Tracker Tadpole

[Kyle Olson]

Just purchased a tracker Tadpole 12 was wondering if anyone has or had one and what modifications can be done to these little boats! Want to put a carpeted deck on and also was wondering if anyone has cut open the side bunks and made storage!?? Thanks in advance 

[fishnkamp]

Your tadpole is too narrow to safely add a full deck and stand up to fish in any water that allows gas engines. I see that type of thing done a lot on electric only reservoirs around here in MD. Here is a pic I found online but notice the deck is not all the way back and there is a seat to fish from so your stability is better than if you were standing.

[Kyle Olson]

Yeah I've seen this pic before and what I meant was wanting to put a carpeted floor throughout the boat not a deck to stand from! Just was wondering if anyone had experience doing this on any jon boat and what materials worked best as far as light weight and durability

[fishnkamp]

Yes I have and so has a friend of mine Kris. He is a member but is also a member of another board. He built a full frame from Azek plastic wood, then installed regular outdoor plywood. He treated the plywood with a couple of coats of water sealant and a couple of coats of outdoor paint, then carpeted it. This post is long but you will learn a ton of good practices from him. Take a few minutes reading thru all of it. He took a severely abused 16 foot jon and turned it into a really nice fishing rig.  Check here:   http://www.*/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=130307.0 andhttp://www.*/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=131656.0This is the third boat he has been involved with totally rehabbing. His first was a nice 14 foot Grumman v hull and the other is a mid to late 80s Ranger that will be used on the tidal rivers here in MD. The 16 footer is an electric trolling motor powered only machine for the drinking reservoirs around here. I kope this gives you some good ideas.

 

[Kyle Olson]

Thanks man I'll check it out! I appreciate your help!