16' Starcraft Mariner V- Blank slate - What would you add?

[CrappieRage]

I had an aluminum boat that leaked. Not bad but annoying. Every couple years I would put the plug in and fill it with water. Took a sharpie and circled all the rivets that were leaking. Usually only a few. I then let the boat dry out well. Then I covered the leaks with clear silicone. That would last two or three years and I would repeat.

Beats tearing up that floor.

[Atimm693]

I'd start thinking about seat bases, and get a spot picked out for the gas tank and how you want to rig it.

I would want a console along the left side, maybe not full length but pretty long, with a cubby near the back for pliers, tools, and other misc stuff that you need. This is also where your graph, gauges, switch panel, and battery would typically go in a tiller boat. The front half could then be used as storage, a livewell, trolling battery box, etc.

The deck depends on your style of fishing. Vertical fishing or casting is easier done when you're up high, drifting, trolling, or spider rigging can be done easily from the floor.

[thill]

Thanks for sharing that. I'm sorry about your son in law. Your grandson will certainly love both you and the bike.

I'm trying to figure out how I'll spring it on him. I was planning to ask him if he could store a boat for me so when I visit, I don't have to tow a boat down every time. It's a 5-6 hour drive. But maybe I should do it your way... Just hand him the keys to HIS boat. That might get quite the reaction, but I don't know... He's a grumpy thing, and if he feels it's "charity," that might not go so well.

I'll have to think it over and be crafty.

[Ketchn]

a decent non slip deck , a couple of low profile seats , a trolling motor , an anchor and some rope , a cheap graph and an ice chest ....... keep it simple and uncomplicated. concentrate on hammering and not all the stuff you didnt really need to put on it ....my 2 cents

[BobC]

Great thread and idea, Thill. A boat like that may cure a lot of grumpiness! Please keep us posted!
Bob

[thill]

a decent non slip deck , a couple of low profile seats , a trolling motor , an anchor and some rope , a cheap graph and an ice chest ....... keep it simple and uncomplicated. concentrate on hammering and not all the stuff you didnt really need to put on it ....my 2 cents

Nonslip deck - DONE
I have a transom mount TM, but thinking of bow mount... not sure yet.
Anchor and rope and safety gear - YES, needed.
Ice chest will be the driver's seat behind the console, but I may add another.

My nephews just stopped by, and we discussed it a bit. They were split on the platforms, but they LOVED all the room in the boat.

They think a small platform in the front might be best for storage and for casting and just leave the back open. OR, put a platform in the back to hide gas tank, battery, and for storage under and leave the front open. Neither thinks I should cut down all that space with two platforms.

This is coming from a 14 and 16 year old, but they fish way more than I do, so I'm listening.