Ott's Garage | How I Customized my River Boat Full Walk Through of my Tracker 1754 Grizzly

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Tips on how and why I customized my river boat to explore shallow water. This started as a Tracker 1754 SC Grizzly.
This boat will run safely in 4" of water on plane! we have a lot of shallow rocky fish filled rivers in East TN. There are many in other parts of the country as well. Many of them have other species of fish as well. Some of ours have Muskie, Walleye and Trout.
All work was done by Mike Watson Welding in Blountville TN. He can be reached at duckboats@yahoo.com
Motor is a 90/65 Mercury jet drive.

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28 авг 2020

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Комментарии : 126

@gpharned 3 года назад

I appreciate your input on all levels. Thanks Ott

@hoopsheavenpa 3 года назад

That’s the perfect river boat! Love the show and tell.

@fabfishing7422 3 года назад

Awesome Ott! God bless you and the family buddy!!

@Macdaddy8124U 3 года назад

Perfect River Boat!!

@laylow8648 3 года назад

Cool Boat, Awesome Garage.

@l2pod197 2 года назад

I thoroughly enjoyed this video and the previous one with you re-shimming the jet. Great job, thank you.

@1999tlw 3 года назад

Nice jet outboard boat, like all the mods.

@ajs8481 3 года назад

Sweet lil rig Ott 👍

@gaverick73 3 года назад

Skinny water dream. Love the boat and mods. Cya on the Clinch, FB, and LR.

@robertbrown5019 3 года назад

Great boat. Simple and straightforward. Looks like it would be great on saltwater flats.

@georgeadcock2347 3 года назад

Ott That was very nice of you to do a video on your specialty boat. I've gotten a lot of great ideas.

@streetfighterfan500 3 года назад

You sir, have taken the term "pimped out" a whole new meaning. Really cool! I'm sure there was a lot of though put into this before the build.

@shawn_r_schultzfishing4883 3 года назад

That is one slick skinny water rig!

@robertjennings3063 3 года назад

Love it ott! i will upgrade my 14 ft jon boat one day to a nice setup like this!

@davidrussell9290 Год назад

You are blessed, Ott. Cool boat. I'd love one. Thanks for the wholesome content to you and your wife.

@milesbrooking7430 2 года назад

Hey man nice rig you gave me more ideas for my 1754 60/45 jet Tracker. That I been working on. I fish the upper James in VA. Fun boats!

@williamlaws2353 3 года назад

That’s a nice specialty boat.

@vickiebishop9613 2 года назад

Merry Christmas and a Happy Fishing New Year

@8573mike 3 года назад

Awesome river boat and great job on the video!

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Thanks!

@jblimkemann Год назад

This fall, my friend and I used his Blazer 18 foot flat bottom with a Mercury Jet setup to fish the Mississippi up in Wisconsin. Super shallow, full of grass and almost unpassable, we hammered the yellow perch. Largely in part to that jet setup, it's incredible where they can take you!!!

@truthh8322 Год назад

Buddy of mine has same boat down here in missouri. I have inboard jet. His will go more places so we fish his on ozark rivers. Use mine at the lakes

@douglaswheeler3720 2 года назад

THAT SHOP IS SWEET!!!!!!!!!

@thomashoeger1615 3 года назад

Would love to have that rig in the Upper Potomac. Sweet!

@NickT-Jaden 3 года назад

dude....that's a sick little boat!

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Thanks

@garrystaggs3078 3 года назад

Please talk to Tracker about building a boat like that because I would definitely trade my Ranger glass boat in for one I love fishing rivers .

@Johnkelly-xe3bo Год назад

Lowe makes this boat I just bought an 1860 tunnel jet 80 👍🏻

@mikebailey2119 3 года назад

Ott, now I see how you can go full out on that river. You have reallly made this boat a river fishing machine. Or a lake for all that matter's. Awesome boat! 🎣🐟

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Thanks I love it!

@eddieparker3567 3 года назад

Good job You are an all round talent!

@allenhughes12 Год назад

Great video. Boat seems made for easily adding accessories. I'm thinking about going to Bristol and buying one to fill the freezer with pan and catfish. Thanks for the tour.

@OttDeFoeFishing Год назад

Yes it is.

@jimmycleveland1373 3 года назад

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this walk through. It is great to see a TN guy doing well on a national stage. I have this same boat, with a 50HP Mercury prop. I love the boat, but the factory live well leaves a lot to be desired. This has given me a lot to think about as I move forward to make my boat a little more suited for fishing local tournaments.

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

It’s a great boat!

@alanreyes29 2 года назад

What a dream boat

@jacobmeade3472 3 года назад

Have this same boat and love it. Does the guy who did the custom work on this one for you, do work for the public as well? I would love to get and estimate to get this same buildout.

@smoovefishing 3 года назад

I love that boat! That would be perfect for me!

@ninersman8064 3 года назад

So badass

@alansulik3912 2 года назад

I would love to fish with you on the Cuyahoga river in Hiram Ohio with your little boat. We would have a lot of fun.

@cstepanuk101 2 года назад

My dream boat

@larryshepard8556 3 года назад

Ott, get you some small wire nuts and put over the end of those screws sticking out under the seat before you or someone else rips a bad cut on your hand or arms.....Nice job on boat BTW!

@joeydandrea6271 3 года назад

Any specific reason(s) you went with the 1754 instead of the 2072? about to send one to Mike, and I'm hoping to hit the south holston for smallies. would appreciate any suggestions.

@lancegelnett8432 3 года назад

What flooring did you install on your new decks? And is it slippery when wet?

@kylebrown2976 3 года назад

how much water did you need before putting the flotation pods on when you were on plane? And if it only needs 4", how deep does the boat sit in the water when just floating down the river?

@amadosanchez7483 3 года назад

Spectacular boat and walk around! Could you share some info in regards to purchasing a transducer slider from Mr. Watson? Thanks!

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

(423) 292-8102 give him a call!

@castmastersoutdoors7762 3 года назад

Didn't you have the 1860 sc before you won the open with?

@calebdrake3544 2 года назад

How much would it cost me to have your buddy build a platform like you have? That looks really nice!

@adamcogdill6277 3 года назад

What River did you do go to on your buddy tournament

@williamwaterworth1435 2 года назад

I'm running the same 60/40 set up you used to have and would love to add a tunnel and switch to the 90/65. Did you have to do anything to the transom to support the bigger outboard? Was it rated for the 65hp you added or have you gone over the recommended HP for the boat?

@OttDeFoeFishing 2 года назад

It’s rated for a 75. He did add some transom height and bracing but it may have done fine without it. We wanted to not take any chances.

@andrewparisotto2631 2 года назад

I like the idea of a jet drive outboard but we got to much mud id be stopping to clean it out every mile so i gotta stick to the gatortail but very cool boat

@OttDeFoeFishing 2 года назад

Yeah it works great in our rocky rivers. Muddy mucky grass ain’t good for a jet.

@kayakingfooltennessee1037 3 года назад

That's an awesome garage! If you could would you run a tunnel prop with shaved skeg?

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

I had a prop on it to start with. Worked good but like the jet better. Have to be more cautious in the rocky rivers I fish with a prop.

@B.D.B.Outdoors304 Год назад

Where I'm at, if you fish the upper potomac, the shenandoah, or any of tributaries, this is what you want. The only places a big heavy bass boat is any good is in some of our big lakes, the lower potomac which is packed, or big slackwater above dam 4 on the upper potomac

@kenmaylin4744 3 года назад

I went from a 16' alumacraft to an 18' aluminum Triton. I like my Triton but I kinda wish I had moded the Alumacraft similar to this.

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Both are great boats

@TheChancerdog1 3 года назад

Makes me want to put a jet lower on my metal boat. I hunt ducks out of mine so I can't make it as cozy as yours. Eerily similar setup albeit older boat. Great mind fish rivers alike 👍

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Go for it!

@fishtacoguy Год назад

Nic setup! I just ordered a 1754 sc with Mec 75hp. Did you order the rear floats thru Tracker? and who installed them?

@OttDeFoeFishing Год назад

You’ll love it! Yes Mike Watson did them. (423) 292-8102

@wesyoung3931 2 месяца назад

Does the jack plate allow this boat to accept the jet? I am looking to buy one and put a jet on it. A couple dealers have told me that they don’t run with jets. The only way is to weld the bottom of the boat they say….. just wondering if you welded the bottom or not. I want this boat!

@timmytubow7651 3 года назад

When you gonna get Johnny Morris to start making a tunnel hull!? I need one!!

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

I would like to. Until then got to get Mike Watson to do it!

@markaiello3662 3 года назад

I have a 1754SC with the mercury 60/40 jet. Is the tunnel hull custom build or is this a kit that can be bought?

@williamwaterworth1435 2 года назад

Would also like to hear about adding a tunnel. I need one so I can raise my jet up out of the danger zone

@TheTexasAggie2013 2 года назад

I appreciate the breakdown. I am in the research phase of getting my first boat. I live in Galveston, TX near the coast and want something I can primarily inshore fish with as well as run up to Lake Travis and the Colorado River. A large consoled jon boat seems to be the ticket. If anyone has a recommendation on what consoled jon boat to get, holler at me!

@andrewparisotto2631 2 года назад

Cant really go wrong with alumacraft lowe sea arc or havoc if your looking for true durability trackers welds do NOT look great go to your local bass pro and give them a good look over ive seen transoms that looked like someone used their feet to weld instead of their hands that being said its just a quality control issue not all trackers have bad welds

@TheTexasAggie2013 2 года назад

@@andrewparisotto2631 thanks for the shout man. Ended up scoring an 1860 alumacraft center console with a 75 yamaha. She eats

@andrewparisotto2631 2 года назад

@@TheTexasAggie2013 i bet she does cant go wrong with the Yamaha especially love those engines had an 86 50hp that we put through the nastiest flood water you could imagine for 2 summers Bowfishing before the impeller went out only had to rebuild the carbs (floats and what not) 1 time out of the 5 or so years we had it shit it shot a piece of the reverse gear out of the lower unit and we didnt even know until we got back to the ramp forward reverse and neutral still worked fine couldn’t believe it man

@austinquinlivan8304 Год назад

Where do you keep food and drinks?

@NeverDunnFishing 3 года назад

Hey Ott. I'm buying a jet boat soon and have been trying to decide which trolling motor to run. I live near you will be fishing the Holston and French alot. I'm leaning on the ultrex because of its responsiveness on the foot pedal and its manual stow and deploy. Do you think it is superior in these river situations vs the ulterra and its power stow and deploy?

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

For sure. I would not recommend an ulterra for the river. They are great in the lake but the trim system doesn’t hold up well with bottom contact. You’ll not regret the ultrex.

@NeverDunnFishing 3 года назад

@@OttDeFoeFishing thanks for the reply!

@mikedixon3292 3 года назад

Didn’t see any info on your battery charging system. Looking to replace my three bank charger. Any suggestions? By the way, awesome boat

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

I’ve got a Minn Kota 4 bank charger in it. PC 460 is what it is. Works great!

@mikedixon3292 3 года назад

Thanks

@woodrowwillingham1153 2 года назад

Did adding the flotation pods effect the steering? I just purchased a used Alweld tunnel jet and it’s heavy in the rear. I want to add pods. I called Alweld and they said it will make it hard to turn the boat cause it’s a jet and turns off momentum thrust.. What’s your thoughts?

@grunfieldf8694 Год назад

Got 18'9 Xpress tunnel hull, pods are the way to go. Gives more flotation. Don't have any turning issues. Have a 150 on the rear ,runs in 4 inches of water.

@byronhendrixfishing8393 3 года назад

How much are those dowco seats? I just looked them up online and you have to be a dealer. But they look awesome

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Not sure. Could check with your local Bass Pro and see!

@TN-Vols-Fan 3 года назад

I noticed that you have removed the Talon's. Was that to make room for the pods?

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Never had them on this particular one. Didn’t want the weight and the front anchor works better in rocky rivers like I fish than Talons.

@TN-Vols-Fan 3 года назад

@@OttDeFoeFishing Hey Ott, Thanks for the reply! I'm a big fan. Used to work with your brother at BPS, Kodak.

@nichhafley4515 3 года назад

I would love to show you what I did to my tracker 160 pro!

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Send me a pic!

@nichhafley4515 3 года назад

OttDeFoe I will send it to your Instagram! Nichhafley is my @

@stephenhillenberg2627 2 года назад

I have a griz 2072 90 prop. Would it be to heavy for shallow water to covert to jet with a bigger motor? I am thinking the 90 would be to small to covert for that boat. I fish the new river in a smaller jon now.

@OttDeFoeFishing 2 года назад

It would be too small for that boat. You could up size to a 150 and put a jet foot on it. This would give you good performance. Look up Mike Watson on FB he can help you out

@stephenhillenberg2627 2 года назад

@@OttDeFoeFishing Thanks!!

@bang4238 3 года назад

Is the livewell NOT insulated? Why not have a center console up front to see the water, does it take up too much space?

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Not really but it stays good in warm weather. Never had any trouble.

@anthonylawson7073 3 года назад

Is the bottom of the boat any thicker or just the way it came off the floor.

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

It’s the standard hull.

@nickfiebrich4564 2 года назад

Why aren’t you running power poles or raptor? Seems like it’d be nice for a shallow boat

@OttDeFoeFishing 2 года назад

I didn’t want to add any weight to the rest of the boat.

@waynebrown1394 Год назад

Reminds of the off the grid boat

@OttDeFoeFishing Год назад

Similar but tell Keith mine is better 😂

@mattorschell275 3 года назад

Was it underpowered with the 60hp prop?

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

It did good. About the same speed really over all. The jet is more forgiving.

@jensendrick5618 3 года назад

Ott, You need to look into a rock proof boat. They’re built out of PA

@aaaaaasssssqqqqq Год назад

What was the rule change?

@travisturner3472 3 года назад

How long and wide did that front deck turn out to be?

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

I think the beam of the boat is about 72” and it’s now maybe 9’ long at the center.

@travisturner3472 3 года назад

@@OttDeFoeFishing thank you. I'm thinking about a similar project over the winter . I have been missing getting up our rivers. Who knows may get rid of ole stratos if I like it better. Lol

@Dirkdigglerswingman 3 года назад

Is that the boat bass outlawed from further competition

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Yep. When it had a prop on it.

@mikebailey2119 3 года назад

What was the reason for that?

@harrisonharville2123 3 года назад

I would definitely buy it ,pay cash ,river monsters

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

😂 not for sale yet!

@Czmmorgan 2 года назад

Would you consider selling the boat? I'm definitely interested if so. I'm trying to hunt me down a jet boat right now

@mocman7020 2 года назад

"My little boat"

@bksmowingandmaintenance4344 Год назад

Wow my 1754 SC needs some work 😂

@OttDeFoeFishing Год назад

This is my favorite boat!

@chrishauschild7368 7 месяцев назад

Choke Canyon special

@jamesw5836 3 года назад

I like doing mods but it also voids the warranties on most aluminum boats. Since my new one has a lifetime hull warranty I guess I’m done with mods 😀

@OttDeFoeFishing 3 года назад

Yeah it becomes yours at that point!

@commiecrusher 3 года назад

Grease your pump after every single trip. The cost of a few squirts of grease is nothing compared to a blown bearing.

@2cthetruth 5 месяцев назад

80 horse and only 27mph??? No way.

@terryogletree2128 3 года назад

Get a Gator Trax

@jameslawlor1404 3 года назад

Nice set up but it is a tracker, unless it’s given to you free, no thanks.

@infinityxinfinityfamily2711 Год назад

Great rig. I need the part number to that windshield! Tracker in person wants a labor fee and needs the boat before ordering. It’s ridiculous. Even with pictures and measurements, they have been zero help. Thanks to anyone that helps. @trackerboats

@infinityxinfinityfamily2711 Год назад

Yes it’s the exact steering console ツ

@OttDeFoeFishing Год назад

Sorry to hear that! Seems like it would be an easy order.