Winter Project: BASS Tracker to FLATS Tracker (Project COMPLETE!!!)

JayPea2006 · November 20, 2010, 06:27:27 AM

As most of you know from my post last winter, I repainted my 05' TRACKER and added custom graphix.

For the past month I've been fishing saltwater, and having a blast on the flats and in the backwater. I love it so much that I have sold all of my freshwater gear!

Throwing a bait net from a carpeted boat is really not a good idea! My boat is garage kept and man, saltwater and weeds in the carpet stinks to high heaven! Plus, the boat isn't very user friendly in saltwater.

So, this winters project, which will start after Thanksgiving and be completed in time for the February start of the Redfish Trail in my area is going to be a front and rear deck repolacement/conversion project. I will be removing the plywood decking and replacing it with a fiberglass, non skid deck. When this project is complete it'll look like a full fledged flats boat, including a new painted console (yellow to match boat exterior).

I'll take lots of photos of the project in case anyone else out there ever wants to take on a project like this one.

The front dry storage hold is also going to be converted to a fully functional aerated baitwell.

The 3 seat setup is being removed and replaced with a solid white vinyl bench seat and back rest.

The under seat storage area is also going to be where I move my 3 batteries to for easier access.

Donald Garner · November 20, 2010, 07:15:17 AM

Good luck with your winter project.

JayPea2006 · November 28, 2010, 08:31:33 PM

Got started today

Got to the bare plywood only to find it was dry rotted. Hard to believe since the boat is garage kept. It'll work for my new glass deck template. After tearing out the front storage bin and side rod locker I realized how much room I opened up so I'm not putting those 2 compartments back in.

Toying with the idea of putting in a center console with molded in bait well. Don't know yet. I've decided to remove the carpeting from the rear deck, glass it over and leave it the way it is.

Bassinkorea · November 28, 2010, 10:10:04 PM

Looks like you have your work cut out, but I bet you'll have fun also.

Good luck JP

JayPea2006 · January 16, 2011, 02:30:22 PM

I had to remove the gear box/throttle control and holy

what a pain until I finally figured out how to sepperate the main box from the throttle stick.

I would post pics, but there is nothing left after beating it with a sledge hammer, cutting at it with a sawsall, and prying it with a pry-bar.

Thank God I can't use it in the new center console configuration because it's junk!

Anyway, take a small flat head screw driver, and pop out the center button that allows for revving the engine out of gear. Also make sure you go buy a new button because doing this ruins the one you pop out. Once you have that buttong out you'll find a brass holding nut deep in center. Use a deep well 11/16" socket and wrench to remove this nut/bolt. Turn counter clockwise to loosen.

Walah! Done, simply pull apart.

Next weekend starts the rebuild! The new Flats Tracker will have a new center console, walk around glass decks, hydraulic steering, and all new upholstry!

New pics coming soon!

JayPea2006 · January 16, 2011, 02:38:20 PM

The new subflooring and front decking are in. PT board with a waterproofing coat applied for further water/moisture protection.

JayPea2006 · January 22, 2011, 10:27:09 PM

Things are moving along more quickly now that I have the majority of the upgrade materials in hand now.

Inside panels, hatch doors, etc stripped and ready for covering.

New Center Console

Picked up the new one piece bench seat this morning from the custom upholstery shop.

jimfc3 · January 22, 2011, 11:31:16 PM

Quote from: JayPea2006 on January 16, 2011, 02:30:22 PM
I had to remove the gear box/throttle control and holy what a pain until I finally figured out how to sepperate the main box from the throttle stick.

I would post pics, but there is nothing left after beating it with a sledge hammer, cutting at it with a sawsall, and prying it with a pry-bar.

Thank God I can't use it in the new center console configuration because it's junk!

Anyway, take a small flat head screw driver, and pop out the center button that allows for revving the engine out of gear. Also make sure you go buy a new button because doing this ruins the one you pop out. Once you have that buttong out you'll find a brass holding nut deep in center. Use a deep well 11/16" socket and wrench to remove this nut/bolt. Turn counter clockwise to loosen.

Walah! Done, simply pull apart.

Next weekend starts the rebuild! The new Flats Tracker will have a new center console, walk around glass decks, hydraulic steering, and all new upholstry!

New pics coming soon!

hey jaypea I sent you a PM.. BTW its looking good!!

BassBUFF · January 23, 2011, 05:59:24 AM

Looking good so far!

JayPea2006 · January 25, 2011, 09:49:04 PM

So you wanna convert your BT to a flats boat with center console? DONT! RUN! As fast as you can!

Cosmetics are turning out to have been the easy part. For the past 2 eveinings after work I've been reworking and trouble shooting the electrical layout. Finally got it worked out on paper.

Relocating the wiring from the side gunwale to center console is tricky but possible. My first problem was how to move the bow wiring (light, tm outlet, trim switch) to the center of the hull rather than the side. I solved this by removing the (worthless anyway since it was barely 7' and I use 7"6" and longer) carpeted rod storage neck. By removing this I was able to carve out a hole through the heavy floatation foam into the lower hull. By pulling that wiring back out from the front bow in one piece I won't have to cut / splice anything, and will be able to hang the wiring from the support stringers under the flooring.

The console wiring wil be rerouted under the seat compartment, down through a square hole I'm cutting into the base, and feeding it into the center of the hull where the new center console will be located. Throttle cables and hydraulic steering lines will be snaked through the existing ignition path around the gas tank, behind the livewell, and under the seats through an existing hole already there.

Will post pics after the wiring is rerouted over the next couple of nights.

JayPea2006 · January 26, 2011, 07:57:52 PM

Reached a milestone tonite by getting all of the wiring and cables moved into position. Seems like the rest will be downhill from here!

bassindude · January 26, 2011, 08:39:20 PM

Looks like a fun project Jay. Curious, you mentioned PT board, what is that? Also would like to know what kind of waterproofing your using on it, if you dont mind. I have a few more changes in mind for the Jon Boat.

jimfc3 · January 27, 2011, 12:55:20 PM

Jaypea looking good man if you pull the rear deck post some pics please

JayPea2006 · January 27, 2011, 05:07:56 PM

Quote from: bassindude on January 26, 2011, 08:39:20 PM
Looks like a fun project Jay. Curious, you mentioned PT board, what is that? Also would like to know what kind of waterproofing your using on it, if you dont mind. I have a few more changes in mind for the Jon Boat.

PT= Pressure Treated. Opted for a vinyl simulated glass decking that glues down. The boat will have a look and feel of all 100% glass. I coated the PT wood in a silicon (siliconizer) based sealer that wouldn't affect the hold of the glue. The vinyl has a UV (ultraviolet) protectant in it to prevent breakdown from the sun. The cheapest I found it online was $17/ft, but I found a roll of it at my local Marine Surplus store here localy who sold it to me for $5.00/ft.

Here is what the vinyl looks like. Its textured for that glass deck feel.

JayPea2006 · January 27, 2011, 07:12:58 PM

Quote from: jimfc3 on January 27, 2011, 12:55:20 PM
Jaypea looking good man if you pull the rear deck post some pics please

At this point it doesn't appear that I'm going to have to pull the rear deck (thank God). My main reason for that was if I couldn't find a way to feed the wiring, and figured that out last night.

JayPea2006 · January 30, 2011, 02:32:59 PM

Got a lot done this weekend with my sons help. Got all the covered panels back in, and installed the front deck and flooring. Will work on the back deck this week after work and get the console ready for wiring, guages, steering, etc... next weekend.

Bassinkorea · January 30, 2011, 05:33:34 PM

Looking good JP

Are you going to repaint over the old red parts or will that area be covered with trimming or something?

JayPea2006 · January 30, 2011, 10:17:36 PM

Quote from: Bassinkorea on January 30, 2011, 05:33:34 PM
Looking good JP

Are you going to repaint over the old red parts or will that area be covered with trimming or something?

There won't be any red showing when it's finished. There are trim strips going there to match the rest of the inside.

Bassinkorea · January 30, 2011, 10:23:22 PM

Quote from: JayPea2006 on January 30, 2011, 10:17:36 PM
There won't be any red showing when it's finished. There are trim strips going there to match the rest of the inside.

Sweet, it's going to lok great once it's finished

jimfc3 · January 31, 2011, 09:12:11 AM

looking good

JayPea2006 · February 05, 2011, 10:50:54 PM

More pics...

zwon13 · February 06, 2011, 01:34:16 AM

Looking good

JayPea2006 · February 13, 2011, 08:57:11 PM

Worked on getting the back deck hatch doors, livewell door, and tank/battery door done this weekend. Started on the splash well since I had some time. First, I cleaned it out thoroughly using MEK (Methylethelketone) to get any grease or grime out. If you chose to do this make sure you take your time, and measure everything twice before cutting your material.

Hatch Doors

Splash Well

Rear Deck

Overall

JayPea2006 · February 19, 2011, 08:40:26 PM

Finished up the back splashwell this evening. Tomorrow I'll be doing last minute cosmetic touch ups before taking the boat in to have the poling platform made Monday. Next Saturday I have my son and a friend of mine coming over to help with the hydraulic steering and throttle/gear box installation.

Been a long 3 months but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

salado · February 21, 2011, 04:46:48 PM

looks fun. hahah well not really. hahah

I replaced all the carpet in my boat about a year ago and had it all torn down almost as far as you have. its a hard job.
I like the idea of no carpet.
I think next time I will not be redoing my carpet, ill just fiberglass, rinoline, or that stuff you got instead.

keep up the good work.