It was such nice weather today I pulled the boat outside and fixed the battery trays so that the batteries would sit flat. The batteries were about an 1/8 to a 1/4 too wide for the trays causing one end to sit up. I do not think this would have hurt anything, but it did make it easier for the battery to slide out of the tray should something go wrong.
All I had to do was to remove the trays and cut the end section off of each tray. I installed them back so that the open ends faced each other. This way the batteries could not slide around.
While I had them out I also vacuumed up all of the aluminium bits from where the factory drilled in the self tapping screws that hold the trays down.
I had a little time today so I added a couple rod holders to the back for trolling. I originally had these on the back of the Predator but took them off once I added flush mounts. The plan is to get a few more set up for the track system and possibly two more on these corners.
After years of research I was finally able to pick out and purchase a boat. This 18 footer was an affordable choice that would fit in my garage with the removable tongue removed. I think it will be a great multi purpose boat.
So here she is ... a 2016 G3 Gator Tough 18 CC with a Yamaha 90.
Injected 4 stroke 90 Horse
Here she is still sitting at the dealer wondering who would adopt her.
No motor yet.
Hiding in the back.
Behind the duck boat.
Once I got her in the garage it was time to add some safety necessities. I picked up a fire extinguisher, flares, and an air horn. I eventually want to hard wire a hidden horn and be done with it. I also picked up a couple dock lines and a transom saver.
I won't post up pictures of all of the purchased items, but here is a picture of how/where I mounted the extinguisher. Although the boat has a 7 foot beam, space it at a premium and I did not want to be knocking into the canister all the time. I had contemplated mounting it under the seat or further into the console. I decided it best to have it where I could grab it quickly and if someone who was not familiar with the boat needed it, it would be easy to spot with out looking too hard.
Every fishing boat needs a trolling motor, so this was first on my list. I actually took part of my deposit and saved just enough aside to work this in as part of my budget. I went with the Minn Kota Ulterra with iPilot. rather than go over the details, I will just leave this video for you to enjoy...
It was a pain to install because of the very small hole to access the nuts on the bolts but I got it with very little blood and some cursing.
I have not been able to try it out since it does not come with a plug. The plug receptacle on the boat required me to order a plug since my local store does not carry the match. I hope it will be here next week.
The motor is 24 volts so I picked up two mid range batteries that run 115 amp hours. They do not quite fit the trays that came with the boat so I am going have to change that up. They should be fine until I find a permanent solution.
The motor has a built in transducer so I picked up the stuff I would need to be able to use the fish finder from my kayak on the bow of the G3. It just required that I buy the adapter cable to hook into the trolling motor and another power cord. And of course I needed another base. I can easily pop it of and return it to the kayak when I am using that. That stuff should be here Monday! I plan on running a larger unit at the helm but I need to save a bit first.
One thing I found as soon as I saw her is that web photos make the boat look narrow and that had me concerned. So if you are looking at this boat and have not seen it in person, rest assured, it is a very nice width with plenty of room.
Here are some pictures and specs from G3's website...
As soon as I get the trolling motor finished up, I will try and get out on the water!
