Fishing Deck Extension Project For Older Tri-Hull Fiberglass Boat

[J-Doc]

The transoms on these boats had a bad reputation and were known for having some warranty issues. So far, mine is solid and no signs of any kind for weakness or other such problems. The day that happens is the day she is parked somewhere permanently until I win the lottery. LOL

Currently (thanks to fishinwrench's motor rebuild), she's running 39-40mph (GPS) with just me and a light load. Gets on plane in about 4.5 seconds (torque-filled little rascal) and gets about 3mpg at 5,100 WOT. If I back it off to about 4,200 and quiet down the motor, I can get 3.5-4mpg and run around 35mph. Motor is much quieter at that spend and RPM.

[MeatintheFreezer]

J-Doc,

The deck extension looks great. Did you redo the rest of the carpet on the original front deck at the same time so it matched?

I have a Ranger I would love to add an extension very similar to the one you did, but my carpet is old enough it would not match. I am completely capable of fabricating the extension, but I am not ready to dive into another re-carpeting job. I made that mistake once before on a previous boat and I hated it every time I looked at it. So all that being said, does anyone recommend a reputable & reasonably priced place to have a boat re-carpeted in SW Mo?

[J-Doc]

Thanks.

Yes, I replaced the carpet on the front deck. I understand your frustration on carpet replacement. It can be a job and some folks do not have very good luck with it. You get what you pay for on carpet and you need a carpet with a rubber backing to prevent the adhesive from soaking through the carpet while the adhesive cures/dries.

Replacing the carpet isn't that bad. At least, it wasn't for me anyway.

Build the extension with the old carpet in and then have someone replace the carpet and add carpet to your deck extension as well.

JUST MAKE SURE you do not "overbuild" the extension. I was very cautious on this as no one needs or wants extra weight that's not needed. It will screw with your boats performance and ride. Go as light as you can.

Heck, send me a PM with photos of your deck and I can help you design it.

[MeatintheFreezer]

Yeah, that's usually a trait of mine (over building), but I understand that it should be make as light as possible while still maintaining structural integrity. I appreciate the offer to help with ideas, I will take you up on that when I get around to doing it.

Thanks.

[J-Doc]

No problem. Glad to help.

[J-Doc]

I have added additional photos to this thread for future reference.

If anyone is wanting to make one for their boat, I encourage you to talk to fishinwrench who has made several of these. I added a few photos of my alum. sheet metal reinforcement as suggested by fishinwrench. These panels are a bit short and smaller than the lids themselves and the point is to keep the corners from curling. I do feel these stock sizes I found cheap (naturally on the cheap as I'm on a budget) should do the trick.

I also added a couple of photos of the boat on the water with the new extension.

I simply cannot put words online that can express how much better this boat fishes from this little extension. It's WAY better than I expected. It's a short 15ft boat but fishes like a much larger boat now. Maybe an 18ft! LOL!! Hey, some of us will use every foot we can muster.

[Feathers and Fins]

Ya you just need to stop and know why, But I want to know where your going to put the fishing bag I showed you now lol At least I have a place in mind for mine.

[J-Doc]

Between the consoles. I've got two places to tie bungee chords too (see after photos)

I can change bungee lengths and secure my bait bucket or a small cooler.

I've got an old Igloo water cooler that would make an awesome bait bucket and it's insulated so it won't get hot in the summer! SCORE! :-)