Bass Boat to Flats Boat Conversion

[skatermike24]

Has anyone tried to convert a bass boat to a flats, I found my son and I fishing boat fresh salt but when we go salt, my bay boat won't float in some of the water we fish in, other then the steal trailer I have under the bass boat, thinking about a alumunim trailer and maybe removing the carpet, its a 21 Norris Craft.

[Stoker1]

I've thought about that as well since bass boats seem to be cheaper and I think they would make an excellent platform.

Ideas are as follows:

- Remove all the carpet and put awl grip or something similar
- SS hardware (naturally)
- Consider changing from side control and putting a small center and just sitting on the back deck or even a slightly raised bench
- Battery relocation, possibly to the front to help with shallow water planning????

[Mr. Demeanor]

If you remove the carpet I have a nice alternative that might interest you.

http://shop.coolwaterproducts.com/Marine-Flooring_c86.htm

[skatermike24]

that's looks like some cool stuff, rather that then painting I could install that after removing the carpet.

[Corona Mike]

Years Ago, I Converted A 81' XST 18' Allison To A Flats Boat. Worked Pretty Well. Only Thing I Did That Needed To Be Different Was I Had The Trolling Motor Batteries (2) Two Far Forward. They Needed To Be Moved About Center In The Boat. Put The Polling Platform, Hydraulic Jack Plate, Completly Decked The Top Side And Changed It From Bucket Seats To A Raised Bench Seat.

[skatermike24]

My batteries are already in the front, I'm thinking loose the carpet, some stainless hardware, jackplate, etc......

[Deznuts3570]

Cawley did one. It was a big o bass boat and he built a custom deck and did everything from the ground up. its one of my favorite restoration threads. Its on here. I think his screen name is navite. Boat runs I think 83 with a pro xs and is beautiful!

[Deznuts3570]

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?195725-Flats-boat-build-pics

[RX4SPD]

There are plenty of bass boats that are used as flats boats the even make costal additions that have no carpet I use my triton tr21 as a flats boat for redfishing and yes the steel trailer is junk I just put an aluminum traile under it this year do to rot

311265

[Stoker1]

I like that for all but two things: being used to a CC, I'd like to be able to sit a tad higher than 'in' the boat (something about it for saltwater fishing). Also the engine being so deep in the water, that 25" shaft comes into play. Otherwise, thats a sexy rig and even if it were a regular bass boat, I wouldn't want carpet in it. Another something we get used to.

[RX4SPD]

I like that for all but two things: being used to a CC, I'd like to be able to sit a tad higher than 'in' the boat (something about it for saltwater fishing). Also the engine being so deep in the water, that 25" shaft comes into play. Otherwise, thats a sexy rig and even if it were a regular bass boat, I wouldn't want carpet in it. Another something we get used to.

I run 20 inch shaft torqmaster lower with a bobs fast jack I can put the boat on plane in foot and a half of water do it every year bed fishing on lake George jack it all the way up crank the wheel and stand on the throttle. And most bass boats run 20 inch shaft and yes it's a bit low to the water but flats boats are to so no big deal not meant for running 20 miles offshore meant for getting in those shallow pools of water