dmurph
Well-Known Member
I was thinking same thing, this photo really has the boat standing out looking sweet
And so it begins....
- Thread starter ReelSlim
- Start date
I was thinking same thing, this photo really has the boat standing out looking sweet
Rain City
Crew Member
****** rights man. You should be proud.It does look pretty good in person. When I put it in the water Thursday afternoon the weather was great and made for a good photo at the ramp...
ReelSlim
Crew Member
Thanks RC!
jeffywestcoast
Well-Known Member
Yeah! Ours done except power and electronics !! Lets celebrate with some chicken !!
Rain City
Crew Member
jeffywestcoast
Well-Known Member
Just teasing Rain City but damn that chicken
Looks good
ReelSlim
Crew Member
Well this should be the second last update. The last one will be next week when I fly back out and put a Chinook on the deck of the boat that WON'T be getting released. The electronics install went fairly well and the boat has good access to getting the wiring through. I do have some minor changes that I will make once I have more time or might pick away at this summer but for now all systems are a go. I mounted the transducer on the welded bracket that was provided and the support that he put on the pod was a nice touch for securing the cable neatly with ty wraps. I also installed a hoop on the kicker and these were the main two things I needed to complete before it hit the water.
The Next phase I tackled was mounting and wiring the two HDS9's. I installed an additional Blue Seas 4 switch panel to give me the extra circuits I wanted to keep it simple. The wiring wasn't bad and there was a lot of room on both sides of the boat to conceal the wiring and keep it tidy.
Obviously this wasn't the final product but wanted to make sure it all lit up before getting too neat...lol
More to come.......This is where I spent the better part of the day. Not a terrible view?
The Next phase I tackled was mounting and wiring the two HDS9's. I installed an additional Blue Seas 4 switch panel to give me the extra circuits I wanted to keep it simple. The wiring wasn't bad and there was a lot of room on both sides of the boat to conceal the wiring and keep it tidy.
Obviously this wasn't the final product but wanted to make sure it all lit up before getting too neat...lol
More to come.......This is where I spent the better part of the day. Not a terrible view?
ReelSlim
Crew Member
Once I had the brains of the operation working I changed it up and started with mounting a bit of hardware. I put a couple of sets of Scotty cup holders on it and should be good and look pretty sturdy as well. I had the best of intentions of putting my old downriggers on but got some pressure from my wife that I should upgrade.....who am I to argue? lol I also put a set of Stryker rod holders on for Hali fishing. I still have some ideas about a few other items but won't bother with updating on them. The last useful thing I installed was a 12V power receptacle and a dual USB port. Never want the phone to die in case you need the camera! All in all it is usable and got the break in hours on it last week. Some minor tweaks here and there as we all do with our toys but overall I'm very happy with the whole package. I have owned 3 fiberglass boats prior to this one an 18'....21' and a 28' and was concerned since I pulled the trigger on this one about going aluminum. I can tell you with 100% certainty that those fears are completely gone. Not sure about all alloy boats in this size but the overall ride...noise factor and plain feel of the boat is off the charts IMO. Anyways......a few last pictures of the riggers at work and a cameo shot of my 9 year getting a feel for his inheritance...lol The next and last post will be blood on the deck......I promise.
ChilliSpoons
Well-Known Member
The kid will get to enjoy the inheritance now. And better yet, enjoy it with you.
ReelSlim
Crew Member
I agree Chilli. I was lucky enough to have him with me the day I put it in the water the first time. He handled the lines for me while I backed it in...pretty cool day. Unfortunately my daughter had exams or it would of been even better! Family time was one of the biggest considerations when I decided on the build and a strong push from my wife on safety if I'm taking the kids more often and on bigger trips. I tried hard and still trying to not get consumed by the doom of late and painful time ahead with politics and BS. But that's a bit off topic.......lol
ReelSlim
Crew Member
Last one!!! As promised first blood to wrap up this thread. A big thanks to all that made comments and suggestions along the way. It was a lot of fun posting the progress and see it come to life from the first weld to completed hull to power on and seeing it finally float. I had a great morning today with a high twenties fish to the boat and got off after a failed netting...lol. Shortly after this scrappy fish stuck and now gets the title as first blood! And yes I was fishing in area 121 so the first fish was definitely coming in the boat. Again thanks to all making this a great thread and if anyone is in Renfrew be sure to come say hi........Greg
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walleyes
Crew Member
Cool stuff RS, I’ve enjoyed this one from the start. If they run the contest again I’m sure it will be thread of the year hands done. Good to see you out there enjoying it, must be very rewarding for you.
Well done my friend.
ReelSlim
Crew Member
Thanks Walleyes...it’s been fun. Good luck on the big lake!
How do you like the wheel on the transom? Do you find it useful? I'm also in the process of building a boat and currently have that on the order sheet but not sure I will keep it. It was added mostly so I could steer around objects while trolling and working the gear in the back without having to walk to the 2nd helm. Like yours, it's just a wheel and no power.
ReelSlim
Crew Member
Thanks Reel Gone....I’m sad and glad it’s over. Lol
ReelSlim
Crew Member
Depending on the size and layout of your build I’d say it’s a great option. I have the kicker controls along the side on the same side as the kicker. Some guys like it right next to the wheel. For me I fish alone a lot and want no net snags along the gunnel so I tucked the controls forward a bit. Honestly it’s not like I adjust the speed more when trolling. I like being in the back deck facing forward so the rear mount works for me. It’s been really nice having the wheel back there while bring in the fish. It also helps that this boat is bigger than my last one and tacks a lot straighter as well. Again not for everyone for my style of fishing and boat layout it’s a perfect fit.
I mostly solo fish like you. Mine is a 35’ with an 11’ cockpit so the walk from transom to rear helm will get old quick if sitting near the transom. Really it’s just to steer around obstacles or do s-turns to trigger a bite. Don’t think power is necessary. Thx for the reply!
Stizzla
Crew Member
You know who has two thumbs and wouldn’t have failed at netting? This guy!!
Congrats and that is a beauty chunker of a fish to kick it off with
Stizz
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