Post by: Curt on March 15, 2015, 10:44:05 PM
I know there are many different brands out there, and I also know that the trays are of varying quality.
And lastly, I know that some are plastic, some are metal and maybe there are some made of other materials.
What should I look for when buying one to install in my boat in the near future? Is metal better than plastic? Is there a brand that stands out with regard to quality? Which one do you prefer and why?
Post by: JackJ on March 16, 2015, 10:11:35 AM
My father is wanting me to put one in the Ranger Cherokee, and I think I will go with an aluminum one for that, not sure which yet.
Post by: Curt on March 16, 2015, 11:23:35 AM
When I had my Champ, I went with the Trollwell since it was fiberglass and I could get it to match my boat color.
My father is wanting me to put one in the Ranger Cherokee, and I think I will go with an aluminum one for that, not sure which yet.
Thanks @JackJ (y)
Anyone else??
Post by: Bullet3119 on March 16, 2015, 01:20:58 PM
Post by: Curt on March 16, 2015, 01:28:25 PM
Metal!
@Bullet3119 I was leaning toward metal. Can you tell me why you prefer metal trays, and maybe give me a brand name? Thanks!
Post by: Bullet3119 on March 16, 2015, 01:36:06 PM
Mike Hill 502-817-6241
Post by: Jig Man on March 16, 2015, 06:17:13 PM
Post by: Curt on March 16, 2015, 08:17:56 PM
Cutting that hole will probably cause me some anxious moments LOL (giggle)
Post by: Jimmy RodandReel on March 18, 2015, 09:10:08 PM
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/EZ-Troll_Recess_Tray/descpage-EZTRT.html?from=nebass
Post by: ranger361v on March 18, 2015, 10:12:30 PM
I believe it's called a rod saver flat foot.
Post by: Curt on May 06, 2016, 08:58:07 AM
I wasn't able to get this mod done last year, so I'm hoping to make it happen this year now. Any and all feedback is appreciated :nod:
Post by: Nightmare on May 06, 2016, 09:31:31 AM
A couple of hints: Be very sure of where you want to cut that hole - got mine a little close to the seat post but it's tolerable. Plus, I can always fire up the welder and make a custom setback adapter for the 3/4" pin mount. (shrug)
Secondly, do your best to figure out how much deck thickness you're going to be cutting thru... Took me 3 different tries with 3 different saws before I was finally thru the 3+" deck. (fp) And then I still couldn't figure why it was presenting such a challenge to get that plug out of the deck. After much blue air being generated on my part and getting the first chunk pried out with a gorilla bar after cutting the chunk into multiple portions, I found that the flotation foam filling the nose was literally gluing the plug in. (whew)
Crazy - but has really went towards giving my back a break from the Capt Morgan pose.... :thumbup:
One upshot was I did this in conjunction with the re-carpet job so I cut the hole after removing old and prior to putting in new carpet. Do something to seal up the cut in the deck wood before installing the tray. I just applied copious amount of carpet glue before wrapping the new carpet down the cut and then installing the tray.
Post by: Curt on May 06, 2016, 11:17:47 AM
My G3 has aluminum decks, so thickness shouldn't be an issue when it comes to cutting through it.
Also, I never use my seat and pole. I find that it gets in the way more than anything. But I will definitely keep the position of the seat in mind when cutting the hole, just in case I use the seat and pole in the future, or if I happen to sell the boat at some point.
Do you happen to remember where you bought yours and how long ago it was? Everything I've looked at so far has been in the $129 - $150 range, which I think is a but much for something that's either stamped or injection molded. (fp)
Thanks in advance :thumbup:
Post by: Nightmare on May 06, 2016, 05:15:13 PM
Must have been a dyslexic moment.... $74, not $47. Still a good price. (shrug)
Post by: sbg on May 06, 2016, 07:26:32 PM
Post by: fishon-son on May 06, 2016, 08:58:12 PM
Post by: Curt on May 07, 2016, 12:36:20 PM
That's the best price I've seen yet. It looks like stamped steel. Is that the case? If so, have you seen any evidence of rust yet?
And did it come with any hardware at all? Screws, drain pipe, template, etc.?
Post by: bullet20dc on May 07, 2016, 05:52:42 PM
The flat foot was too far forward so I ended moving it back 6 inches and repairing the deck when I recarpeted lst year Long story short measure measure measure sit in the seat stand against the pole even if you dont use it now Oh yeah drink that beer AFTER the job is done
Post by: Nightmare on May 07, 2016, 07:59:42 PM
@Nightmare It looks like stamped steel. Is that the case? If so, have you seen any evidence of rust yet?
And did it come with any hardware at all? Screws, drain pipe, template, etc.?
It could be steel since it has some heft to it but don't know - never checked it with a magnet....no rust indicated...got what appears to be a good protective coating.
No - does not come with hardware which didn't affect me since I'm the type that usually "adjusts" the original scheme to my own tastes. Can't remember concerning template...don't use 'em....again because I adjust plans to my own tastes and know how to use a square, protractor, etc.
Like Bullet, make sure where you want it. I messed with standing on the front deck for over an hour and still managed to miscalculate where best position was - go figure :o . Maybe go look at a factory install and measure from post to pit. If you're average height, should be close.
Post by: Curt on May 07, 2016, 08:14:08 PM
Long story short measure measure measure sit in the seat stand against the pole even if you dont use it now
@bullet20dc Thanks! That's what I was figuring on doing, just in case I do use the pole later or sell the boat to someone who wants to use it. :thumbup:
Post by: Curt on May 07, 2016, 08:17:10 PM
@Nightmare It looks like stamped steel. Is that the case? If so, have you seen any evidence of rust yet?
And did it come with any hardware at all? Screws, drain pipe, template, etc.?
It could be steel since it has some heft to it but don't know - never checked it with a magnet....no rust indicated...got what appears to be a good protective coating.
No - does not come with hardware which didn't affect me since I'm the type that usually "adjusts" the original scheme to my own tastes. Can't remember concerning template...don't use 'em....again because I adjust plans to my own tastes and know how to use a square, protractor, etc.
Like Bullet, make sure where you want it. I messed with standing on the front deck for over an hour and still managed to miscalculate where best position was - go figure :o . Maybe go look at a factory install and measure from post to pit. If you're average height, should be close.
OK. Thanks. No problem with no hardware. I can get stainless screws right down the street from the local marine dealer. As for the template, I'd prefer that they include on, but if they don't, I'll have no problem figuring it out :thumbup:
With this particular model, the price puts it within my budget for the immediate future, so I hope to have this done soon :nod:
Post by: Curt on May 09, 2016, 09:55:43 AM
http://www.wholesalemarine.com/recessed-trolling-motor-pedal-pan.html (http://www.wholesalemarine.com/recessed-trolling-motor-pedal-pan.html)
Must have been a dyslexic moment.... $74, not $47. Still a good price. (shrug)
Well, I just ordered this tray! :nod:
I went back and read the description again and saw that it's actually powder coated aluminum. So for $75, it's a steal of a price :thumbup:
Supposed to arrive on Wednesday sometime. Not sure if I'll have the time to install it before the weekend or not, but it'll be in the deck soon enough. Bye bye aching back o/
Post by: Curt on May 11, 2016, 08:20:23 PM
I really want to get it installed before the tourney this weekend (Saturday). Just not sure if I'll have the time to get it done between now and then. Gonna try though!
I'll try to get pics of the process and post them later on.
Post by: Curt on May 13, 2016, 09:20:33 AM
I'm about 3/4 of the way through it as of this morning. My old jigsaw decided to go up in smoke (literllay (giggle) ) about half way through the cutting, so I had to run out and buy a new one.
I finished cutting the hole and I'm now working on removing the necessary flotation foam and doing some light filing of the hole in a couple spots to make sure the tray fits in there snug, but not too snug.
I'll be running out to grab the necessary screws, washers, etc. a bit later this morning so I can finish it up today and be able to test it out tomorrow during my tourney.
This pic shows the hole before it was completely done.
(https://www.bassboatboards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbassfishingphotos.com%2Fimages%2F1%2F193%2F00000004.jpg&hash=62d95ac020fee396b5e4f3885454acf4c27a4de3)
More pics to come when it's finished :nod:
Post by: Nightmare on May 13, 2016, 10:24:27 AM
Better to stay ahead of the issue than have to take apart to address later. You got a better perspective there than I do from here.... ;) (whew)
Post by: bullet20dc on May 13, 2016, 04:35:59 PM
Post by: fishon-son on May 13, 2016, 08:07:33 PM
Post by: Curt on May 13, 2016, 10:15:04 PM
I have to say I'm really, really happy with the way it turned out
And I'll get to try it out Saturday for a tourney.
(https://www.bassboatboards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20160514%2F48e83a2d77b3b776272a3f3c05ffc50c.jpg&hash=95b60e66d7eb5bac59dc9ef82f110938de4cf9ba)
Post by: Curt on May 13, 2016, 10:18:17 PM
I'll keep an eye on it, though, and watch for any signs of sagging over the next couple of months.
And, yes, cutting that deck was a scary proposition (whew)
Post by: Curt on May 13, 2016, 10:19:34 PM
Post by: fishon-son on May 14, 2016, 01:57:45 PM
Post by: Curt on May 14, 2016, 03:22:24 PM
looks great......you did a good job.....
Thank you :)