Likes: 
Thanks: 
HaHa: 
Reply With QuoteAn open utility type boat has always been the most handy boat for me. They tend to be a Jack of all trades
Crappie Wall Hanger
16' Starcraft Mariner V- Blank slate - What would you add?
Purchased a gutted Mariner-V 16. Clean hull, but completely bare:
I went ahead and put in the main floor, but no decks as of yet. I went with a sanded finish:
I have a nice little Suzuki motor that just got running today for it:
So it's a blank slate. Boat with floor and motor. I have a small side console and controls, but that's it.
What do you think are must-have's for a freshwater boat? Thanks.
Super Moderator
* Crappie.com Supporter
An open utility type boat has always been the most handy boat for me. They tend to be a Jack of all trades
The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass along
Super Mod and 2014 Crappie.com Man of the Year
* Crappie.com Supporter
Be thinking about storage areas.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Bill H. PTC USN Ret
Chesapeake, Va
Super Moderator
* Crappie.com Supporter * Member Sponsor
My first thought was to check for any leaks before rigging. Certainly storage (batteries, tackle, safety equipment and accessories. Seating desires..And then figure out what electronics you would like.
“If your too busy to fish, you’re too busy!” Buddy Ebsen
PROUD MEMBER OF TEAM GEEZER
(Billbob and “G” approved!)
Proud member of Tekeum’s Jigs Pro
Staff
https://heavenornot.net/
heavenornot.net
Crappie.com Legend
A rear seat and a front seat, nothing in the middle
Crappie Wall Hanger
And that's a major reason I'm considering adding decks. Good thinking, thanks.Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill
Do you mean before putting in the new floor?
My floor install schedule was:
Cut the floor panels to fit, seal/treat the plywood to prevent rot, while the panels were drying drop the boat in the lake and look for any leaks and then foam, glue and fasten the deck panels in place.
I cut the flooring and treated it. Then next day, when getting everything ready, I got all excited and started the install. As soon as I was done, while the foam was setting I remembered that I never floated the boat. AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!!! Yeah, I'm an idiot.
The hull is very clean, almost unused looking, and I hope desperately that there are no leaks, but we will see if I have to rip the boat apart again. I absolutely hate leaky boats, even if it's 8 ounces an hour. In this case, if it's only ounces an hour, I'll probably leave it be. If it's a gallon, I'm pulling the floor out. It will be VERY difficult to pull that floor out between the foam and the perimeter glue, but it's not impossible. But BOY, it would be a crushing defeat as far as a boat rebuild goes.
But as I said, there isn't even a scratch on the bottom of the boat. Hopefully, it's as tight as it looks!
Thanks for sharing the wisdom. Too bad I didn't listen!
Right now, I'm planning a side-console with a cushioned cooler as a seat. Trying to decide on whether to add a small rear deck that can house batteries, fuel tank and some gear. Another thought was to have a larger cooler down the port side that can function as seating and storage.
There is so much space, I almost hate to break it up.
Crappie Wall Hanger
I have the electronics already, but seating and storage are the big head-scratchers. A buddy told me that HE would do the cooler seat, and just have a cooler and some folding deck chairs I could bring. That's a funny thought, but something to consider.
This boat has a 54" wide bottom, so it should be stable and fine with decks, as long as I don't make them too high.
Crappie.com 2K Star General
Just wondering if you ran any wiring in conduit before installing the floor?
If you do have to remove the floor it may be something to consider.
6 gauge up the port side for trolling motor and everything else on the starboard side. Make things neater in the long run.
Good luck with the project.
And keep us posted.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
Crappie Wall Hanger
Chuck,
Good thinking!
In this boat there is a large area with clips already there under the gunwales to run wires, so I decided to not put any wiring under the floor.
Trolling motor battery will be housed up front if I go with a bow-mount. I'm actually considering a transom mount on this boat, crazy as it may seem. Not sure on that yet.
The big secret is that I'm considering gifting this boat to a friend who recently retired and is now feeling the financial pinch. He lives in North Carolina, next to the White River, near Jacksonville, not far from Bogue Island . Fresh water fishing upriver, and awesome saltwater fishing down river, so this boat will probably get a lot of use. I introduced him to crappie fishing, and he loves it.
But we will see. I don't have too much money in the boat so far, less than $600 and a few afternoons of labor. Let's see if his pride will allow him to accept it. Maybe I should just ask if he will keep it for me, with him being allowed to use at will as my "rent." Yes, that might go over well.
Last edited by thill; 01-13-2023 at 12:58 PM.
Crappie.com 2K Star General
Very nice gesture.
You will never regret it.
I built a custom motorcycle a few years back for the Easy Rider bike show in Louisville, Ky.
My son in law helped when he could.
When the bike was almost finished I ask him… what color do you want to paint YOUR bike??
The look on his face was worth all the hours and money I had in the build!!
He was killed in a tragic accident a few months after that but I will always remember him and the look on his face.
That was almost 10 years ago and I still have the bike.
Saving it for his son that is 13. He and I can do what little work it will need to get it on the road.
Then I will have special memories working on it with him.
Chuck.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
