Here’s a question I got on my web site. It might be of interest to others here too.
Quote:
Jeff, I’m seriously considering ordering an ’04 Lund Alaskan 20′ tiller with 70 or 90HP Johnson 4-stroke… Like you have on your web site: http://www.jeffsundin.com/alaskan9303_interior.jpg
This picture shows the 2nd seat from the back was relocated to the center of the boat. I like the placement. What was involved in the installation? I haven’t had an opportunity to look below the center floor panel on one to see how difficult it would be. The folks at Lund told me that centering the seat was not a factory option, so I plan to make the modification myself.
Any other recommendations or comments about the 20′ Alaskan tiller are welcome. Thanks, Tony Pridmore
I’m glad to hear that you’re looking at the 20 foot Alaskan. I fell in love with mine the first time I had it on the water. For those of us who want a multi purpose boat with lots of room and that handles easily with a tiller engine, this is the perfect rig.
If you look close at the photo, I didn’t move the original floor base, I just added a new one in the center. This was one of the easiest I’ve done because there is a lot of extra space between the pilot seat and the 3rd seat, this allows you lots of placement options.
The center floor panel comes out easily with an ordinary Phillips screw driver. Just lift out the panel and mark a safe spot for the new base (stay clear of the fuel lines and other wiring under the floor). I used a large hole saw to make a neat cut for the new base. I install the base with stainless steel screws, oversize fender washers and lock nuts.
You wind up with very comfortable seating for 4 people and you are free to move easily between the bow and stern when you need to net fish or do other small jobs in the boat.
Just another side note, the 4 stroke Johnson that I ran last year worked like a charm, but this year I’m going with the Evinrude E-Tech. They have this engine set up to be maintenance free for 3 years and you enjoy the performance benefits of a 2 stroke combined with the reliability of a 4 stroke. Go to the Evinrude site and take a look at that engine before you make your final decision.
Good luck with your new rig, I’m sure you will love it.