Fishing/pleasure boat combo

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I'm planning to get a Searay 180 Sport later this year and will us it as a pleasure boat and a hardcore fishing machine. I'm thinkng of having a fishing set up that I can remove to convert it back to a pleasure boat. Yes, I know, it's sounds crazy but you can't beat two boat for the price of one. OK here it goes, please let me know what else you would add if it was your set up or what you think will not work. <br /><br />Here is the pic of the boat floor plan, I would get the one with the two bucket seats in the back and on passenger seat.<br /> http://www.searay.com/online_brochure.asp?display=brochure&tab=1&modelid=43694&reqtype=1,9,11,14,19 <br /><br />a. In the bow, I will make a fishing platform and put over the seats. Put in a some carpet and add a high removable fishing seat. I'm toying with the idea adding two (one on each side). It will be tight but to person might be able to sqeeze in? A bracket will also be made to mount the trolling motor on to the plateform. <br /><br />b. a rectangular box will run along starboard and port behind the passenger seats. Two high fishing seat on each side will be added. The height will be about 2.5 feet and width is about 2 or 2.5 feet. The center part of the box will serve as storage for a 10-20 gallonl live well. Under the two seats will be storage. Rod hold will also be attach to this box. <br /><br />c. A fish finder setup will also be made.<br /><br />So what do you think? I'm sure other have done this before and i'm sure there are similar set up out there. I would appreciate some advice and recommendation. This set up will be remove to convert back to a pleasure boat. I was think of taking two adults and two young teens for the fishing trip.<br /><br /><br />Thanks.

 

[mulv80]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

It seems like alot of modifications to a new boat. Why not just buy a Fish + Ski boat which sounds like what your looking for. I know for a fact a number of boat manufacturers produce a boat that will fit your needs of both fishing and pleasure.

 

[zoom50]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

Sam reply as post in freshwater...<br /><br />a) You will only be able to fit one usable seat on bow. Don't add carpet!!<br />b) Why do you have to have high fishing seats? I don't think there is room behind the front seats for this.<br />c) no problem<br /><br />I think making this will cost you some buck (to be done the right way) and a lot of time. If you are set on this boat, just add some rod holders, make livewell out of cooler, and install a fish finder. This is much easier and you will catch just as many fish and have fun while doing it. Also, you might find it easier to trade without the extreme modifications.<br /><br />--------------------<br />Sea Pro 180<br />"I am not prejudice, I hate everyone equally"

 

[roscoe]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

""So what do you think?""<br /><br />I think...<br />.you are trying to pack too much stuff into that size boat.<br />.raising the seat platforms that high will make for an uncomfortable experience<br />.you will ruin the interior of the boat<br />.you will be adding a lot of weight<br />.you will be raising the center of gravity<br />.I would rather buy 2 used boats<br />.I would rent a fishing boat if its for occassional use<br /><br />Hey, you asked, peace.

 

[ANDREW SMITH]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

Night, I like your plan, let me add some ideas. I would make all your fabrications for fishing on platforms. For example, the bow platform will have your fishing seat, your electic motor, etc bolted to it. If you remove the two bow seats you could fasten the platform to the fibreglass. When you go tubing or waterskiing, just remove the fishing platforms and leave them in the garage where your boat was stored (can't store a new boat outside can you??). Having said that, there are some nice ski and fish boats out there (Bayliner 184). If you like the searay, then wait till october or november to get the best deal on a new 2005, or buy now on a new 2004. Virtually the same boat, except the 2005 has "key start" rather than throttle start. Good luck.

 

[tommays]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

i have a 20 ft verison and if you fish in it its going to smell like h??? in no time <br /><br />thers just no way to wash it down after fishing it would be like fishing in your liveing room<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[nightvision]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

Hi all,<br />Thanks for the replies. I seriously will take all the post into consideration.<br /><br />Here is my rationale for the Searay 180. Presetnly, I'm considering that it will be 75% for pleasure use and 25% for fishing. One post said that fishing can stink up the boat. That will be bad for the pleasure part of the equation. Lets just say that we have no carept on the boat, would that solve the problem with the fish smell?<br /><br />My boys and I are just brainstorming. This will be our first boat and the first boat we fish off.<br />Thanks for the input.

 

[BRG25]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

My boat has all that with a livewell.<br /><br />

 

[dorelse]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

I'd just buy a Fish & Ski combo, that's what you're really after anyway. I'd also worry about all those mods being an excuse for the dealer/manufacturer to void your hull warranty.<br /><br />Get buy a combo boat, they're made to do exactly what you're looking for.

 

[Eric K.]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

Nightvision,<br />I have a 99' Sea Ray 180DC(dual console) fish and ski. There is no carpeting in the front bow area and it comes with and insert (looks like a cutting board) between the bow seating area so you can stand and fish from there. The seat cushions aren't fixed to the boat they just sit in the bow area but I never use them. You can have a trolling motor but I opted for the bow rail for my kids. This boat also has the outboard with a 12" draft and transom mounted live well between the seats. Check this 2004 Sea Ray out online. http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company10923/43695_f.pdf

 

[skeeterboy]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

Fish and ski would have been the way to go. now if you really plan on fishing then you would more than likely get a trolling motor. Pretty much a waste whatever you do sorry. If you get it done let me know i want to see some pics of it.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

Take a look at the Fish and Ski models. Has a bow conversion for fishing with pedestal seats.<br /><br /> http://www.crestliner.com/

 

[Straightup]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

I put high seats and platforms in an aluminum fishing boat once. On hindsight I wish I would have left it in original condition.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: Fishing/pleasure boat combo

BRG25 nice boat.<br /><br />Think that would be the next kind of boat I would buy.<br /><br />Can you get it with an outboard?