Lack of storage

[Travis O]

I have an older bass boat and it does not have a rod locker.  I am in the process of remodeling it but it still does not have the space to make one even with a deck extension.  Does anybody have the same problem?  Do you just strap all of your rods to the deck?  I also am wondering about back deck storage.  My boat has absolutely no storage for the angler at the back of the boat.  When I start fishing tournaments as a boater, is it fair to make my co angler store his stuff up front?  Any other suggestions for storage?

[cart7t]

What type of boat is this?  Any pictures?

[Jig Man]

There are lots of ways to add storage to a boat but without pics no one can give you much useful help.

[Travis O]

Yep Ill take some pictures later today.  It is a MonArk McFast series.

[Travis O]

Here are the pictures.

[Travis O]

My plan is to extend the deck back to the consoles and place a 30 gallon livewell right in the center of the boat.  And use the rest of the under deck space as storage but I cant figure out how it is possible to have a rod locker.  If you need any specific measurements, let me know  The boat is 53" wide at the back of the current deck.  Thanks for any help and if anybody has any other suggestions about the whole remodel, please feel free post them.

[gar-tracker]

I would get rid of that little jump seat in the front of your console, that can be made into a storage box.

Other then that strapping rods down is fine, my partner doesn't expect storage for his stuff nor do I when fishing in his boat. I provide a rear strap for his rods and he puts his tackle on the floor of the boat.

[Jig Man]

You might be able to use a Bac Rac for some rods in the back of the boat but I doubt you can have a 30g. livewell and rod lockers.

[Travis O]

Thanks for the input.  I really like the Idea of that bac rac.  I may install one, I am just worried about the rods hanging over the edge of the boat and getting broken on brush and whatnot.  What do you guys thing about turning the existing back livewell into a cooler?

[bass or bass ?]

My older tri-hull boat has storage limitations too. I just use the white plastic 3-rod holder tubes I saw in your photo. Imounted them along the transom.     Happy fishing.

[Travis O]

Yeah I hate having my rods stored vertical.  They are ALWAYS in the way.  Maybe it is just where I have mine mounted but I think strapping them to the front deck and using a bac rac is the ticket.

[bass or bass ?]

Hey Travis. I haven't had too many problems with the rods vertical on the transom, but I'll admit sometimes it can be a pain. btw, my son's name is Travis also. 8-) . What's a bac-rac? I never heard of one. Happy fishing.

[Travis O]

Yeah that definitely works in your boat.  I cant put them on the transom because thats where my co angler is fishing and I cant put them behind the cockpit seats because they would be in the way of the rear pedestal seat.  http://www.bac-rac.com/  I will probably make something a little different that will be permanently attached to the sides of the boat.  

You picked a great name for your son.

[cart7t]

I see a big opportunity for a rod box on that boat.

1. Exnay that front storage compartment.  Silly place for it anyway, right under you feet.  Cover the front deck with 1/2" treated ply and recarpet.  If you want storage, cut 2 smaller compartments on either side.

2. Now that you're not worried about saving that front storage, consider a center rod storage.  Since you're extending the deck back to the console fronts the center section is the rod box.  You'll have to get the sawzal out and cut a hole in the front deck riser along with cutting out the bottom of the old storage area you're not using anymore.  Definitely put a trim piece around the opening you cut so you don't wind up with rod damage.

3. If you wanted to, you could put the livewell on either side of the rod box but personally,  I don't care for front livewells.  They add excessive weight up front which holds the nose down and can make for a rough ride.  Those McFasts weren't the smoothest running things in the first place. They can also tend to spill water all over the place if you're running in rough water.   How about the Livewell between the driver/pass seat?

[gatorblazer]

I might be wrong but isnt that front jump seat a livewell as well as the one inbetween you and the co-angler?  I wouldnt mess with that if I didnt have to as it is hard to find other areas for livewells vs storage.  Also, is that ski locker in the floor big enough for rods?  If not, then I think that I might try to expand that co-angler side long bench seat to make it a rod locker.  Should just be able to cut into the fiberglass that seperates that storage area from the underside of your casting deck.

[Travis O]

The front hatch is a livewell but its not even deep enought for a single perch to survive with the livewell completely full.  The livewell in the back is only big enough to hold a few bass comfortably, nowhere close to 10 or even 5 for that matter.  The only option I have for a livewell is right in the center of the boat.  The boat actually handles very well in rough water, I have had other boats that about pound you to death when the wind picks up, but mine does well.  I am afraid that if I put the livewell off center, I may have handling issues, 260lbs to the side of the boat could cause some problems while on plain.  The big side seat has storage underneath of it that extends all the way up under the front deck and another one that goes under the console.  This would be long enough but I dont know if I can get a rod in there with only an access hatch in the middle.

The ski locker is 6' long but it is going to be taken out because of the deck and livewell.  Thanks for everyones input so far, keep it coming.

[cart7t]

Each to their own.

If you plant that 260lbs of water on the front of the boat you won't be happy.  You'll completely lose bow lift and then you'll be slapping waves, HARD.  Besides the rough ride you'll have water sloshing over the top of the LW and running all over the place.

Been there, done that.

That's why bass boats built in the past 20 years no longer have front livewells.  Just what are you planning to put in the livewell that the back well won't handle?  Looks plenty wide and deep to me given the size of the boat.  

[Travis O]

I would like a livewell to hold 10 fish.  Thanks for the advice Cart7t and I respect your experience but I think the ride will be okay with the livewell between the consoles.  That is really the only option I have, other than sticking with the lame livewell that is already there.  This boat is not meant to last me forever, just to get me by for a while.

[gatorblazer]

I would disagree with cart on the 20 year bass boat deal.  I agree that the rear is the best place for livewells but many trackers, most aluminum duck boats, and quite a few jet boats are all between the console with no real issues.  In his case, it may be the only way to go.

You should be fine with the side storage being used for a rod locker.  That does look like it would work, and then put your livewell between the consoles as far back as you can stand it.