Anybody remove the rod ports?

[Bigfishhunter]

In looking at new boats, I see a general lack of storage for some of the gear that I carry. I want to upgrade, but can't find a boat that will store big ticket items like my Outfitter will.

All of a sudden it hit me, "What about the center rod locker with the rod ports/holders removed?"
I wonder if there is a way to do this? This would allow me to carry some of those bigger things below deck.

I don't see much need for rod storage anyway, as I often have my rods out and ready to fish, and I don't carry more than a rod or two per person anyway.

In my current Outfitter, I can store the following items below deck:
-12" tall Rubber made container.
-Small bbq plus 5 lb tank
-milk crate with anchor rope and anchor
-20 qt cooler
-life jackets,
-tackle
-spare raingear, coats and various other junk.

Haven't been able to find a current boat that can store that much stuff.

But I want/need a bigger faster boat.

[Hot Runr Guy]

staying in the Lund family, what about an 1810 Predator? I think that the raised bow deck, which is like 5-6" higher than normal, would give you the depth you need?

http://www.lundboats.com/boats/2011-.../1810-predator

http://www.lundboats.com/pdfs/specs2...redator_ss.pdf

HRG

[Bigfishhunter]

Oh, sorry, meant to say, I will never, and I mean never put my hands on a steering wheel while in a boat.
Must be a tiller.
You are right about the predator storage but I need a tiller.
I wish they still had the Predator Tiller's cause those would have been the perfect boat. And try to find a used '07 2010 Predator Tiller with a 175 Pro Xs... Very tough.

Thanks though

[Hot Runr Guy]

how 'bout a 200 V-rod? http://boats.smartcarguide.com/listing/12661026/

[REW]

There are other boats out there that might work for you and give you a good dry ride as well:
http://search.babylon.com/?q=larson+...00d4bed992a662

http://www.skeeterboats.com/products/11/28

http://www.yarcraft.com/2095BTX.html

[Bigfishhunter]

Yes those would work if they were metal boats. Sorry, forgot to mention that. I live in Northern Canada, need a tin boat, I pull up on rocks a lot.
My wife's requirement for me getting a new boat is to be able to store the cooler, bbq, big burner and pan etc. as for her the most fun of going out is pulling up and making a nice lunch.

HRG you are the king of searching out used boats, that one just might work.

[RedNeckWino]

Originally Posted by Hot Runr Guy

how 'bout a 200 V-rod? http://boats.smartcarguide.com/listing/12661026/

Now that is a lot of boat. I would almost get divorce by choice to have that thing.

[Burr]

Is your current "Outfitter" boat like the one on Lund's website - or is this a previous model "Outfitter".

Seems to me the Outfitter in Canada is what the US had as "Alaskan".

The 20' Alaskan has all kinds of space, but I doubt it would have room for all the items you mentioned below deck. It would still be above deck storage, and probably have plenty of room, but it might be what you already have?

[Bigfishhunter]

The 20' alaskan has a very shallow deck, and the doors would have to be modified to make them larger. I have a 2003 Lund Outfitter, and it is a really well layed out boat. I would love a 20' version with a 115 rating and 90" Beam of the same boat.

I guess I will just have to be better at my searches for 2007-2009 Predators, as that is what I need.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Originally Posted by Bigfishhunter

I guess I will just have to be better at my searches for 2007-2009 Predators, as that is what I need.

BFH,
This 2008 20' Predator tiller just appeared in the classifieds,,,,,,,

http://www.walleyecentral.com/classified/adviewer/18659

HRG