Extended front deck issue

[Grant Hinton]

I have a 1987 Champion Fish and Ski for my first bass boat. I fish Bass Federations as a co, but for fun and college tournaments I use "The Bassturd". Brown with a cream-ish color on the hull which I have yet to see another with that color combo. Have done lots of improvements (24v trolling motor, graphs, trimmed windshields etc). One thing people keep telling me is to extend my front deck and get rid of the seats. It sounds like an interesting project, but stumps me when I look at the livewell/baitwell up front that is lower than the seats and front deck. I do want it to use, so it stumps me to think of how I should go about raising it I guess. Any ideas or pictures would be much appreciated. I also am open to ideas for other improvements on a college fisherman budget.

[ethan-333]

could you provide a couple more pictures. with better angles. one from right above it on the bow. just to get a better view of what its set up like

[Grant Hinton]

i keep trying but the images are too big apparently. I can email them to you if you would like?

 

[Jm526]

I would rip the seats out and build a wood frame from 2x4 then place a piece of ply wood on top. Carpet it and you could even make a hatch for storage. 

[Jig Man]

A friend of mine had a boat like that.  He took out the seats and made a frame like suggested and built lids.  He had a really big front deck and lots of storage when he was finished.

[Grant Hinton]

What did everyone do with the front livewell that is shorter than the seats and front deck?

 

[Jm526]

1 hour ago, Grant Hinton said:

What did everyone do with the front livewell that is shorter than the seats and front deck?

 

Just build over it then make a hatch that you can access the live well.