My son is getting into bass fishing so I found an older pelican Predator and he and I started to make it more bass ready for him.  New trolling motor, depth finder (lowrance hook5) onboard charger, new seat posts and seats and casting decks and storage.  Still need to install the carpet but hopefully we can get her out on her maiden voyage this weekend.  Great father son project!

I just picked up a 1997.  It has an open floor between the seats and removable battery box and baitwell.  I am working on the trailer refinish / repaint and some boat wiring at the same time.  I will be putting a deck on front only as I typically boat solo.  Planning a 55lb MinnKOta front and a small outboard in back.  The low seat will be fine in back.

 

What ply thickness did you go with?  Did you use a cardboard template?  That's some good form fitting cuts.

Where do I buy that casting seat?  Thanks for posting, I felt like the Lone Ranger with this boat.

This is cool stuff but be aware these boats designed to walk below sides and when u get higher up like that they get tippy ..

22 hours ago, Guitarfish said:

I just picked up a 1997.  It has an open floor between the seats and removable battery box and baitwell.  I am working on the trailer refinish / repaint and some boat wiring at the same time.  I will be putting a deck on front only as I typically boat solo.  Planning a 55lb MinnKOta front and a small outboard in back.  The low seat will be fine in back.

 

What ply thickness did you go with?  Did you use a cardboard template?  That's some good form fitting cuts.

Where do I buy that casting seat?  Thanks for posting, I felt like the Lone Ranger with this boat.

It’s 3/4” plywood on the deck.  I tried to do a cardboard template and it seemed harder And I trashed it and just scribed it and cut it and then kept doing to finely until I had a nice fit and room for carpet around it.  Going with a 45lb trolling motor but my son will be mainly using it on small private lakes so it should be fine.  Setting up the foot controlled  trolling motor bracket was the trickiest part trying to make sure it will be a solid and level mount.   Found the casting seat at Cabela’s in Albuquerque I think it was around $30.  I hope to glue down the carpet this week and will post an update once done.  Thanks 

Got the boat done and had our maiden voyage today.  Caught a few and had a great time.  Looking forward to this summer. 

Well now I have to ask about your feeling about the stability. Fine?

On 3/16/2020 at 9:48 AM, Guitarfish said:

Well now I have to ask about your feeling about the stability. Fine?

It doesn’t feel any less stable then it did before the deck.  For me with my bad knee it feels even better because I am standing on a firm level surface unlike the bottom before had some flex and give and wasn’t level.  So far so good and it’s been great for our social distancing.  Everyone stay safe out there.