Boat Modification

  • MrTwister
    Dubuque, Iowa
    Posts: 100
    #1246421

    Just bought my first new boat. Tracker Pro Guide V16 with 50 Hp Mercury. I have added a couple rod holders, but that got me thinking. What modifications or additions have people made to their boat that they would suggest to someone? Please give fairly detailed descriptions!

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    #359768

    Two things I need to do: Add a net holder somewhere the net can be easily accessed, yet won’t always be tangled up. Add a pliers/side cutters/needle nose holder. This way they should always be there when you need them.

    I’ve done lots more to my boat, but it’s was minor tweaks that fit me. Congrats on the boat!!!!!

    skhartke
    Somerset, WI
    Posts: 1416
    #359770

    Make sure that your rod locker has the hydraulic opener thingys on it. My wife has snapped off 3 rod tips in only one year because of this…
    But of course I get to replace the rods then!!

    SKEREEP
    Red Wing, MN
    Posts: 82
    #359772

    Mr. Twister,

    Congratulations on the new rig. I have the same boat/hull in a Fisher (made by tracker). You are going to love the ride of your boat. I’ve been in a lot of 16′ boats of various brands and it’s as dry and smooth as anything out there. I am assuming your boat is a console. Mine is a tiller.

    One thing I noticed about my boat is that the bow came up really high at slow speeds. I had to get going pretty fast before I felt I had good vision. I added a hydrofoil and the problem is solved. If you have a console your weight being more forward might make this better – you will also be able to see over the bow easier. Anyway, I think the boat is so deep under the water line that it tends to stay down in the water longer at slow speeds. With the hydrofoil it pops right up and I can cruise around slowy with my bow down. I have a 60 horse on mine and the hydrofoil added 3 mph on gps. I can get 30 with 2 guys, gear and water in the livewell. More if I’m alone.

    Enjoy the boat!

    Scott

    crossin_eyes
    Lakeville, MN
    Posts: 1379
    #359777

    What Kooty isn’t telling you is that his “pliers, side cutter, needle nose holder” is his splash well! Nice try Kooty, now hand me the needle nose!!

    jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    #359780

    – First Aid kit.
    – Fire extinguisher
    – 50 feet of rope. (For towing or to be towed)
    – Spare prop
    – Extra set of spark plugs and the tools to change the plugs.
    – Fuses
    – Duct tape
    – Flash light
    – Matches/Lighter
    – Spare bulbs for your running lights and anchor lights.
    – Spare bilge plug

    Trailer stuff

    – Spare tire and tools to change the tire.
    – Set of bearing and races
    – Grease gun and tub of grease
    – Replacement bulbs for taillights
    – Air pump that plugs into your vehicles cigarette lighter

    robstenger
    Northern Twin Cities, MN
    Posts: 11374
    #359785

    Congrats on the new boat and welcome aboard to the site Mr. Twister ! I think most things have been covered.

    To expand on Kooty’s suggestion. Frabill makes a net and pliers holder. I have that towards the back of the boat. I have a Rapala pliers/scissors thing and line clipper attached to my seat at the helm on one of those retractable things. I then have a cheap net holder (PVC pipe) bolted onto the 2nd console. Then I threw another pliers up front on top of my bait well. Seems like those darn pliers are never close enough, so I suggest having a few.

    Have fun!

    John Schultz
    Inactive
    Portage, WI
    Posts: 3309
    #359799

    Isn’t it standard that the first modification to any new boat is an IDA sticker somewhere?

    chris-tuckner
    Hastings/Isle MN
    Posts: 12318
    #359823

    White PVC Stand up rod holders, holding three rods each. One set for the front, and one in the rear.

    Over sized internal lights for catfishing, and walleye at night.

    A small tool box with:
    Small Ohm/Volt meter
    Electrical tape
    Wire Stripper
    Pliers
    Various connectors
    Fuses
    AAA Batteries for my head light
    Wire, both black and red.
    Sunscreen

    Rod locker lights (Both sides on my Navigator.)

    12 Volt trouble light, 40 watts, with battery pinchers for connection.

    Spot light, 1 million candle power. (And DC Cig lighter adapter for it.)

    That should get you started! Good luck!

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    #359824

    It’s no wonder you went to a tiller!! You needed more storage. I got a kick out of all stuff that has been recommended so far. And I thought ice fisherman were bad…

    chris-tuckner
    Hastings/Isle MN
    Posts: 12318
    #359826

    Oh yeah, I forgot the cigar clipper.

    DeeZee
    Champlin, Mn
    Posts: 2128
    #359841

    One thing I really missed on my old boat was a magnet for all my pliers and finger nail clippers. This was a 6″ long magnetized bar that screwed to the inside of the boat anywhere. Lots of holding power in rough waves as well as a functional little gizmo!

    Jon Stevens
    Northfield, Wi
    Posts: 1242
    #359855

    Think about a richter anchor and a few rod holders with extra bases so you can move them around the boat. And don’t forget the hook removal kit!!!!

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