Tracker Guide V16 Casting Deck

[jbtownsend101]

Took a few days off and covered two of the bench seats with a casting deck.  I love how it handles and so much better to fish with.  The trolling motor is on order.

[zachb34]

Very nice work. My jon will hopefully get a casting deck on it some day. I have everything I could ever really need 2 fish finders, power pole brand new 55# thrust minn kota, livewell, outboard, etc. I just lack the deck and storage space. What size is that mercury?

[jbtownsend101]

Its a 25hp.  It hauls for the weight of the boat.  I ordered a 45lb minn kota edge.  I was second guessing if I should get the 55 but my boat doesn't even way 1000lbs so I think ill be good.  It took some time for sure to cut all the right angles but it was a fun project.  Took me about 3 full days from start to finish.  4 if you include letting the glue dry on the deck.  It rides a lot nicer too on the water having some weight on the front and didn't seem to slow down a bit.

[zachb34]

Thats good to hear. I had a 36# on my boat and it moved it just fine its a 1542 model. I only got the 55# because that's all they had in a 42" shaft so I won't have to bend down to steer. I have a 15 horse motor and worry about being slowed down with a deck.

[sprint61]

Hey jb what's the largest size lake or roughest water yoive had that on ? I've been thinking about one myself.

[jbtownsend101]

Yea I was worried about the added weight but it did nothing but make the ride better.  Sprint- The largest I've taken it on is Castaic and pyramid in socal, around 4 square miles with a 6gal fuel tank and fished all day without burning more than half a tank.  Water wise, about 2 foot wind/ ski boat swell and about 15 mph wind.  It still handles fine just gotta slow her down a little bit but nothing overwhelming for sure.

[LuckyGia]

2 foot swell in that boat ? You're a bigger man than me.

[Novafan71]

Any chance you took a picture of the framing that you did? I'd love to see that as well.  Looks beautiful!

[jbtownsend101]

Any chance you took a picture of the framing that you did? I'd love to see that as well.  Looks beautiful!

 

sure did here it is.  I originally was going to do it out of aluminum but don't have the tools and I didn't wanna weld on the boat or drill into the hull.  So I used kiln dried 2x4, marine grade 3/4 plywood and stainless steel screws.  Oh and all weather carpet.  The frame in between the second and third seat I built a hatch to use all the storage space below as well as the front.  Excuse my room mates finger. 

[Novafan71]

Thanks! This project has been scratching at me for a while. Maybe this winter i'll finally take the plunge.

[NathanW]

Badass. Looks nice and clean. What motor did you get? May take some mods to get that mounted.

[zachb34]

I like the idea of that frame. How sturdy is it with a few people on the deck?

[jbtownsend101]

I got the Minn Kota Edge 45 with 50" shaft.  I built the very front of the boat with a bigger platform than original so the mount fits.  The deck is extrememly sturdy once I put the 3/4" plywood down, I wouldn't use anything less.  Ive only had myself and 1 other on it so far and it doesn't budge at all but that's about all you can fish on the deck comfortably and 1 other can fish from the rear bench seat.  Also, on the front of the boat theres a ring to connect the straps for the trailer.  I used those same bolt threads on the inside of the boat and bent some steel to have a 2x4 crossmember sit on.  This part was crucial for the front of the decks integrity.