Converting a 16'ski boat into a fishing boat

[fishing fibber]

I just acquired a 16' hydra-sports ski boat and want to make into a bass/fishing boat to take out on a small local lake. The entire boat was previously stripped out except the stringers in the bottom of the boat. It is a fiberglass boat and seems to be in fair condition, other than being weathered. The bow is covered with a fiberglass top that appears to be secured with a molding strip and screws, also located on the back of the boat. It does not seem to be like it is going to be that big of a project, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to go overboard with all of the details of making this a first class boat, I just want it to be plain and simple for me and my son to go out on the weekends and have some fun. I am not planning on using and outboard, just a trolling motor, the lake is not big and no adverse conditions to worry about. I was thinking of putting composite decking in for the floor, so no fiberglass to worry about, and most of the floor will be the length of the boat, unless plans change. I would like to put a small platform on the front of the boat only, any suggestions.I am going to attempt to add pictures for any suggestions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Converting a 16'ski boat into a fishing boat

i think what you need to do is, clean it out, put it in the water and see how it sits, as is. the cap on that boat is part of the structural strength. i think what i would do is get the sawzall out and cut the center of the bow out. and install a deck. it looks like if you get too far forward it could take a wave over the bow. it was built to have all the load, rear of the windshield.

 

[sdunt]

Re: Converting a 16'ski boat into a fishing boat

I thought the only different between and ski boat and a fishing boat, at least around our place, is whether you have the ski's on or a pole in your hand??

If the boat doen't fit your needs, fix it up, and sell or trade it for that bass boat..

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Converting a 16'ski boat into a fishing boat

Looks like a nice wide boat with a shallow vee bottom. My guess is that HydraSports made other versions using the same hull as yours possibly including a fishing interior arrangement. You can do some research at NADA's website for boats and maybe find some examples if you have the HIN and/or model year. FYI, I cut the front deck like yours off of my Glastron V-153 runabout (15ft-3in) and made it a center console for fishing. Worked great with no handling problems using 75hp for many years.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Converting a 16'ski boat into a fishing boat

Your deck is already there. Just needs some nonskid tape, and a trolling motor. Since you say it is just with a trolling motor, I doubt you will be heading into larger lakes, so taking a wave isn't that likely.

 

[thurps]

Re: Converting a 16'ski boat into a fishing boat

I kind of agree with sdunt. The boat appears to have some unique and nice looking lines. It would be a shame to chop it up.

 

[fishing fibber]

Re: Converting a 16'ski boat into a fishing boat

Thanks guys, Keep the suggestions coming.