Bowfishing boat build

[striperchase]

I am taking my 15/48 flat bottom boat and building a raised bowfishing deck out of 1" square aluminum tubing. I am raising it 13" to the top of the platform just high enough to get the lights under. I picked up 4 new 150W HPS lights to mount in place of the craftsman work lights I was using.

I took everything out of the boat to the bare hull. Got everything cut and prepared for welding and started the frame work. It is coming along great and taking shape, can't wait to have it done.

Pics of how it was before (when I was mostly bass fishing), tearing everything down, and getting the frame started.

Can't wait to get it back home to start mounting lights and hooking them up next. I will update this thread as progress continues.

 

[rsimms]

That's the way to go when you're serious about it. You're gonna have some fun.

Take me, take me!!!! emoBigsmile

 

[striperchase]

It driving me crazy the sun is out and I'm actually off this weekend and can't work on my boat becuse its still at the shop and they are closed. Got board today and decided to make a switch box for Nav lights, fish finder, and interior lights. This box will get mounted under the back part of the deck. This will get the switches off the battery box covers.

 

[striperchase]

The bottom right corner will be for a 12v cigarette plug I think for a handheld spotlight.

 

[striperchase]

Finally got the frame done on the deck and everything welded up. It is strong and sturdy. Put a front block on there for the trolling motor mount. Also swapped the factory shaft for a 68 inch shaft on the trolling motor just need to wire the head back up. I ran out of funds for the build lol so looks like plywood for the deck. Hopefully get the brackets made for the lights and get them mounted up tomo. Can't wait to get it done

 

[SpurHunter]

Looking good! Are you doing the welding?

 

[Troubleshooter]

Good job on the modifications. I would like to have a boat just for bow fishing. It’s not easy keeping the carpet clean in my fishing boat. emoBang

 

[striperchase]

SpurHunter - 2/29/2012 5:35 PM

Looking good! Are you doing the welding?

No I hooked up with Steve at AES Manufacturing. Great guy, and he let me help with the build, cut, and design the metal and do the prep work. I wish I could weld aluminum.

 

[striperchase]

Got some more done on my boat. I got 4 150W HPS lights hung and ran all the wires through 3/4" water tight electrical conduit and secured it to the frame. Have two lights ran to one switch and two lights to another so I can start them up separetly. I am happy with the way they turned out.

 

[striperchase]

Some pics of the lights at night.

 

[2jigs]

emoThumbsup

 

[SpurHunter]

Thats gonna draw blood right there! Nice job man.

 

[striperchase]

Yeah getting closer to being finished. I can't wait to get it done at take it out to plug some fish. Spur you'll have to take trip with me one night to help me bloody up the fresh paint.

 

[jcsanders79]

NICE! Love bow fishing, lots of fun. Getting close to that time too.

 

[Buoy-Master]

Ol Steve Morgan does a great job! Ive known him for years. Tell him Billy up at Tn Trls said hey!

 

[striperchase]

Buoy-Master - 3/5/2012 3:15 PM

Ol Steve Morgan does a great job! Ive known him for years. Tell him Billy up at Tn Trls said hey!

I did tell him Hi from you ha ha. I asked few months ago about a welder and he was recomended and you said to tell him hi then too. emoLaugh Great guy and great work!

 

[striperchase]

Boat is finally done!! New nav lights, green LED interior lights and docking lights all mounted and hooked up. The deck is on, outboard and gas loaded and batteries charged ready to go!!! Can't wait to sneak out and go. Maybe tonight if my wife does not go into labor this evening ha ha ha well..................Maybe stilll. emoParty

 

[SpurHunter]

Wow, great build! My buds in Bridgeport slayed the fish Fri sat and Sun nights. Also up on Tims, its red hot. Time fer killin is here!!!

 

[WD40]

Very Nice Rig! Good Luck

 

[striperchase]

Took the boat out today for a "test run" in the daylight. Everything worked as it should except my cranking battery lol. The boat is not as "tippy" as I anticipated and should do well with two shooters on the deck.