I am in the process of purchasing a 14ft aluminum V-hull. I want to put a casting deck on the front but I could use some advise. Has anyone here done this on a V-hull before? I don't think that it will be difficult but if anyone knows something I don't, please share! Already have motor and trolling motor, all I have to do is give the trailer a little TLC and she will be ready to go! I have alot of things that I want to install on the boat but the deck is the most important in my opinion so I would like a little info. Thanks

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I fished for years out of just that kind of boat. I had a 55 model Lonestar with a 56 model 25 horse evinrude. I took a piece of 3/4 inch marine plywood and cut it to fit from the nose of the boat to the backside of the front bench. For it to lay flat and level on the front bench I used treated two by fours to brace up the front and the middle of the plywood. Over time the two by fours rotted from being in water(I had a leaky boat). But it lasted for at least 4 or 5 years before I had to replace them. Once the wood was cut I went to wal mart and bought a pedestal and a seat. I used 1/4 inch bolts and nuts and washers to attach the pedistal to the center of the plywood, then use self tapping screws to attach the board to the front bench and two by four supports. I clamped my trolling motor to the port side of the boat. And as far forward as I could. I Installed a bracket for my depth finder on the plywood and one on the back bench. Ran wires to both so I could switch it out from the front to the back in a matter of seconds. Used a cooler that I placed directly behind the font bench for a livewell and placed a water proof ammunition box between the back bench and the transom for dry storage. Placed a piece of marine plywood 6 inches from the bottom of the boat between the middle and back bench to keep my feet dry when driving the boat. Voila! Instant bass boat...

Tini

[This message has been edited by Tinisson (edited 10-11-2003).]

Check out www.hydrillagorilla.com

They sell plans, but have lots of photos, and one of the pages has pictures of boats done by people who have bought their plans.

Kelly

The boat ideas look good, but I will stay away from the cheap tree stands...

I have a great frame under my deck of my 14' V-hull. I will take some pictures of it and post it back on here.

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Duck Jerky Outdoors Website

Hopefully, your boat is wide. I would take a trip or two in it and see how stable it is by just standing on either side of the front seat BEFORE you go to all the trouble of mounting a deck. Some of the 14 foot V's are pretty squirrely up there, some are not. I would also not recommend a very tall pedestal. A friend of mine went through the same thing that you're considering. His boat was not stable enough to support him when someone shifted from one side to the other in the back seat. He took a spill in some 38 degree water.

Safety first, always wear a PFD and kill switch.

I will agree with sandman. If it isn't stable you will be wasting your time. The way I knew that mine was ok, I fished out of it alot standing on the front bench. And I did have a short pedistal. I didn't have one at all for a long time, to be honest. But when you start getting tired it comes in real handy. If your like me getting tired dosn't run you off the lake. So after about 6 or 8 hours that seat feels real good.

True on the width issue. My 14' V-hull is 56" wide, and plenty stable up front. Too late tonight for pics, but I will post them tomorrow evening.

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Duck Jerky Guide Service

Here are the photos of the deck in my V-hull. This boat is 14' 6" and 56" wide at the base...65" at the top rails.

Here it is with the deck on...


Here it is with the deck off...


Here is a close-up view...


I can not take credit for this, as it was there when I bought the boat. It is made of 1" aluminum poles...all welded. They are fairly thick, not like tent poles. It is a beast of a system and holds up perfect! Could not have done it any better myself, and is very lightweight.
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Duck Jerky Guide Service

[This message has been edited by Duck_Jerky (edited 10-17-2003).]

Hey Duck, that's a very nice deck. Could you send me some more pictures of the frame? I want to put a deck in my 14' V Bottom and I like that design.

How is it attached to the bottom of the boat? Is the cover hinged to allow access to the stuff underneath? and how thick is the plywood of the deck itself? Is the step up the seat?

cbob