Final recess tray install

WTodd · January 08, 2018, 06:55:04 AM

Ok I'm bored as I sit in the jury auditorium waiting to be called for jury duty. I finished my recess tray install and even added a new bracket for my Helix 7 (I stole the idea for this bracket from another member). I bought some 2" X 1/8" aluminum from Lowe's and made it myself. If you have a bench vise you can make one also. I bought the tray from C.A.S.T. Designs ($91 and change delivered); made out of aluminum, power coated, has a drain hole and comes with everything to install. For you Lowe boat guys; where you cut the opening there is a support bar under the deck so you'll have to cut through it and then brace up both sides. I used a treated 2 X 4 and put 2 3" drywall screws right through the floor. I butted the 2 X 4 against the support bar and made it tight; I used a rubber mallet to put in place before screwing it down. Seems secure and no movement when standing on it. I also cleaned up the wiring and even shortened the foot pedal wires. The Helix 7 mounted pretty easy; I used 4 SS nuts, bolts & washers instead of screws. I mounted the bracket directly to the floor with a fairly large SS lag bolts; I also used SS lag bolts to bolt the pedal to the tray. Only 1 pic but it should show you everything you need to know; send me a message if you need more info. Since I had to buy a 6' piece of aluminum, I'm going to make an aluminum mount to replace the plastic one made by Hummingbird. The one I have now is new because the original cracked. Anyway let me know if you have any questions.

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Princeton_Man · January 08, 2018, 07:43:47 AM

Nice clean install! Mounting that Helix like that freed up some real estate up there too.

WTodd · January 08, 2018, 07:51:11 AM

And it's at least a foot closer to these 57 yr old eyes

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Kris · January 08, 2018, 09:16:52 AM

Quote from: WTodd on January 08, 2018, 06:55:04 AM
.......I used a treated 2 X 4 and put 2 3" drywall screws right through the floor. I butted the 2 X 4 against the support bar and made it tight; I used a rubber mallet to put in place before screwing it down.
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I noticed that you used treated wood under the deck for support to the pedal pan. I can tell you first hand that pressure treated wood and aluminum are enemies. The copper sulfate in the treated wood eats micro holes in the aluminum over time. Where you used it might not cause a leak but my boat had a bunch of leaks from it. Just letting you know what happened to me. BTW, I used Azek (PVC lumber)for the floor supports on my aluminum boat to keep from rot and those problems again.

WTodd · January 08, 2018, 11:18:13 AM

Thanks for that info; I'll contact Lowe to see what they think

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Lipripper · January 08, 2018, 11:55:32 AM

Looks nice and have fun with your jury duty. I use to get summons every year but so far haven't been selected to serve on any jury. Just set around the waiting room and play on my laptop and get paid for missing a day of work.

WTodd · January 08, 2018, 12:34:37 PM

I got selected.....again. Go back Wednesday and maybe Thursday

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Princeton_Man · January 08, 2018, 12:37:21 PM

Quote from: WTodd on January 08, 2018, 12:34:37 PM
I got selected.....again. Go back Wednesday and maybe Thursday

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Pick up a lottery ticket on the way home.

WTodd · January 08, 2018, 12:46:41 PM

Probably should

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Lipripper · January 08, 2018, 01:22:52 PM

Quote from: WTodd on January 08, 2018, 12:34:37 PM
I got selected.....again. Go back Wednesday and maybe Thursday

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You should of wore the Tee shirt that said KILL THEM ALL AND LET GOD JUDGE THEM.

Bigwrench · January 08, 2018, 01:52:13 PM

That really looks slick !
I may try to make my own tray and that bracket mount. Thanks for sharing the upgrades !

WTodd · January 08, 2018, 02:23:17 PM

Thanks; can't wait to actually use it. Hoping the tray relieves a ton of stress off my back so I'm not so sore from fishing

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Bigwrench · January 08, 2018, 07:19:59 PM

Quote from: WTodd on January 08, 2018, 02:23:17 PM
Thanks; can't wait to actually use it. Hoping the tray relieves a ton of stress off my back so I'm not so sore from fishing

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Do you know if that tray will fit a fortrex pedal ?

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WTodd · January 08, 2018, 07:28:44 PM

The floor where the pedal will sit is 10 3/16 X 13 5/8....I just happen to have the boat at home. It's also 4" deep...here's the website. https://castdesigns.com

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Bigwrench · January 08, 2018, 07:46:16 PM

Quote from: WTodd on January 08, 2018, 07:28:44 PM
The floor where the pedal will sit is 10 3/16 X 13 5/8....I just happen to have the boat at home. It's also 4" deep...here's the website. https://castdesigns.com

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Thank you ! I think I am going to try and make one tomorrow and see how it goes

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WTodd · January 08, 2018, 07:49:28 PM

Not being a welder I didn't try making the tray besides $80+ shipping was definitely one of if not THE best price I found for an aluminum one with the drainage hole and hardware; it's very well made

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WTodd · January 08, 2018, 07:51:36 PM

Go to the site to get a look at the tray; and it comes powder coated in I think 3 colors

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Bigwrench · January 08, 2018, 08:01:58 PM

Quote from: WTodd on January 08, 2018, 07:49:28 PM
Not being a welder I didn't try making the tray besides $80+ shipping was definitely one of if not THE best price I found for an aluminum one with the drainage hole and hardware; it's very well made

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Yes that is a great price for sure , I have always just wondered if I "could" make my own. Plus I been practicing my welding a-lot lately and this would be the perfect chance to practice my outside and corner welds. My only thing is I have always wanted the rounded front with a cup holder lol. So I may have to do some bending. I'll post my results in the Bass Attacker restore post in this same section of the site.

WTodd · January 08, 2018, 08:05:38 PM

I wanted a cup holder too so I bought a double cup holder from Bass Pro and attached it to my butt seat

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WTodd · January 08, 2018, 08:07:52 PM

Here's 2 pics of my cup holder. It has 2 clamps on it

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Capt. BassinLou · January 09, 2018, 03:22:17 PM

Looks good WTodd,

I thought this whole time your boat had a recess tray.

WTodd · January 09, 2018, 04:14:14 PM

Nope....been thinking about it for awhile. Sometimes my brain doesn't react too well when I get an idea that involves cutting a large hole in my boat. After reading so many posts about them and how they minimized sore backs I had to try it.

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Capt. BassinLou · January 09, 2018, 04:34:52 PM

Quote from: WTodd on January 09, 2018, 04:14:14 PM
Nope....been thinking about it for awhile. Sometimes my brain doesn't react too well when I get an idea that involves cutting a large hole in my boat. After reading so many posts about them and how they minimized sore backs I had to try it.

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Please follow up and let us know how it working out for you, because standing like Capt Morgan for hours through out an outing, sure does a number on my hip and back.. lol!!

WTodd · January 09, 2018, 04:35:24 PM

I will because I know there's a ton of us older guys that could benefit from less hurt, more fishing

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Donald Garner · January 09, 2018, 09:05:20 PM

Congrats on getting the Recess Tray installed. You are going to really notice a difference in operating the trolling motor now. You'll also noticed at the end of the day you're not as tired or worn out especially on a windy day.

I had one installed on my Stratos a few years ago and I love it.