Project Fishtoon

[BrianMc]

Been tidying up the livewells,pumps,and plumping. The flip-flop seat behind the console is a 30 gal. livewell,with it's own 500 gph pump and 1-1/2" overflow.

Up front I wanted the option of switching out tanks to match what ever I'm fishing for. A 50 gal. shad tank for stripers and wipers,a tourney size livewell for cats,and for those whatever trips I'll use this filtered coleman cooler which can double as a livewell or shad tank. It has an external filter with a 800 gph pump inside the filter for aeration. There's another 1000 gph pump feeding the front with fresh water,and overflowing through a 1 1/2" hose. The plumbing and electrical have quick connects so tanks can be swapped in seconds,or removed completely.

 

[BrianMc]

The two livewell pumps,and the front filter pump are run off of individual timers,with manual override switches. All of which can be turned off with a master livewell's switch on the main panel. I've also added a 45psi washdown pump with a small pressure tank and 20' hose for keeping the deck clean.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Project Fishtoon

First off, very nice work. Regarding the diamond plate, it's not reflective and won't bother you a bit. It also dissapates heat rapidly and does get warm but not hot. The stuff is made the way it is so it can be used for decks and such. Go out and feel your truck box on a hot day. Not a problem and it also doesn't blind the driver behind you.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Project Fishtoon

Again HOLY CRAP, that thing is just crazy cool, I love aluminum and your rig certainly has enough of that.

Hopefully no meth heads in your area, they would seaze up seeing that much aluminum in one place.

Beautiful job, I wish I had your work shop.

 

[roger56]

Re: Project Fishtoon

What do you use to clean and polish aluminum toons?

 

[BrianMc]

Hopefully no meth heads in your area, they would seaze up seeing that much aluminum in one place.

They probably would,especially if they knew how much copper is onboard.


roger56, mine were so bad I used 150,180,220 grit sandpaper on a random orbital. Then I started some of the polishing,but saving that for last.

I installed the new hubs,wheels,and fenders last weekend. Decided to stay with the shorter tires,as many of our ramps get shallow in the summer. They're E-rated 1,650 lbs for the tires and rims. Axles are 3,500's

I was planning on using canvas filler panels in the rail to match the T-top whenever I get it built. Changed my mind again and used 1/4" king star board instead. Went ahead and laced it on anyways. Like it or not,it's different. The front and rear openings will remain open to let the wind through,and slow my drift down.

Also made up an 8 rod carrier that hangs off the 1 1/2" ball bases for the ram rod holders. Just cut a key hole in and snapped them in place. The whole thing pops off in second to slide in the truck. Next I'm going to build a long tackle storage unit down the other rail.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Project Fishtoon

I will say it again that's one he** of a build.

 

[Todd4]

Re: Project Fishtoon

It's coming together nicely. I get the concept of the panels, but STAR BOARD??? That's some high end stuff! What do you think about lacing it in an "X" pattern all the way around? In any event it ought to work well on the water.

Nice work.

Todd

 

[BrianMc]

I bought this star board factory direct. A 54"x96" sheet of 1/4" was only $116. Cheaper than having canvas panels made to fit those shapes,and this will last a lot longer. It only took one sheet to do both sides. Picked up more for other accessories I'm building.

Interesting idea on the X pattern. Probably won't work everywhere,but it would on all the long runs . Would also be kinda cool around the T-top. May have to try that,Todd.

 

[roger56]

Re: Project Fishtoon

That is one cool build I would like to know the final cost? I know when it is for yourself cost usually is not a factor but at some point it has to be considered. Great looking toon!!!!!!

 

[BrianMc]

Thanks roger56,

I don't want to know that yet,or I might stop and call it good enough. Still have things I'd like to do to it yet,like a drop down T-top. If I was worried about coin I'd probably slap a riggid one together and call it good. Price on a project like this the cost of everything you want,then double that. -
It's the little things that add up,like stainless screws and bolts,tinned wire and shrink wrap,ice for the beer.....
Stuff you really don't pencil i

 

[roger56]

Re: Project Fishtoon

Bottom Line You Have a boat that you could not have purchsed anywhere. Its a one of a kind Keeper, Great Job.

 

[tidechaser 1]

Re: Project Fishtoon

i have a starcraft starship that i have ripped everything off the deck and set up with an empty deck for camping on and for fishing...i am really happy with it but still have to add more electronics etc..i have less than 5 grand in the entire project..looking at yours i am amazed..that is really cool!
i must admit i shudder to think of all the time and expense this must have cost you..i tip my hat to you for doing such a big project..great work!

 

[cat toon]

Re: Project Fishtoon

A project I've been working on for quite a while now. Currently welding on the railing,then will be the underskin. Hopefully will splash it in about a month.

Here's a more in depth album of this build. Project Fishtoon Build album

My toon is set up for catfishing but nothing like yours,that thing is nice.

 

[BrianMc]

• Well thanks cat toon,
  
  This rig will see it's share of cats too. I've spent many yrs fishing out of a lot of different boats,using different styles of fishing. This one should be a lot of fun to fish from. The main purpose of this build.​
• -
  
  This project has been dragging on a long time,but I'll be splashing it early this spring. It could go out now,but I have a few more things I'd like to finish first. I recently started working on it again so I have time to work any bugs out before the season starts. I'm currently building tackle storage. Not an easy task on this open deck.​

 

[BrianMc]

• More work with King Star Board.
  
  Have most of the tackle organizer built. I added two more tubes to the bottom of the tackle side for the 11' rods I like to carry for special occasions. The compartments with the vented bottoms are for drift socks and cast nets. The 12"x27" cutting board is ram mounted like the rod holders,and will fold down between the side boxes. You can move it anywhere along the rails,as all the ball mounts are spaced 24" on center around the railing. Still have some details to finish,like pliers,knives,and buey markers holders, ect....
  
  The tackle side and rod carrier will break down into 5 sections and load up into the pickup in just a few minutes,for those play days with the family. The next few weeks I hope to be working on the T-top,which will also have some built in storage. I still have the zipties holding the panels on this side. Ran out of time this weekend.
  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

  
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[BrianMc]

Also modified the rod carrier. Narrowed and lightened it up.

 

[River_Lizard]

Re: Project Fishtoon

You can never have enough rod holders! Nice.

I'd really like to deck my toon with aluminum (not diamond plate) and cover it with vinyl...but I can't even imagine the $$ that would take. I think my cross-brace "Z" channel are 24" on center what do you think thickness would have to do for flat aluminum on that span?

 

[BrianMc]

• Your absolutely right about rod holders and storage.
  
  For flat sheet stock on 24" centers it would probably take 3/16 plate to not feel it sag walking across it. You could double up your stringers and get away with .090. Either would run you around $1200 for aluminum. You would have to weld it on from the bottom side,or countersink the screws if your going to lay vinyl over it.​
• -
  
  If I don't like the surface on mine,I planned to Line-X it. It would last longer than vinyl,and can be touched up.​

 

[River_Lizard]

Re: Project Fishtoon

I got a quote from LockDry for their colored aluminum decking and several years ago it was $1,800.00 to my door. Had them send me a sample and the stuff is top quality and I believe it would work good on a pontoon, just the price is what killed it for me. Shipping was like 400+ dollars since I requested 26 ft. lengths. Check the site out at LockDry.com