Building a fishing platform for bow...suggestions?

[BeaufortTJustice]

Hey guys,

I am in the planning stage of building a platform to hold a removable pedestal seat for fishing. It will sit in the open bow after removing the stock cushions. The platform will be removable as well for those days I wish to cruise around with the family.

At this point I imagine a piece of 3/4 marine grade or pressure treated plywood covered in marine carpet, with a seat mount and obviously a seat that plugs in.

Anybody else tried this? I would love any suggestions as to materials, methods, etc, from anyone, whether they have done this or not. E.g. what adhesive to use for carpet, what wood is recommended, etc.

BTW - when not on the water, boat and platform will be garaged, not left out in the elements. I am also on a budget, but don't want to have to replace it every year or two. Thank you. Looking forward to some great suggestions for my winter project...

 

[TC777]

Re: Building a fishing platform for bow...suggestions?

Advantech plywood would work just fine. I have built a treestand platform out of it and left it in the woods for 2 years in the rain, snow, and sun. Still strong enough to hold 285lbs, no rot. Its guaranteed for 50 years. Hope this helps, just one of many options.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Building a fishing platform for bow...suggestions?

Do you know where can I find it? Home Depot or Lowes...specialty lumberyard...other? Thanks for the input.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Building a fishing platform for bow...suggestions?

If you decide on pressure treat, remember that PT can react with aluminium, causing corrosion. Use a rubber strip as a separator where the 2 contact each other.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Building a fishing platform for bow...suggestions?

Home Depot or Lowes should both carry Advantech or something similar. Iboats will sell the pedestal base if you need one. As for carpet, either outdoor carpet from Home Depot or Lowes, or else find some boat carpet on ebay. Adhesive - I'd be tempted to use PL Premium, spread it with a notched trowel and it should work great (test it with a scrap of whatever carpet you use to make sure it won't bleed through - shouldn't be a problem but you want to be careful).

I'm making plans in my head for doing something similar with a Checkmate bowrider I'm restoring. I'm going for lightweight, so I'll probably be using 1/2 inch birch plywood with fiberglass on both sides. That's a few months in the future though, so my plans could change. Once you get yours built post some photos.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Building a fishing platform for bow...suggestions?

I gave seen this done for many bowrider boats that also double as the guys fishing boat.... Sounds like your idea and the advise given will get the job done. Have fun...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Building a fishing platform for bow...suggestions?

bear_69cuda put a great one in his Bayliner. Check out page 4 of his thread here http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=292511&page=4

I'm going to be doing something a little different in the bow of my Starcraft project. I'm going to be modeling it after what Starcraft is putting in their new SuperFisherman models. On this page: http://www.starcraftmarine.com/Show...Type=Aluminum&Series=Superfisherman&Model=180 check out the first two pics on the second row....that sliding, removable piece with the pedestal base in it. I'm thinking a piece of carpeted ply and some aluminum channel that could be easily replicated.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Building a fishing platform for bow...suggestions?

If you decide on pressure treat, remember that PT can react with aluminium, causing corrosion. Use a rubber strip as a separator where the 2 contact each other.

It will actually be sitting atop fiberglass, but your point still holds true...I do not want the wood to rub against the glass, so I will need some sort of cushion in between. I'm thinking of carpeting the underside enough to cover the area in contact with the glass.

Thanks for the input. Happy boating.