Springbok Bass Boat Conversion

[River Monster]

Well I purchased an old springbok about 8 years ago. It was in rough shape, floors were rotten, trailer lights didn’t work, motor actually had tree seeds in it. I mad due for the first season than pulled it all apart, replaced the floors and caret, cleaned up the motor and fixed the trailer. But it was missing something……a casting deck!! And storage. So only after one year of use, I pulled out my the new carpet and flooring, moved the live well, re wired the boat, added in some aluminum supports and built a casting deck. Motor is tuned up and runs perfectly and trailer has since been tuned up and slightly modified (because of a little slipping accident ) The boat seemed “good enough” by my standards as I’m a little OCD when it comes to building things.

Well sure enough last year I picked up a new trolling motor and due to the layout I couldn’t recess the trolling motor. So I thought why not re-build the boat from scratch….again…wiring and all.

So after a long spring and 100+ hours into the damn thing I finally have it perfect…..almost (home depot can’t seem to bring in a consistent carpet color , so I have two different colors….for now).

It now has:
• Battery compartment (can hold 2x 27 size batteries)
• Gas tank
• 95L live well
• Carpeted storage containers (1 in the back and 2 up front)
• 2 coolers
• Rod storage for 5 rods up to 8ft
• 2 units
• Automatic bilge pump
• There is a seat post build in the front for future use.
• Bow mount trolling motor with recessed pedal
• Red led deck lights (I’m spending to much time with “Les Quebecois”
• Fused switch panel
• And finally carpet (2 colors) with an EVA closed cell foam under pad.

Here is some before and after pics

[whoodatguy]

• Red led deck lights (I’m spending to much time with “Les Quebecois”

Tabernack c'est beau

[TheMaverick]

She’s a stunna!
Great work Rick!

[lape0019]

Having fished out of it before completion, I can say it is actually quite nice to fish out of.

Looks great now that it is completed.

[biggs]

Seriously Rick, great job.

Don't lose my number!!

[ShawnD]

LOL les Quebecois...
C'est beau en tabarnak chum.

Lache pas la patate.

[Jimmy_1]

We should talk!

My Dad is in process of rebuilding his which is a side console.
Is there anyway to "beutify" the old, crappy console?

[River Monster]

Is there anyway to "beutify" the old, crappy console?

With time and money anything is possible. but you would be surprised how much cleaning up and painting something will make a difference.

[Oneeleven]

I'm beyond impressed. What a beautiful job! Love the deck lights. Are you fishing as a boater this year for OVSB?

[River Monster]

Are you fishing as a boater this year for OVSB?

As a non-boater. Although I'm sure i'll have this out for one of the week night tournaments on the Rideau.

[StarTzar]

Very nice Rick ... Those lights really give it that "Hull Touch".

[Oneeleven]

Are you fishing as a boater this year for OVSB?

As a non-boater. Although I'm sure i'll have this out for one of the week night tournaments on the Rideau.

Understood. But kinda bummer too. People would have been lucky to get paired up for a tourney in that.

Really nice job

[Seabass81]

Amazing job Rick!!!

This will be the first year I have not had a bass boat in a long time. I bought a legend 14' and that is my plan this week to build a casting deck this week . Was bummed about not doing tournaments this season but figure I will be able to hit so many lakes that I would never ever dream of bringing the stratos too .

What did you use to hold down the nose piece for the tm?

[HotelTango]

Looks great, good job.

[Farlane94]

Damn man, that thing looks beautiful!! good job