Deck Removal 2009 Tracker Pro 160

[purduephigam]

Hey all, first post here as I attempted this thread on another forum without much luck.  I do believe after spitballing ideas and with what I'd like completed I'd opted to go ahead and remove the deck, despite my mechanic's recommending me not to.

I recently purchase a 2009 Tracker Pro 160.  Ideally, I'd like to place a recessed tray for the trolling motor pedal in addition to mounting a Humminbird 859CI at the bow.  I'm still on the fence on the RAM mount or the Kickin bass bracket.  In any normal circumstance this would be fairly straightforward as I'd just remove the panel at the bow.  However with this model, the panel is completely welded and inaccessible.  That being said, I'd lean towards removing the deck to evaluate what's underneath and to confirm there is sufficient space.  I'd also like to locate an appropriate drain position.  Once this is done, I'd replace the deck as it were once the sonar wiring was placed.

Once the installations are ready (later in the winter), I'd make my markings and cut the tray hole.  Ideally I'd like to use the tray hole as my "access hatch" so that I have access to the graph wires without removing the deck every time.  I can decide on the mount at some point later on, but will likely land on whatever mount grants me more deck space.  At this point I'm hoping to have everything finished cleanly without any exposed wiring, etc.

That said, I've searched high and low on the web and on forums as well.  I seem to be the only nut to inquire about modifications on this little Pro 160.  Any experiences, recommendations, or advice would be greatly appreciated.  My biggest concern at this point is the actual deck removal.  Not sure if this will be easy or difficult.  I'll likely plan on marking all the screws on the deck tomorrow and possibly lifting the front deck.  I'll be documenting everything so hopefully this can help someone down the road.

[Chris S]

IMO I would leave well enough along but then again its not my boat so have at it just keep us posted on the mods! As for the RAM mount I love mine and would never not use one on my boat! Easy to adjust and easy to disconnect your electronics. 

[ww2farmer]

FWIW...........I tried to remove the deck on my 2006 PT170 a few years back to make it easier to run 6ga wires from the front to the back for the 24v TM I upgraded to. I gave up in total frustration, and just used the factory 8ga wiring (so far so good). Way, WAY, WAY to many screws to monkey with, and better than half of them didn't want to come out at all.  I am not even going to attempt to take it off again unless I absolutely have to (IE the woods rotted, carpet is junk, or I need to weld the inside of the hull)

[BassinLou]

Welcome to BR.  I remember your post on the other forum very well, I go under a different screen name there.  Did you ever call Tracker to verify if  what you want to do can be done? They will be the best source to provide you with the info you are looking for. 

[Catt]

I would highly suggest against it

The hole you cut to install a floor pan should provide plenty access.

Keep us posted!

[purduephigam]

Man you guys aren't making it easy.  No luck really speaking with Tracker.  They seem to think I should just cut the hole for the tray and I'll be fine.  I may mildly attempt the front deck removal tomorrow; but if I can avoid it I will.  In a worst case, I'll cut the hole for the tray and make room if necessary.  I'll attempt to run the wires but if none of this works via my new "access hatch" I may just be stuck removing the deck anyway.  Tempted just to take this in and get the installs done by my mechanic.....

[Catt]

Well I kinda look at it this way, ya ain't making it easy on us.

[purduephigam]

Well I had a sudden surge of confidence (or stupidity) and just went for a deck removal. Located all the screws, most were stripped down pretty good. With a little TLC was able to lift the deck no problem. Here's to hoping putting it back will be easy.....

I'm glad I was able to do this bc low and behold, nav and trolling motor wiring was directly beneath where my tray would've gone. So here are a few things I need help with:

1. Need new screws. Stainless?

2. Should I use anything in particular to run my bow sonar wiring back to the rear: fish tape? Semi-rigid wire?

3. Where should the drain hose from the recessed tray go? Figured I'd get a long hose and bypass the foam and aim it toward the center of the boat.

4. What should I use to cut/trim the foam?

I'll grab some photos in the morning before I put the deck back in place. Though I won't screw it in place I did want to avoid any sort of warping issues until I get everything ready for my after-Christmas project. Today was simply recon and reasses. Let me know what you all think.

[Catt]

FYI

1. "Stainless" does not mean no rust, CRES does, buy high grade screws

2. Inspect all screw holes

3. Install all screws wet, add a dab of quality sealant

[purduephigam]

Thanks for all the tips thus far. Out of curiosity now that the deck is off and the installs likely won't be done for another 2mo should I just put the deck back in place? It's laying flat right now u just didn't want to risk any issues with warping. Granted my garage is attached to the house but isn't heated. It's cold up here in Chicago.

[Catt]

Is your deck aluminum or wood?

Unless you bend aluminum by accident it should be fine.

Moisture is what causes wood to warp, either by getting wet or drying out.

However you store it made sure it's a smooth flat surface, I would not lean on edge.

[purduephigam]

I'm still going back and forth.  Even though it took me a total of 10-15mins to romance the deck out of position it was a pain.  I suppose to rest all paranoia I should just replace it and remove it again when the installs are ready to go.  Otherwise I'm tempted to just leave it down in my unfinished basement until January.  I'll post some updated pictures Friday so everyone has a better idea of what's going on underneath.

[Catt]

Take your time, plan it out!

We have some members who have an amusing understanding of electronics, ask em for help.

[purduephigam]

Just wanted to keep everyone posted with the mods. Almost everything is in order and ready to be installed. I am considering adding an electric tilt to the mix but that might be a project for next year.

I did try to run fish tape through the rear from the console to the rear battery compartment with absolutely no luck. I assume my only shot at running any wiring through the rear deck is to remove the panel on the starboard side behind the driver seat. I did make minimal effort to get this off but I only found 2 screws and it seemed like there was adhesive between the carpet of the panel and the carpet of the deck.

Before I begin the installs I'd really like to figure out how to run wires underneath the deck rather than be stuck running them on top. Any suggestions?