Definitely the route I am going to go. I do not have the space for a full size boat yet. This type of boat is perfect to put in the garage and still have some father/ son time with my 10 year old. They don't stay young forever so can't keep wasting time
I have this exact boat and been wrecking brain trying to come up with the most simple yet functional way to set it up. This video helped a lot. Probably gonna copy your set up
Work of art! Thank you for the work you put into this video, and for sharing all these amazing idea! We just bought a Bass Tracker Bantam 2 on FB, very similar,and REALLY appreciate this info! You're great at this RU-vid stuff!
I got the sun dolphin sportsman and want to do some mods so i started watching vids. Yours is set up perfect! Great attention to detail. I love the rod cover boxes you built. 😎
I watched a ton of videos and your modification was the most practical I've seen yet. When I get my boat and start modifications I will definitely give you a shout out.
I really like the mods you made putting the lids over the side trays and making them a secure actually usable storage that eliminates the chance of your rods getting knocked overboard. Only thing I can see I may have done differently is use piano hinges so I could mount the hinges under the outer side of the lid and to the top of the hull where you would not have the hinges mounted to the outside of the hull mainly for aesthetic reasons not function. In my opinion biggest mistake most people make when modifying these little boats is adding way too much weight going with plyboard flooring and large plywood decks in such a small hull, but your build for the most part eliminates this. Front box for the fish finder and anchor reel mount I like, also could incorporate a front navigation light socket and switches for the navigation lights on it as well just in case ever caught out longer than planned and it started to get dark . Rear navigation light socket could be incorporated into one of your side lids and the light for it stored in the side compartment when not in use. I would though put the trolling motor battery in the rear of the boat in a plastic battery box and use the front box for storage for things like life jackets, the navigation lights and other needed items that just seem to accumulate on a boat. Placing the trolling motor battery in the rear is more for a weight balance consideration since you have the added weight of the trolling motor and the box mounted on the front. One last addition it seems pretty common to mount a rear rudder on this style boats to help tracking and make it track better and not spin around so easy in the wind. Most people are just using a tilt bracket for a minnkota bow trolling motor (available on Amazon for about $40) and one of the best rudder ideas to to use in the bracket just cut the handle down on a cheap kayak paddle and used the paddle end as the rudder, Tat rudder set up is great because it can be brought up out of the water just like your front mounted trolling motor for shallow water and/or boat loading and unloading and transportation. Nice build overall. Really sensible! I am considering buying a boat of this style and may incorporate these side lids as it really is a smart addition to make those areas of the boat actually useful.
Hey Bearded Fisherman! Here’s an Amazon link to the gas struts I used: www.amazon.com/C16-09322-C1609322-Quantity-Camper-Supports/dp/B007MUY8YK?pd_rd_w=lSZYX&content-id=amzn1.sym.89fc43d6-de9b-4937-b98f-39835844d87c&pf_rd_p=89fc43d6-de9b-4937-b98f-39835844d87c&pf_rd_r=4J9G431J2FZC46WVKGAT&pd_rd_wg=n27dM&pd_rd_r=52f972b5-ae24-48b0-a575-4ea5fb4ca9b0&pd_rd_i=B007MUY8YK&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_grid_dv_rp_0_1_ec_t
Hi Jimmy - Apologies I missed your question from a few weeks ago. It’s an called an Anchormate by a company called Worth. Here’s the company’s website: marine.worthco.com/anchormate-products/anchormate. I got it at Bass Pro Shops but not sure if they still sell it. Hope that helps!
I believe the tag says 400 lbs, but I’d venture to say it’s had over 650lbs on a calm day at the lake and no issues. Not advocating for exceeding boat limits!
Hey Angel - the seat stands came with the boat on mine. It looks like bass hunter might sell them separately though on their site: basshunter.com/adjustable-seat-bases. Make sure to measure and validate what they have now fits your rig, of course!
Hey, I've been thinking about adding some upgrades to my own bass hunter and I was wondering if you could tell me what you used as for screws, I worry that I'll end up cracking something and was wondering if you had any tips for drilling into the boat
I love the professional look and design. Gives me ideas. I love these little boats. Mine got backed into so the front pontoon needs to be repaired. Great demo of your ingenuity.
Hi Anthony- I bought it at Bass Pro Shops, it’s called an Anchormate by Worth. There’s a similar product by Attwood - Anchor Lift System. Hope that helps!
i just found this video and its perfect for what i need i have a raider 10e and after stepping on my rod tips and dropping one off the edge i went looking for ideas do you have any build videos id love to see how you wired that lights but over all awesome job i hope mine turns out half as good
Start with the straightest, most solid boards (1/2”) you can find, waterproofer, marine-grade carpet glue. That’s really it - plus whatever stainless steel hinges you like and fit your arrangement. The gas shocks are 6” versions with 20lb capacity from Amazon, don’t recall the exact model. One suggestion from a viewer was to make one side two separate hinged compartments, which I think is a great idea.
Wished I has seen this a lot soon. You may not answer this. However I will try. Anyway you could list all the parts and maybe where you got them? I'm not a very good DIY kind of guy. Anything you can provide information would be greatly appreciated. You did an Awesome job!
Hi John, thanks for the comment! I don’t think I can list all of the parts (and I doubt they’re all the best option for each unique build anyway)! A few common themes I’d share though… 1. Always go with stainless steel fasteners and hardware on marine builds. 2. Everything you add equals additional weight so be mindful and purposeful with every part as you plan out a build like this. 3. Look at other boats and non-marine projects for inspiration and adapt solutions to your needs. For example, RC cars use solid connectors and lightweight batteries, there’s an opportunity to parlay those to your use.
Of all the mods I have seen on utube yours us the best. I would change one thing and that would be on one side of the boat I would have change the 8’ lid into two 4 ‘ lids. You did a nice job, looks factory made. Good fishing.
Thanks for the comment and kind words Gary, I appreciate it! Great suggestion, I could see splitting one side into two smaller options being beneficial!
