TV-18 Deck Extension

[Marke Cicero]

The New 2003 doesn't have to be the only TV-18 with a deck Extension. Here's the one I built today.

 

[Marke Cicero]

I took a bunch of pictures and uploaded them to my library for those of you interested in seeing the project through various steps. I'll try to get them to Rich so he pan put them in the Grab Bag.



It's designed similar to the Ranger Factory drop in ones. I wanted it to be removeable because I know there will be times that I won't want it.



Materials consisted of:

3/4" Pressure Treated plywood

#10 x 1" SS Screws

Original Tracker Carpeting

1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1/8" Aluminum Angle



Total cost Approx. $50 and it took me about 4 hours.



There are a few problems that I still have to solve. You're suggestions are welcome.



1.) I need to find a way to secure it yet still make it easy to remove. It will work fine as is on relatively calm days. But I know it probably bounce around when running in rough chop.



2.) It can "flip up" if you stand too close to edge (stepping on to or off of the deck). See Note 1.



3.) Because it is flush with the front storage and rod lockers, I can't open them. I'm thinking of using nylon straps (see photo below)but I know I'm going freak out the first time I get a hook snagged in one.

 

[Lon Weekly]

I built an insert similar to yours for my Pro Team 185. I, too, had the problem with the rod lockers as well as with the "dry" storage that I converted into a 2nd livewell. I installed the circular recessed finger pulls like the others used on my boat. They're about 2" diameter.

 

[Bill P]

Nice job, it gives me some ideas for my boat. How did you fasten the side supports down, angle braces?

 

[Bruce Freeman]

either 1 or 2 fold up legs for the back or a cooler just the right size should fix the tip up problem.. I like the nylon strap idea..

BF

 

[Mark Hofman]

That looks great, Marke!

 

[Marke Cicero]

Lv2fish,



I want to install the lid pulls that you mentioned but I don't know how to cut a hole large enough into the aluminum lid. Will a hole-saw cut through aluminum cleanly? How did you do it?



Mo has a super duper deluxe hole cutter thingy, but he lives all the way in MO....LOL



Bill,



I fastened the sides with the 1" SS Screws. I came in through the rod and storage lockers and screwed into the back. The side supports are permanently installed. That's why I carpeted them. Even with the extension removed the boat still looks good.



I'll make deal with you Mo. You take your hole cutter, I'll get some plywood and carpet and we can meet eachother at Andy Z's house. You install lid pulls, I'll install decks and Andy can keep the food and beer coming.



Bruce, if you notcied, one of the seat pedestals fits perfectly under the deck. That has reduced the ease of the flip up but doesn't solve the bounce in rough chop.



Thanks,



Marke

 

[Andrew Zuber]

Sounds like a plan to me Marke- LOL



Did you actually do this BEFORE MOFish did it to his boat?

(Just teasing Mark)



I think I'm actually gonna take my boat off the blocks today and get it ready for an outing this week!!!



az

 

[Andrew Zuber]

Hey Marke...

How much does that puppy weigh???

Looks heavy...



You know...If you had a glass boat...you might be worried about losing that 1MPH on the top end from that extra weight!!!



az

 

[Bill McElroy]

You don't have to add and build stuff for Glass boats,..they come COMPLETE!!!...LOL

 

[Andrew Zuber]

Ouch!

I would have used a french word here...but NOT today...

I'm keeping it AMERICAN!



You got me Mac!



lol



az