My Uncommon Bass Boat

[RRocket]

Have enjoyed the advantages of my inflatable Scout 365 so much I decided to take it to the next logical level. Wife found the joy of being on the water with me while I fished so she asked if we could please get a bigger boat. So here it is 

 

This is a Highfield 390 Sport. Boat weighs 500, engine 200. Around 700lbs all in, so it moves swiftly with the 50hp Tohatsu. Hull is 4mm chromated and powder coated aluminum and can be beached, which comes in handy in the super shallow areas I often fish. On the flip side, this boat can handle big, open water should we get caught out. There's a reason these are used by search and rescue, police forces, etc 

 

Can be towed with my Prius Prime,  because our other cars are ill-suited for towing. So not needing a new tow vehicle was a plus. Fits in garage too, so winter storage is no problem.

 

As you can see in the stock photo, there's a nice little sun deck for the wife to relax while leaving me with plenty of room to fish off the side. I'm considering removing the "wing" so I can fish off the back more easily. 

 

Since the sun bed is removable, I thought I'd make a casting platform for when I'm solo.

 

I think it turned out quite good!

 

Just thought I'd share the early progress.

 

Anyone else fish off of a unusual bass boat?

 

[Scott F]

Nice! How do you keep the boat pointing in the right direction? Looks like a breeze will spin you around. Any thoughts on adding a trolling motor?

[RRocket]

38 minutes ago, Scott F said:

Nice! How do you keep the boat pointing in the right direction? Looks like a breeze will spin you around. Any thoughts on adding a trolling motor?

I'm not sure I understand the question? 

 

It's a deep V, aluminum hull with a 20 degree deadrise. Tracks straight and true in all weather/chop. 

 

Yea, I'm trying to decide what to do as far as trolling motor. Still undecided.

[TnRiver46]

I would be pretty awesome with oars and oar locks! Granted I had rapids in mind but the deep V might not be ideal for that 

[Susky River Rat]

Looks like an interesting rig for sure. I hope it serves you well 

[Skunkmaster-k]

Prius. Go places. All kidding aside, your boat is rad. 

[gim]

That is an interesting "bass boat" for sure.

 

Your car could use a wash.  Did you drive through a salt mine?

[Catt]

Does it get you there & back safely?

 

That's all that matters

 

Just get me on the water & I will be happy happy happy!

[RRocket]

28 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

Your car could use a wash.  Did you drive through a salt mine?

Close! 

 

Went through a snowstorm the day I picked it up! 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bankc]

That is uncommon!  Let us know how it works out for you.  You've captured my interest!

[RRocket]

30 minutes ago, Bankc said:

That is uncommon!  Let us know how it works out for you.  You've captured my interest!

I've been using a Scout 365 for the past years and no worries. But this is a "real" boat and my Scout was more kayak/small inflatable.

 

 

[GaryH]

5 hours ago, gimruis said:

That is an interesting "bass boat" for sure.

 

Your car could use a wash.  Did you drive through a salt mine?

Your job is hair not car wash. Stay in your lane…😂😂😂

[gim]

9 minutes ago, GaryH said:

Your job is hair not car wash. Stay in your lane…😂😂😂

 

LOL.  Good one.

[Bird]

Interesting boat, haven't seen one quite like.

Enjoy it and be safe.

[WRB]

Was the pedestal seat an option?

The bow step maybe able to mount a TM, wiring to battery under the center counsel should be easy.

The rear “wing” could be used for a rod holder similar to a kayak.

Very sea worthy boat, the 420 has a little more room.

Tom 

[RRocket]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Was the pedestal seat an option?

The bow step maybe able to mount a TM, wiring to battery under the center counsel should be easy.

The rear “wing” could be used for a rod holder similar to a kayak.

Very sea worthy boat, the 420 has a little more room.

Tom 

No, the pedestal seat is part of the casting deck I built. I added it more as a lean-to, as I have become VERY accustomed to the casting bar on my Scout. I tried fishing sitting down in a kayak and it just feels "off" to me. Just not enjoyable to me. Fishing standing just adds "something" for me. So I just wanted a seat or casting bar.

 

In addition, my brother likes to fish for walleye, so with the seat in the lowest position with the Scotty Extension and rod holders on either side (not shown) it'll make a really decent trolling rig too. Tohatsu has the slow troll selectable idle, so I can drop it down to 650rpm.

 

Astute observations about the 420. I would have liked to, but there was a substantial jump in price. 420 also has the fuel tank below the floor. Good or bad depending on perspective.

 

And yes indeed, truly sea worthy and capable in frighteningly big water. We live in a Lake that turns sour in the blink of an eye. Virtually everyone has a "the time I almost didn't make it back" story and I intend to mitigate that in every way possible if my wife is on board.

 

That trumped most other requirements.

 

[slonezp]

At a price point similar to the "made for fishing" jetski's, I'd choose the RIB tender. 

[GRiver]

Congratulations @RRocket

Very nice, looks very user friendly. Could you add on to the fin instead of removing it, and fish standing up there? Would it be stable and easy to get on? 

[WRB]

Be simple to add a TM with spot lock to the stern and use a remote for control.

I really like this concept for storage, weight saving and very sea worthy design.

You also can use a set down seat in the bow in lieu of the butt seat.

Tom

[12poundbass]

That looks like it would be a ton of fun to cruise around in!

[RRocket]

11 hours ago, GRiver said:

Congratulations @RRocket

Very nice, looks very user friendly. Could you add on to the fin instead of removing it, and fish standing up there? Would it be stable and easy to get on? 

Theres 4 bolts holding it on.

 

Am debating putting a rear casting platform in lieu of wing.

On 2/26/2024 at 7:08 PM, slonezp said:

At a price point similar to the "made for fishing" jetski's, I'd choose the RIB tender. 

Looked at them and yes, shockingly expensive. Plus you get very wet! 

 

This rig is bone dry and feels far, far more updcale.

 

Here's a detailed review if anyone is interested

 

 

5 hours ago, WRB said:

 

I really like this concept for storage, weight saving and very sea worthy design.

 

Tom

Agreed on all points. 

 

Very easy to launch/retrieve solo too.

[Firstoutfisher]

That is one fun looking boat, wish they were a little more affordable. Always wanted a RIB.

[GreenPig]

Nice. It's gets you fishing with the wife aboard.

[livemusic]

What a cool boat! Hope it serves you well.

[RRocket]

Thanks again for the kind words