-centric-ii-seat.aspx?a=685765

Ok, maybe not seats that expensive, but you get the idea. LOL!

 

[MG42]

Nice boat you picked up there. the same thing happened to my boat (mother nature took it out) only it was a 23' searay speedboat. Now trees have become the enemy in my family

That sucks basstender. After talking to my insurance company i was glad the old boat was crushed!!

Is the motor still good?

Yes basstender, i only have about 8hrs on it. Its a 15hp 4 stroke. I was going to use it as a kicker but it weighs 115lbs.

Hey Ed...Welcome to the TinBoats family. This is the best group of people you can find on line.

Sorry to see that damage on your tin. Looks like you have a good start at rebuilding your rig though. Don't forget to use the search feature at the top right of this page. You'll find tons of info there.

Thanks fender66. I have been looking at alot of different builds. Trying to get some ideas.This is one that i found so far that i liked allot.https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9177&hilit=1951

I think it looks great the way it is right now! What a great boat!

It's too close to summer to be working on a boat right now. Enjoy it this season and figure out what you want to do/change for next year. As you are getting used to it over the summer months you can purchase little things like lights, fish finder, anchor mates, rod holders, seats etc. Things like that that you want to add to your build. Then when the weather gets crappy up there you will be completely prepared with supplies and plans to commence with whatever you decide to do.

I just took a look at the crestliner fishhawk.....

It looks like your boat could be easily converted to that layout. You wouldn't even have to remove the center seat. Here are a few ideas...

1. You could deck the whole front of the boat all the way back to the side console over the center bench. Cut a hole and put a live well or storage in the center bench.

2. Also you could put storage/batteries/live well in between the center and 1st bench under the floor. Whatever you do don't waste that space under the floor.

3. put a pedestal seat in the front bench (NOT the little one all the way up front).

4. Deck over the rear area to cover the gas tank and put a pedestal seat in the center of the rear deck and 2 more pedestal mounts in each of the existing seat locations. That way you only need to take 2 seats with you. One for you and one for your fishin buddy. When you get to your fishing spot one seat goes to the rear and one goes to the front. You can store the pins in one of your many storage areas and get them out when you get to your fishing spot. These kind
https://boatingsavings.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/swivl-eze-snap-lock-177-base-plate-9-aluminum.aspx?a=627921&pn=1

reedjj Yes i like the boat allot the way it is and i have been fishing my but off. Not catching many fish but i have fun taking it out every chance i get.
I have been buying some stuff already. I got a fishfinder/gps and anchor mate.
The major difference i see with the 2 designs is the console and seats are allot farther forward on the fish hawk.
I would like to have that recessed section like the fish hawk but then i would have to move the console to the next bench foreward and i'm not sure i would like to tackle that or not. I would also have to remove the bench.
If i did what you suggest it would be recessed just behind the console and would be much easier build. Those seat are very nice i like them.
Thank you guys for taking the time to give me some good ideas. I have allot of thinking to do.
Ed M.