What are your Top 3 favorite boat mods or additions you've made?

PNW_Drifter

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2019
Messages
407
Reaction score
158
Points
43
Location
Seattle, Washington USA
Model
Seafarer
What are your Top 3 favorite boat mods or additions you've made and why do you like them so much?

Bonus points for photos!
 

Ryhlick

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Jul 15, 2016
Messages
195
Reaction score
63
Points
28
Auto Pilot, Garmin 1242xvs, & Burnewiin Rod Holders and accessories.
 

SkunkBoat

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2017
Messages
4,137
Reaction score
1,435
Points
113
Location
Manasquan Inlet NJ
Website
www.youtube.com
Model
Express 265
Not going to count the new fly by wire 4 stroke Zukes...which are AWESOME!!!!

1. AUTO PILOT!!!!!!!!!:) OMG the greatest thing EVER.https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/autopilot-upgrade-from-manual-hydraulic.26808/
2. Helm Update- Flat dash/12" touch screen, replaced old crappy oval euro switches with New Wire etched contura switches
1634169803232.png
3. Reconfigured batteries and switches to have two separate start batteries and an isolated dual House bank and switches under the gunnels so I don't have to remove fragile plastic tubs
https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/new-battery-config-for-265.25744/


4. white stamoid full enclosure with rigid polycarbonate front 3 panels.
1634169993503.png
 

PNW_Drifter

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2019
Messages
407
Reaction score
158
Points
43
Location
Seattle, Washington USA
Model
Seafarer
Not really in order. I should say doing a DIY motor swap to a used fourstroke but that's a no brainer and more than a 'mod'.

- Similar to Skunkboat, - Reconfiguring batteries to have a dedicated house battery, moved both to port side, Added a VSR switch so I'll never run down my start battery and I don't have to remember anything. Wish I had known about BEP at the time, would have saved some room but BlueSea is a local company.

- Floor hatch cutout where Aux tank used to be. That much extra storage down low is priceless.
floor hatch.jpeg

- Flush mounting electronics and new bigger Garmin Striker. Plus added fuel flow I got with motor finally.
carbon gauges.jpeg
helm dash.jpeg
 
Last edited:

HMBJack

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2005
Messages
775
Reaction score
125
Points
43
Location
Half Moon Bay, CA.
1. Fore and aft High Water Alarms - because it could save my life.

2. AIS Transponder - because it could save my life.

3. Converted a large Fish Box into a Pressurized Live Well - because it keeps bait and other fish happy in the roughest conditions. Think of bait stored in two, one gallon, jugs: One is 50% full, the other is 100% full. In a rough sea, which one is better for bait fish?
 

drbatts

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
791
Reaction score
164
Points
43
Location
CT
Model
Express 305
Garmin Autopilot
large cutting board on stern fish box
cutting board 305.jpg
 

Finest Kind

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2005
Messages
451
Reaction score
64
Points
28
Location
Hallandale, Fl
Etec G2's, Garmin Autopilot, Pro Fish Windlass.

Etecs for dependability, torque and power WITH economy.
Garmin Autopilot for solo troll patterns, ability to concentrate on finding fish instead of constantly checking navigation and fuel economy (less gas is wasted when you run a straight line instead of a "snake" on long distance runs).
and the Windlass for eliminating pain to my old aching back!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: PNW_Drifter

leeccoll

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
May 18, 2019
Messages
1,052
Reaction score
415
Points
83
Age
60
Location
Reno NV
Model
Seafarer
Great thread!

1-Install washdown and live well. Because we gotta have fresh baits :p.
2-Paint teak trim to clean white modern look :cool:.
3-Clean up the dash area with new GPS/Fishfinder, VHF, and New Marine Wire switch panel o_O.

20200608_140028.jpg20200615_183034.jpg20190710_151618 (1).jpg20200403_144023.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: JJMag

fastexas57

Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2018
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Rockport, TX
Cheap & easy....added a Stick it brand 8' anchor pin and motor mounted bracket. We hang at the sandbar a lot and its fast, easy & no anchor mess & fuss. Holds well even in a decent breeze. As I've recounted before, the guy at Stick it said my 225 Tourney was "too heavy & big" for it to work, but it's been faultless. Less than $150.
 

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,276
Reaction score
620
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
I’ve only done a couple so far… but adding Burnewiin mounts for my Scotty downriggers and then installing the plug in outlets somewhat out of site. I think they look pretty good, didn’t have to drill a ton of holes in the boat and when you remove the Scotty downriggers the boat looks basically stock.

48CA022A-1EC9-4A70-9437-FD94248EBE0F.jpegC289D6F1-8689-43BE-B81C-AAAB6FE7370E.jpeg25D7DE4B-4A0C-4052-BB9F-7687E14C9753.jpeg2D443A36-C11E-4CFD-9F65-4F47C89445E6.jpegA3B43AB1-5613-4058-B480-A3D15C7D5FBF.jpeg2595E6E1-1F4C-4A0A-A86D-36C404E2E2E6.jpeg19E6F593-E744-430F-9862-5B688BBB69AC.jpegCB5F7A03-7A06-4B0B-AF10-70E983E847DB.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Halfhitch

Scott W.

Active Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2010
Messages
33
Reaction score
9
Points
8
Location
Plainview, New York
Model
Seafarer
1. In July 2021 we repowered our 1991 Seafarer with a 2020 Yamaha F250 XB and new Armstrong Gil Bracket [see photos] - love the quietness, odorless, increase in power and fuel efficiency
2. Upgraded stereo system by installing a pre-amp and installing 2 additional gunwale speakers - love the surround sound and increase in bass in the rear of the boat
3. Replaced the original 93 gallon gas tank with brand new tank - It had to be done, period.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0995.jpg
    IMG_0995.jpg
    1.8 MB · Views: 25
  • new motor 3.jpg
    new motor 3.jpg
    607.5 KB · Views: 24

g0tagrip

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Mar 14, 2010
Messages
399
Reaction score
29
Points
28
Location
Indialantic
Mods I made to my 2007 Marlin:
1. Modified the outriggers to be able to lower them and clip them to the hard top (to get under bridges)
2. Modified the bait station behind the starboard helm into an ice box (got tired of going down stairs for a beer)
3. Modified the rear port hatch with a safety spring to keep hatch from opening too far
4. Added a hatch to the back deck to access the fuel/water separators (Grady added that to the newer boats)
5. Garmin auto pilot ( upgraded last year to the newer version)
6. Upgraded from original Garmin 4212 to 8612