keeping storage compartments dry

RGM · July 17, 2011, 09:39:03 PM

Does anyone have a solution to keeping storage compartment dry when fishing in the rain ?

BassBUFF · July 18, 2011, 06:05:24 AM

What model boat are you having issues with? Two things come to mind as a general rule; 1. Are the seals on the lid in good shape? 2. Are the drain holes around the lid area stopped up?

socal Pat · July 18, 2011, 04:38:55 PM

I do know on the PT models that the newer ones have added a channel with a drain that keeps them dry. Older ones like my '04 pt175 do not and when rained on or washing the carpet areas water just runs into the storage areas. As for the OP, sorry I can't give you a solution, but it can't be that hard to rig up some kind of channel around the inside lip to catch the water. I'll have a good look at the new models next time I'm at Bass Pro Shop and see what I cad come up with.

Brummo · July 18, 2011, 09:51:29 PM

Mine does have the channels for the front storage and so far so good. But for things I absolutly don't want to get wet I bought some plastic shoe boxes from Walmart for 1.99 a piece. Put them under the seats for cell phone, keys, towels etc.. to keep dry. I also use them in the front for ropes and stuff like that.

bass1cpr · July 18, 2011, 11:52:32 PM

here's a cure for keeping the stuff drier if water is getting in them. GO to lowe's and buy the honey comb anti fatigue mats, they are 36 by 36 for about $21.00. Cut to size of the floor of the compartment and place them in the compartment, you now have an air gap below the things riding in the compartment. Drill a few holes near the low corners for drainage and half your problem is solved. Now you can work on sealing the tops. You'll never get 100% of it but you can really reduce the amount of wet your left with. Just a thought of how to win the battle.

Frdtrtnfx4 · July 19, 2011, 08:12:07 AM

I have an 06 and have the same problem, most of my hooks in my storage boxes are getting rusted. Gonna have to get some better storage containers soon along with some bags to place to place the hooks in. One of my bigger complaints about my boat.

RGM · July 20, 2011, 07:51:20 AM

~c~Thanks for the tips, the honey comb mats and plastic storage boxes sound like a good idea. The boat is a brand new 175txw.

aje3721 · August 07, 2011, 10:31:41 AM

This is a huge issue to me as well. I came out of a bigger glass boat and was somewhat spoiled. I don't have any issue with trying to get creative with a channel, opening all the compartments after fishing in the rain and even buying a cute little mat for the floor but the real issue I see with the Tracker is the lack or a clear way for all of the water to drain into the bilge. It seems that the foam was just BLASTED all over throughout the bilge area. Water will work it's way in anywhere and gravity is a fact of life and that we cannot change but when some dumbass engineer coats the whole bilge with foam and doesn't leave a way for the water to make it to the transom drain, that is shotty work...