fish and ski without carpet?

[ezmobee]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

Personally I like the fish/ski offerings from the aluminum manufacturers more than the glass ones. To me, most of the glass ones just look like a ski boat with a trolling motor slapped on the front. The aluminums seem to have more serious fishing features. Most that I have seen also have vinyl floors (or at least have that as an option).

Check out these from Princecraft:
http://www.princecraft.com/Content/en-US/showroom3/105/Platinum-SE-Series.aspx

or from Lund:
http://www.lundboats.com/boats/2010-lineup/sport-a-fish-boats/1950-tyee-boat

 

[convergent]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

The fiberglass fish and ski boats from the bass boat makers are not just a bowrider with a trolling motor slapped on. They are a bass boat that has been expanded for more seating in the middle... smaller platforms in trade for more seating. The hulls are very similar to a bass boat. That's what I have and I love it. Other than it having carpet, it seems like a perfect fit for the OP. The picture you attached is a center console, which a lot of people use for fishing and skiing as well, but to me the seating is not ideal. I'd personally put a higher priority on seating than carpet or no carpet.

My 20' fish and ski has two pedestal seats for driver and the 2nd one spins around for our observer to sit in. Then there is a second row of seats that is wide enough for 4 people... the 2 end spots are the convertible fishing seats. Then there are removable cushions in the bow where two people can seat. Mine has a max capacity of 6 within that arrangement. I know some have higher capacities.

If the carpet is a show stopper for you, then I guess this wont work, but I know the guy that I bought mine from fished a lot with it and the carpet still looks nearly new... and its 15 years old. If you want new, you might just try talking to the dealers to see if you could special order one without carpet. Skeeter makes one of these type boats, as does ProCraft, Ranger, Nitro, etc. They are all similar designs that are very close to a bass boat hull. I think mine sits a little lower than 10" in the water, but I haven't measured it yet. I believe its about 15".

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

It has already been stated and there is no need to rehash it...however, I want to state that the term Fish and Ski is pretty broad and is really just a marketing term used to describe a boat that in marketed to buyers that don't want a dedicated fishing boat or a dedicated ski boat. They want a comfortable boat that can perform both tasks with relative ease.

Many manufacturers, if not all, have likely had a boat at least at some point that fell into this category.

Some manufacturers of sport/ski boats add features to an existing bow rider type boat to make it a little better for fishing. The more serious ones add all the fishing requirements, live wells, trolling motors, pedestal seats and even platforms to fill in the bow or the rear seat to allow better casting. Four Winns comes to my mind as they have historically offered an outboard powered fiberglass boat that has snap in carpet and all the features noted were/are offered in a fish/ski package.

Some fishing boat manufacturers take a basic hull design and add more soft seating and a windshield and keep most if not all of the fishing features. The bass boat type would be the type 'convergent' is familiar with. They are nice boats, however, they may not be all the suited to large bodies of water due to the low freeboard and shallower "V" design. Others have noted aluminum boats also, and several others...

A boat that sort of automatically falls into this category automatically is a salt water dual console type boat. As noted these offer many of the comforts of a bowrider, yet, since they are intended for salt water fishing use they also have many of the features required to make that possible.

 

[convergent]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

Good summary... agree that the fish and skis based on a bass boat design aren't going to be suitable for going out in a bay. At least, I wouldn't take it out there. They are actually not what I'll call comfortable out in a choppy lake, but it all depends on what you want to use it for. If I'm not fishing, then we are skiing or pulling something else behind it. In all cases, I'm always looking for smooth water and avoid choppy wide open areas nearly all the time.

 

[rwidman]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

Glued down carpet in boats is often glued to plywood, not fiberglass. If you rip it out, you will have to replace it.

Marine grade carpet is fine in a boat used for cruising, watersports, etc., but not for fishing if the type of fishing you do involves bloody fish or bait.

Snap in carpet is the best of both worlds, you leave it in or take it out as the need arises. It's more expensive though because there is a fiberglass non-skid floor underneath.

On out previous boat, we found the carpet more comfortable underfoot and kept it in place.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

It's all right here. Shift your perspective slightly and get a boat that does it all. Yes you can add carpet!

http://www.carolinaskiff.com/2010 Features/indexDLX.html

 

[houston boater]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

I found it! The Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless has everything that I'm looking for except the price tag (thanks for the recommendation blifsey -- I finally had a chance to look at all the differerent models you recommended)

The rear casting platform has a fold down bench seat and the front platform has removable cushions with 2 reclining backrests for additional seating (first 2 pics attached).

I showed this to a co-worker and he thought I could modify my boat to accomplish something similar.

I'm thinking it shouldn't be too hard to add cushions and maybe a grab rail to the front. Does anyone have an idea (or a recommendation for who does this type of work) for adding removable seating (with a backrest) to my rear casting platform? The last 2 pics are what it looks like.

 

[blifsey]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

The BW is nice

Check out the website for Tidewater Bay Max bay boats. This is the one we are considering. They use rear snap-on cushions for seat and a backrest that fits into rod holders for seat back. Not quite as convenient as the BW fold up bench because you have to store the cushions and back rest somewhere when not use.

Tried to upload image but it is too big. Maybe link below will work..

http://www.tidewaterboats.net/images/1900BayMaxGallery4_04.jpg

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

Our glastron is all fiberglass, no carpet. It's the main reason we bought it. I don't like carpet either. Check out the glastrons, I think carpet was an option as opposed to others that have the fiberglass as an option. I hate snap in carpet even more...nothing like catching your toe or heel on a carpet snap with wet bare feet.

We almost bought a boat with snap in carpet, until I caught a snap in while just in my socks (showroom). It hurt like a bugger on my heel.


Ian

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

Sea Hunt has a model with a stern bench seat, I think

 

[blifsey]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

Sea Hunt has a model with a stern bench seat, I think

I looked at Sea Hunts, too. Their dual console Escape models and deep V offshore Ultra models do have a rear bench seat. Their bay boats have 2 corner "jump seats". I think the Escapes and Ultras have same hull which has higher bow than a bay boat.

 

[houston boater]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

The BW is nice

Check out the website for Tidewater Bay Max bay boats. This is the one we are considering. They use rear snap-on cushions for seat and a backrest that fits into rod holders for seat back. Not quite as convenient as the BW fold up bench because you have to store the cushions and back rest somewhere when not use.

Tried to upload image but it is too big. Maybe link below will work..

http://www.tidewaterboats.net/images/1900BayMaxGallery4_04.jpg

After seeing some of the boats you guys have helped me find, I've decided I'm probably best off modifying the boat I have. The tidewater you linked here is great and I think I can replicate the rear backrest this boat has -- thanks again blifsey!

Having a removable backrest that fits into rod holders is something I would've never thought of and I think it would work perfect for my center console. I've got a buddy that's a welder and he says it'll be easy for him to make the frame of the backrest with stainless steel -- I'm thinking/hoping one of the local upholstery shops can create the cushion for it. Any feedback on my plans would be appreciated.

 

[blifsey]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

After Friday I can send you some close up pics of the Tidewater backrest. We went and made offer on a 19'er Saturday, dealer called today and were are scheduled for delivery on Friday . After looking Saturday, I think the Tidewater backrest actually goes into dedicated vertical holders for it instead of rod holders. Of course, since you will be fabricating your own, no reason not to try the rod holder idea. If the rod holders are angled, your fabricator might need to put a bend in the supports just after they clear the deck so seat back isn't too reclined. Also, we don't plan to modify ours by wife mentioned it would be nice if it stopped a little short on ladder side to make re-entry from water easier. As it is now, you have to step over it. The Tidewater seat bottom cushions are 3 separate pieces. The dealer had removed one so as you stepped over the backrest you were stepping onto fiberglass deck instead of a cushion - something to keep in mind as you design your mod.

After sitting on the Tidewater in show room and thinking about how the seating arrangement would work for various situations, I think you will be happy making the rear deck a seat when needed.

 

[awilco]

Re: fish and ski without carpet?

Houston Boater,

I also have a zx20 Skeeter and love the boat, would not trade it for any other because it fits my needs so well.

May want to have a rear and front pads or carpets made to snap in and out, sounds like that would solve your seating issue. I had been thinking of just a pad over the rear hatches (one on either side) or even mount 2 more seats.