Tackle storage ideas plz

[PlayD0h]

Ahoy Starmada.
So I’m looking at putting some kind of ‘built-in’ tackle and such storage. I’m thinking of under dash / helm drawer type, but struggling with the details. And I’m open for anything. I fish mostly Walleye and Pike, so I don’t ‘need’ lots of gear (don’t tell my wife).
im sick of the 6 tackle “boxes” I keep under the dashes. I always have a go-to assortment sitting on top of the dashes, which sucks. Yet id like to have some quick and easy access storage, and have one or 2 of everything else accessible, and the 4 million other lures and be stashed away, possibly mainly on the boat.
I need a pliers, spreaders and such in a much better configuration.
as I said I’m open to any ideas, and I have a good imagination, so even if it’s just ideas, that haven’t been built, I’d appreciate them.
I semi finished my resto last year, but put off the interior details for the same of having a boat to fish from last summer.
I have a decent supply of aluminum angle and channel, and look for excuses to use my TIG welder. So I was thinking of a tool-chest type cabinet under each dash, yet keeping everything secure in normal drawers is what’s leaving me guessing still.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

I dont recall what you have done on your boat. What about making pull out drawers under the passender dash or into the pass through between helms? Could be either horizontal drawers or large vertical slide out shallow "boards" with your lures hanging vertically on styro SM hook cleats? You could do 2 shallow boards per side that wouldnt take up much footwell room. Use a false wall under the dash. Might use 3-4". Stainless roller slides with soft close.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

could you post pics of your rig again?

 

[dingbat]

I gave up in storing tackle onboard years ago. Just not practical given the amount of tackle I own and use on a daily basis.

Having said that, I have four built in drawers for tackle on the boat. All four drawers are full of miscellaneous "stuff" for lack of a better word.

I keep most of my terminal tackle, hooks, beads, metals jigs, etc. in Plano 3700 boxes stored in tackle bags.

Plastics are stored in large, flat plastic storage boxes from Walmart.

Lures are stored in a "lure" bucket.

Trolling weighs, down riggers ball etc. are stored in a wooden garden tool box I bought at a thrift shop for $5

 

[PlayD0h]

could you post pics of your rig again?

https://forums.iboats.com/forum/own...0646845-playdoh’s-16-ss-resto-underway/page21

basically still original 16 SS, with new seats and a casting deck upfront.

 

[PlayD0h]

I gave up in storing tackle onboard years ago. Just not practical given the amount of tackle I own and use on a daily basis.

Having said that, I have four built in drawers for tackle on the boat. All four drawers are full of miscellaneous "stuff" for lack of a better word.

I keep most of my terminal tackle, hooks, beads, metals jigs, etc. in Plano 3700 boxes stored in tackle bags.

Plastics are stored in large, flat plastic storage boxes from Walmart.

Lures are stored in a "lure" bucket.

Trolling weighs, down riggers ball etc. are stored in a wooden garden tool box I bought at a thrift shop for $5

Noted, thanks. I’m bad for ‘junk drawer’ creation. I’ve seen quite elaborate lure storage methods, but things tend to get frenzied on my boat. I’m the ‘guide’ and spend a lot of time fixing tangles and replacing hooks and bait for up to 3 people, often my 2 kids 8 & 9 now.

so hence the dash becomes where necessities get put. Maybe I’ll just look at finding a good home for the bags and boxes. Since it’s really a matter of them being in the way, or stacked under the dash. And I bring way too much, lol. I could be lost at sea for years and be set. If I got the rainy day tackle somewhere, and had a couple Plano case bags secured under the dash that could work.

 

[PlayD0h]

I dont recall what you have done on your boat. What about making pull out drawers under the passender dash or into the pass through between helms? Could be either horizontal drawers or large vertical slide out shallow "boards" with your lures hanging vertically on styro SM hook cleats? You could do 2 shallow boards per side that wouldnt take up much footwell room. Use a false wall under the dash. Might use 3-4". Stainless roller slides with soft close.

I like the vertical idea, nice one. Even some slots for Plano boxes, vertically would make things much more compact and easier to access.

I guess explaining my setup is important, sorry. I had planned on changing the Splashwell into a semi casting deck with a flip up bench seat like the new SC and other are. Yet while looking at it this spring I started to wonder if it’s worth it. There’s really not much room, and most if not all those rear casting deck plans are on 18 ft boats or 16 ft’ers without rear pedestals.
a rear passenger sitting facing rear has around 6 to 12 inches from their knee to the splashwell. So no room to play. I have left out the rear corner pieces that fit under the splashwell, so I can use those as storage spaces. I didn’t put the ski-locker back in, since I just wanted one solid and sealed deck.
I’ll have to test putting my deepcell batts just in front of the helms, under the casting / sitting deck, but Ive had them just on the inside of the helm and so will only be changing their spot a battery widths forward, plus a 1/4 inch of plywood.

 

[Yegboats]

I like the idea of under console drawers. Plano boxes stack nice in them.

 

[Scott Danforth]

something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Tackle-Box-Plano-Trays-14-875/dp/B000FQ1SYG

 

[ShoestringMariner]

I like the vertical idea, nice one. Even some slots for Plano boxes, vertically would make things much more compact and easier to access.

I guess explaining my setup is important, sorry. I had planned on changing the Splashwell into a semi casting deck with a flip up bench seat like the new SC and other are. Yet while looking at it this spring I started to wonder if it’s worth it. There’s really not much room, and most if not all those rear casting deck plans are on 18 ft boats or 16 ft’ers without rear pedestals.
a rear passenger sitting facing rear has around 6 to 12 inches from their knee to the splashwell. So no room to play. I have left out the rear corner pieces that fit under the splashwell, so I can use those as storage spaces. I didn’t put the ski-locker back in, since I just wanted one solid and sealed deck.
I’ll have to test putting my deepcell batts just in front of the helms, under the casting / sitting deck, but Ive had them just on the inside of the helm and so will only be changing their spot a battery widths forward, plus a 1/4 inch of plywood.

I was thinking of ditching my splashwell for a shorter one since I've gone with a CMC tild which pushed my motor 6-7"back. I'm not thinking casting deck, but I am considering steps on at least one side of the new splashwell that allow me to step over to a ladder or maybe both sides so I can kneel to pull up the kicker. Any small spaces left I was thinking of plano storage alcoves or maybe a baitwell. My floorspace "should" remain the same:

I too would like better onboard storage. I use tackle bags with the plano organizers, but they take up space everywhere. At the end on an outing, every lure I used is on the dash or both, drying out before I put them away.

I moved my trolling battery in front of the helm also.

And thats a nice build you did there. I remember following it.

 

[SHSU]

I kicked around the idea of doing in boat storage for my build too. In the end, I realized I didn't have a big enough boat to do all the stuff I wanted... I have since settled with using extra bags. One side note, I did cut out the panels on the side and they allow for "some" storage, but nothing like what I believe you are envisioning or others have suggested.

Just my 2 cents...


SHSU

 

[PlayD0h]

something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Tackle-Box-Plano-Trays-14-875/dp/B000FQ1SYG

Wow, $190. Nice though.

 

[PlayD0h]

I was thinking of ditching my splashwell for a shorter one since I've gone with a CMC tild which pushed my motor 6-7"back. I'm not thinking casting deck, but I am considering steps on at least one side of the new splashwell that allow me to step over to a ladder or maybe both sides so I can kneel to pull up the kicker. Any small spaces left I was thinking of plano storage alcoves or maybe a baitwell. My floorspace "should" remain the same:

I too would like better onboard storage. I use tackle bags with the plano organizers, but they take up space everywhere. At the end on an outing, every lure I used is on the dash or both, drying out before I put them away.

I moved my trolling battery in front of the helm also.

And thats a nice build you did there. I remember following it.

Ya I might still fab something up. I’ll make mine from scratch so if in the end it isn’t gonna work, I can just put the original back in.
keep in mind the SW does add support to the hull sides, and many people also advise to keep the location of the support. My plan was to use structural aluminum and simply lower the cross bracing, and bracket it up to the gunnels in the exact same spot the rivets are. If that makes sense. The SW is overkill, yet I think SC has/had to conform to guidelines regarding floatation. Hence why the corners are completely styro.
I figured since my below deck is nearly 100% EPS, it more than made up for the corners. Yet my thinking now is that my ‘dreams’ of what I could put in place of the SW, and how little area there actually is, don’t mesh. A 2 ft casting deck is in reality a step, lol.

 

[PlayD0h]

I kicked around the idea of doing in boat storage for my build too. In the end, I realized I didn't have a big enough boat to do all the stuff I wanted... I have since settled with using extra bags. One side note, I did cut out the panels on the side and they allow for "some" storage, but nothing like what I believe you are envisioning or others have suggested.

Just my 2 cents...

SHSU

I think I’m essentially there also. There is plenty of room for tackle, but most of it would take complete custom work to utilize. I’m planning on cutting out compartment ‘doors’ in the casting deck so I can get at the storage space up there, without crouching down and reaching through the small openings. I’m thinking of making slots for Plano boxes under there. And one at the front for the anchor

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Ya I might still fab something up. I’ll make mine from scratch so if in the end it isn’t gonna work, I can just put the original back in.
keep in mind the SW does add support to the hull sides, and many people also advise to keep the location of the support. My plan was to use structural aluminum and simply lower the cross bracing, and bracket it up to the gunnels in the exact same spot the rivets are. If that makes sense. The SW is overkill, yet I think SC has/had to conform to guidelines regarding floatation. Hence why the corners are completely styro.
I figured since my below deck is nearly 100% EPS, it more than made up for the corners. Yet my thinking now is that my ‘dreams’ of what I could put in place of the SW, and how little area there actually is, don’t mesh. A 2 ft casting deck is in reality a step, lol.

Was your EPS factory installed or could it be from a previous rebuild?

I’ve seen some people do a lay in casting deck that sits in/on top of the SW. there’s a motor notch (that could have a hinged or drop in plug when the motor is tilted down. To me, that’s a really high deck.

Have you seen the modem boats that have bench seats that turn the back area into a casting deck by having the seat and backrest rotate forward until upside down. The underside is a carpeted or Nautolex covered to match the main floor

 

[PlayD0h]

Was your EPS factory installed or could it be from a previous rebuild?

I’ve seen some people do a lay in casting deck that sits in/on top of the SW. there’s a motor notch (that could have a hinged or drop in plug when the motor is tilted down. To me, that’s a really high deck.

Have you seen the modem boats that have bench seats that turn the back area into a casting deck by having the seat and backrest rotate forward until upside down. The underside is a carpeted or Nautolex covered to match the main floor

I took my SS down as far as I could without taking the hull apart. Literally. I put EPS in, and custom cut it with a DIY foam cutter, so it’s jam packed.
Yes, that was my plan with the flip down bench / casting deck. Yet on a 16ft SS I don’t think there’s enough room. I mean I could put one there, but it wouldn’t be very practical IMO.
with that said, I didn’t put caulking around my SW, so it’s a matter of unscrewing a couple dozen screws and 4 rivets. I already have most of the materials, and either using a brake for the bends or welding seams it’s almost all there is to it.
I’m thinking of buying marine vinyl to make some bow cushions, since I have quite a bit of cushion foam. Building a bench seat wouldn’t be that hard, and one could always forego the bench seat and just build a deck with a smaller SW.
Im even considering not putting a SW in at all, just a notched pan to give the motor tilt space and catch the fuel drips from the carbs. I’m always cleaning the oily drips up, as the thought of it washing out and into a lake makes me cringe. And I don’t back-troll or fish the Great Lakes so I rarely get any water in the SW anyways.
It’s had to serve as an emergency ladies room once or twice, lol. Now I bring a small portable toilet if I plan on being out all day with the wife, just in case.
anyways, after looking at it recently, I’ll most likely wait until the seasons over to tackle that mod. Yet it’s something I can build in the shop and simply replace the SW in a couple hours max.
I’m more focused on getting the rest of the interior finished up right now. I’m mid way through putting carpet on the side panels and helm front panels. Next is hatches for storage.
Figmo, who is rebuilding his SS mentioned replacing the long windshield brace with something much shorter, and I like the idea of that. That brace ruins fishing from the front seats, and a stiff bracket could easily do the same task. I toyed with the idea of replacing the helms / consoles / dashes, call them what you will, with something more modern looking. And then you could replace the windshield with a wrap around one, with maybe more height.
I just got a 10 inch Garmin Echomap, and it will go on the dash, so that’s not something I feel needs to be done. I’ll wait to see if I can source a used windshield first, for a good price. Then I’d be motivated to tackle that. I’d be a bit sad if I did though, as it wouldn’t be original as much.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Yes, that was my plan with the flip down bench / casting deck. Yet on a 16ft SS I don’t think there’s enough room. I mean I could put one there, but it wouldn’t be very practical IMO.
.
I've seen it done on other SC's where they had no sleeper seats (just a pair of swivels. Then all or most of the back is a mid height platform.Works for some, but I dont think I'd do it in a 16'

Im even considering not putting a SW in at all, just a notched pan to give the motor tilt space and catch the fuel drips from the carbs. I’m always cleaning the oily drips up, as the thought of it washing out and into a lake makes me cringe. And I don’t back-troll or fish the Great Lakes so I rarely get any water in the SW anyways.

I'm thinking small(er) pan also. Enough for tilt, full height to hopefully catch a big splash but narrow enough to allow a step through or narrow jump seat. Might be too narrow for an adult seat, so I might just do step on one side and gunnel height storage on the other.

It’s had to serve as an emergency ladies room once or twice, lol. Now I bring a small portable toilet if I plan on being out all day with the wife, just in case.

Thats funny, I've never heard of that one before! but hey, if it works. I bring a porta potti too since Mrs Admiral got cheers from some cottagers we didn't know were there after going over the side.

Figmo, who is rebuilding his SS mentioned replacing the long windshield brace with something much shorter, and I like the idea of that. That brace ruins fishing from the front seats, and a stiff bracket could easily do the same task.

I've definately got that on my list. I'm just going to bend a brace out of aluminum (an overbent angle) to remove the factory gusset brace. It is a fishing killer while drivng isnt it? The only way I can do it now is while sitting on top of the seat. I think having unhindered access out the side of the boat while docking alone would also be a plus.

I toyed with the idea of replacing the helms / consoles / dashes, call them what you will, with something more modern looking. And then you could replace the windshield with a wrap around one, with maybe more height.I just got a 10 inch Garmin Echomap, and it will go on the dash, so that’s not something I feel needs to be done. I’ll wait to see if I can source a used windshield first, for a good price. Then I’d be motivated to tackle that. I’d be a bit sad if I did though, as it wouldn’t be original as much.

I'd like to do a new windsheild for several reasons; More space for the big sonar like yours and to allow a gauge cluster above the dash level. It would also be nice to behind the glass in cold weather or rain. I have not found a source of windshields and I worry it may not be cost effective. Especially if you have custom mooring covers, travel cover or stand up top already. I like the classic look too. If I knew of a source for extruded aluminim windsheild parts, I'd consider building my own in keeping with the original look. But for all costs and time involved, I'll likely never do it.

Jealous on the Garmin! I've been looking at the Helix 8 and Garmin & Lowrance 9's. All droolworthy

Now if the weather would ever warm up outside...

 

[Watermann]

I have scaled down the tackle to one soft case that has hard cases inside and got rid of all the junk I never use. I find that I use jigs for panfish, plastics for bass and worm harnesses for Walleye. I thought about having static storage in a compartment under the nav side console since there's so much room but it's only accessible from the bow then.

I put caddys at each fishing station that holds drinks, pliers and tackle etc. There are a bunch of different types of fishing soft and hard caddys / organizers that can be mounted on side panels or seats, even back of seats tackle storage designed for kayaks.

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