Trolling motor recess tray.....

[canoe fisherman]

ok everyone, I have been looking into trolling motor recess trays, been looking at all available options and wanting to get some input from you all. Are they worth it, do they really help eliminate the stress on your lower back and legs? I guess what I am asking is are they worth the price on them? cheapest one I have been able to find was $99.00, I will make my own before I spend that much money on one. I am on a budget and sorry I am not gonna put that kind of money in something I don't get to use but once a month if I am lucky.
If I do make one, what have you guys seen in your that you liked and disliked, what do you wish it had that your doesn't? emoQuestion

 

[deepsink]

You will not regret it I have installed at least 15 this past year and putting one in the boat I'm working on now.I made my personal one out of fiberglass and it is a lot tighter around the pedal and don't have all that extra room for things to fall in or possibly twist your ankle. Make sure you install it with in your reach so you are not having to stretch if you are setting on butt set.It well take the pressure off your lower back for sure.

 

[FishingwithRusty]

probably one of the best additions you can make to a boat that doesnt already have one. so much better than standing on one leg all day! ive installed 6-8 over the years. the only mod i made was to run the power wire from tm down through the bottom of the pan since i dont use a plug on the current boat.

 

[RiverCanyonBass]

Once you used one, you can't do without it. Just bought this one to add to the boat I have now. It is the same reasonably priced one I had on my old boat and worked well. It is fairly easy to install, just make sure there is no wires or bracing below decking before you cut the hole.

http://www.blackbearsportinggoods.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=recessed+trolling

 

[Smalliefan2]

The recess tray is worth every penny you invest. Had one for over 10 yrs., and I feel much better after a day of fishing than before, particularly as you get older. I did not install mine, it was on the boat when I purchased it.

 

[south599]

Made my own and loved it! Will not go back. I ran my trolley electrical plug and fishfinder mount to the slope plus a slot for pliers. Much cleaner area and less holes in the glass and wood.

 

[porthos33]

Best thing I ever did for my bass fishing career. Once you have it, you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. You can find pans for 50-60 online, but you have to dig a little. I looked at every model made b/c I needed a smaller width to fit the old boat I had. Ended up just cutting a section out and welding it back together and it has been great for over 2 years!

 

[SHane]

I was thinking about one but I really did not think it would be that much of a difference. Guess I will look into one now.

 

[rayb]

Thanks for all the input, i will look at one now

 

[Aries 181]

I installed mine last year and am glad I did. I have all the tools necessary to do the job if anyone needs help doing one

 

[BulletTJ]

If you do the install be sure and seal the rough cut opening you made in the deck with a good fiberglass resin. Any exposed wood will
absorb water and cause deck rot. Do this is a well ventilated area and be careful when disposing of the left over resin. It will heat up and can catch fire.

 

[silvertalon]

I have had a recess for two years now since I've had my Triton (came with it built in). Last summer I've been standing instead of using a butt seat. Now I keep slipping into the recess and sometimes loose my balance. I cant wait to plug it off and move the pedal. 39 years bass fishing and I've never fallen out of the boat. But now that I keep slipping into the recess, Its just a matter of time, lol. Benefits for me now that I fish standing- more room to move freely especially when moving backward on a hookset or just to fight fish without the pedestal in the way and I can access my rods easier. Also, my back, butt and hip pain have gone away. Anyway, I will make a removable panel to plug it off so if I choose to, I can go back to the recessed pedal.

 

[canoe fisherman]

Thanks for all the input everyone, I have started drawing up the plans to build my own. I can see myself spending 150.00 for one when I have tools and materials to build my own. After I make mine and then make changes to it I may try to Make a few more to sell. I will keep you all informed

 

[porthos33]

Good deal! Here is some stuff you might need and some specs on the R and R just in case you needed any.

 

[canoe fisherman]

that looks a lot like what I am going to do but mine will also have cup holder for 30 oz yeti tumbler and a place to put pliers and other items

 

[south599]

Here is a picture of how mine turned out. The knob on the left is a for the ram mount for the fish finder. The wire at the bottom is for the fish finder. I redid the switch panel up front after I moved all of those. It turned out much cleaner and simple I never regretted it.

 

[benchwarmer]

I guess it is time for me to put one on my Triton also!

 

[silvertalon]

I can wait to plug mine off in my Triton. Now that I stand and fish, Its in the way.