So I recently sold my Ranger 521vx when I moved from just east of Dallas, I now live in Granbury and have some decent lakes around me, but I feel naked without a rig to go out in. I have plenty of buddies who I can hitch rides with when I head out to fish big water like Lake Fork and all that which is awesome. I have nothing out this way though.
I was kicking the idea around of maybe getting into a 18 Aluminum center console and rigging it really nice with a Ultrex and Poles maybe a jack plate, I will primarly bass and crappie fish but with the aluminum boat I have more options if I want to take it out to duck hunt some public water.
So the search was on to find my starting platform, I was between Lund, G3, Ranger, Polarkraft, and a few others.
-Ranger I hated the console and once I hung poles on the back warranty voided.
-G3 was a decent rig, fit and finish didnt impress me, I really wanted a Merc motor which wasnt a option and also poles voided the warranty.
-Polar Kraft was a mediocre boat, lost some live well and storage space, not a really huge name in aluminum boats, it was tough though because I really wanted to deal my business through Monte at fun n sun
-Lund well the name speaks for itself, specialize in high quality and durable aluminum rigs, layout and storage was perfect, standard options are what I wanted, trailer updrades were available, WIDEST beam out of all of them. It was basically my perfect choice.
So I went to Fish and Ski Marine on Ray Rob and had the pleasure of working with BJ, Chris, and Sam. Let me first say those guys are A1! All the service guys were really awesome, everyone was professional, and let me take the reins on this build! Couldnt ask for better guys to do business with!
So I got the boat order put in and now the rigging starts! My build is as follows...
Lund 1870 Predator Center Console
Shadow grass camo
Mercury Fourstroke 90ELPT Command Thrust (5yr extended warranty)
OnBoard 3bank charger
Bow trim switch
1 shadow grass fold down seat
Black power coated trailer with swing tounge
Upgraded wheel and tire package with spare
Boat buckle ratcheting tie downs
2 8 black Power Pole Blades
52 Minnkota Ultrex 80lb thrust
Lowrance HDS 9 on console with 3D Structure Scan
Lowrance HDS 7 on bow (linked to the console unit)
I REALLY want to add the recessed trolling motor tray but there is a big support beam I would have to cut through and that scares me. So well see down the road. Im going to also add some little mods here and there. Possible trolling motor spot light, power pole nav light, might seadeck line the front deck, etc
Here is a sneak peak pic. I will keep yall updated on progress! This is exciting, and a very unique rigged out tin boat that didnt break the bank!
image sharing sites