Need Input

[AirborneJarhead]

???

I have a 90 V-20 Cuddy with the 5.7L I/O. My cockpit consists of two captain's chairs on stainless pedestals.
What I'm looking to accomplish is either buy or build a tackle station/baitwell to install right behind the helm seat. I looked in the gallery for ideas and liked what I saw in Emmett's boat.
I was wondering if anyone had drawn up any plans or knows of a website that would point me in the right direction. I'd like to put a 15 to 20 gallon livewell as well as a raw water washdown station in it yet also have some room for tackle drawers of some type. I know....sounds like a lot. Well, to top it all off, I don't want to lose a ton of cockpit space either! I have the big fishbox running centerline between the 2 seats that I try to keep accessable for the tons and tons of fish I catch ;D.
Hope to hear some great ideas...let em roll!!!

One more question...anyone have a set of those "Smart Tabs"? Checked them out at BPS and almost bought them. Wanted to see what you guys thought about them first.

Thanks!

[chumbucket]

The biggest problem is that they're not very cheap.
Here's one.
http://www.nauticaldesigninc.com/tackle2.htm

There was a fairly long thread here about Smart Tabs vs Hydraulic vs Electric. Just my opinion but, I feel that the V20 is a little too heavy for the Smart Tabs to work effectively. The price is attractive but in the long run, I think you'd be happier with one of the other two choices such as Lenco electric trim tabs or Bennett hydraulics. There are other manufacturers choices. These are just two examples.

[macojoe]

Here is the link to the trim tab chat we all had. You will find some nice stuff in here and I am sure it will be very helpful to you in your desicion!!
Good luck and let us no what you decide and how you make out. ;D


http://www.wellcraftv20.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=General;action=display;num=10672895 05

[Crusher]

Airborn, Go to www.iboats.com then to forums boat topics & questions post your questions about smart tabs Natijohn (owner Smart Tabs) will answer your questions. They also have a web site and list a phone #. If you need questions on Bennet Tabs go to the www.thehulltruth.com and post questions for Tabman.Do a search on on both sites both guys have posted alot of good information about tabs in general. I'm interested what smart tabs will do to straighten out lean and torque to right, Besides a crash diet. John posted an interesting post two nights ago that said if you boat leans and you have a fin on the motor it tends to hold boat to torque side . Try without to see if flatens out after it gets on plane. Crusher

[AirborneJarhead]

Thanks for the input on the tabs. After reading the Tabs string MJ posted, I am leaning heavily towards Lenco's. I used to work at a marina and always got stuck doing the Bennet instals!!! I like the simplicity and replacement cost savings that the electrics provide.

Now, about that tackle station?????? :-/

[macojoe]

The only thing I have heard with the Lencos is to adjust them one at a time as not to burn up the motor. I have a guy who has them and loves them

[reelapeelin]

hey airhead..i've seen ads in fishin mags with what you're lookin' for...baitwell built into leaning post...don't recall baitwell with seats...if you want me to i'll look back through some old mags and see what i can find

[AirborneJarhead]

"Airhead"? >:( :o :P

Reel,

Not really looking for something with a seat. I actually intend to mount it behind the helm seat. I have resigned myself to test my carpentry skills and build one. That way, I'll get it the way I want it.
I appreciate the help!

[bigshrimpin]

Airborne,
Check out this site . . .

http://www.casdvm.com/photos/Leaning%20Post%20Livewell/
http://www.casdvm.com/photos/Hardtop/

There are some others that I'll dig up too. While this is not exactly what you're looking for . . . you can get an idea how to build a "one off mold" and make the tackle station of your dreams out of fiberglass.

[AirborneJarhead]

Thanks, BS! That's what I'm talking about! I may even remove the helm seat and make a narrow version of that leaning post/tackle station/baitwell! ;D

[reelapeelin]

hey airborne...didn't mean to ruffle your feathers w/air head opener the other day...guess i'm the airhead...anyway...hope you get as much kick outta your v20 as i get outta mine

that leaning post/baitwell looks like quite a project...there's a guy close by who makes a totally self contained tank(20 gal) insulated,areated,circulated and filtered...no overboard plumbing to do...might sit behind your existing seats

look at livewellsystems.com

[AirborneJarhead]

I saw those at Lake Norman Sportsworld this striper season. They look great but boy are they ex$pen$ive! :-/ I am looking into whether a Super Blaster pump can be utilized for both wash down purposes as well as pulling bait tank duty. Though that maybe a "Y" connector with a valve would do the trick. Only question is how it'll work in the bait tank ??? Think it would blow the scales off the fish or cause too much current in the tank?

BTW, I took no offense to the Airhead comment! Thought it was funny ;)

[reelapeelin]

airborne...there's a great striper club at lake norman with some real crafty old codgers that might help you w/your baittank project

[AirborneJarhead]

Talking about the Striper Swipers? I have been to a few of their events but have yet to join up. I will next season.
It was tough getting out there fishing this season...don't get me wrong...I DID get out there!
I was really out of my element as I had no trolling motor for most of the season. When I did finally get one, I used it like 3 times then pulled the boat for the winter.
Did OK for myself :D
Next year after the King Mackeral run of late fall/early winter, I plan to hit their tourney schedule real hard.

[Seakindly]

I hope you keep us posted on your adventures with those toothy critters. We don't get them up here, but they may have a place in my distant future. Definitely on my "fish wish list". ;D

[AirborneJarhead]

I'll definitely keep a running log! Man can those fish burn up a drag! I love it when they skyrocket out of the water and you can see your bait in their mouth! ;D

[reelapeelin]

Go to Little River(N. Myrtle Beach) this hot summer, 7 miles off is the wreck Gen Sherman(I'll get you the GPS numbers if you want 'em)...me an' a buddy boated 5 of those toothy critters in about 3 hours last summer...actually 4 1/2; shark or cuda got the other half...LOTTA FUN!

[AirborneJarhead]

Thanks for the tip! Shoot me the #'s if you get the chance ;D

The wife and I plan on spending a long weekend down there late in the summer!

[Airslot]

Ive been kicj=king this project around myself. I plan to mount the helm seat on top of the "box". It would have a lenght as to run almost to the rod pocket. That's my initial plan at least. As it stands now, I have 128qt coolers behind the helm chairs on both sides. One cooler for the fish and one for the beer, er food, my wife said.

Airslot