2018 Freedom 215 Modifications

[NCFreedom]

I bought my 2018 215 Freedom in August of 2019 from the original owner. Here is a list of modifications I have done so far. These are just things that I have done to my boat to suit my needs, so you can leave positive comments, and any questions you might have.

I installed a 36V Minn-Kota Terrova Riptide trolling motor, 3 group 31 batteries, and a 3 bank charger.
I installed SS vertical rod holders in the front between the seating areas

I installed SS vertical rod holders on the front of the livewell, and in front of the rear seats

I installed a fresh water flushing system for flushing the engine with the freshwater system. There is another post about this if you search for it.

I installed rocket launcher rod holders on the rear Bimini leg, for fishing with planer boards. Not for offshore use.

I installed dual transducers for SideVu, so I don’t have to raise my outboard to clear the transducer

I installed a short leg for my Bimini top, so I can store it in a low position for trailering and storage, so it is not laying on the rear combing pads

I made a new wind screen between the two front consoles with a zipper in the middle, so I could unzip and get to the front easier, which I could not do with the stock vinyl one. I need to get to the front to deploy and stow my trolling motor when I fish during the winter.

 

[NCFreedom]

I bought my 2018 215 Freedom in August of 2019 from the original owner. Here is a list of modifications I have done so far. These are just things that I have done to my boat to suit my needs, so you can leave positive comments, and any questions you might have. I had to do an additional post to add another 10 pictures.

I added a third GW flush mount rod holder on the gunnel between the original two.
I added a windshield washer to the wiper, because when you wipe salt water it leaves a white haze on the windshield. Any wiper should have a washer installed with it.

I installed a 10” Armstrong deck access plate in the rear splash well to replace the 6” factory deck access plate. I mainly did this, because I was installing a second bilge pump, and I need more room for bilge access. The 6” deck plate is just not enough room. I have also verified that the new Armstrong deck plate does not leak as they claim.

I installed access hatches under the starboard console to allow access behind the two panels without having to unscrew them every time.

I installed a 2nd 1100gph bilge pump that exits out of the port side to match the one on the starboard side. I like having a backup and additional pumping capacity.

I installed a 13“ TH Marine standpipe in my livewell, because it would overfill with the pump on. Now it stays at the level of the standpipe with the pump running.

I moved the tackle storage holder that was mounted to the inside of the starboard console door to beside the captains seat. This allows me to put more under my console without the tackle storage holder taking up room inside the console with the door closed.

I also installed a tumbler cup holder from Boat Outfitters on the tackle storage holder beside of the captains chair. This works great for me, and keeps my cup at my right hand and mostly out of the sun.

I installed a paper towel holder on the inside of the starboard side console door. I installed it high on the door, so it would not interfere with items inside the console when closing the console door.

 

[NCFreedom]

I bought my 2018 215 Freedom in August of 2019 from the original owner. Here is a list of modifications I have done so far. These are just things that I have done to my boat to suit my needs, so you can leave positive comments, and any questions you might have. I had to do an additional post to add more pictures.

I changed out my rocker switch actuators, because I needed to add a new switch for the windshield washer, and the new port side bilge pump. I wanted them all to match, so I just ordered all new actuators and a couple of new switches. It was challenging finding rocker switches that have green LED backlighting that GW uses.

I am planning to separate the blue night lights that all come on when you turn the courtesy lights on. I want the blue lights on the transom and under the transom platforms to come on separately from my cockpit lights under the gunnels and on the front right console. I don’t like the cockpit lights on when I am running at night, but I do want the transom lights on when running at night. More to come on that later.

 

[Fishtales]

nice upgrades

 

[JLK225]

What TM shaft length did you go with? Is it holding pretty well? Want to add one to my 225

 

[Fishtales]

I'd share them with GW via their Cust Service web link. Maybe they will incorporate some as options in future models.

 

[NCFreedom]

What TM shaft length did you go with? Is it holding pretty well? Want to add one to my 225

Sorry, I did not receive a notification about replies on this thread. I installed a 72” shaft, but the prop will still come out of the water in heavy chop. I would go with a 86” shaft if you are going to do any offshore reef fishing with your boat. The 72” shaft handles 95% of the water I fish in though.

 

[Dr_No]

How did you mount the quick disconnect for your trolling motor and does it block you anchor locker from opening? The dealer told me that if I installed a trolling motor on my new Freedom 215, it would block the anchor locker. Do you have any pics of the trolling motor mounting bracket without the motor on top?

 

[jgrady307]

I bought my 2018 215 Freedom in August of 2019 from the original owner. Here is a list of modifications I have done so far. These are just things that I have done to my boat to suit my needs, so you can leave positive comments, and any questions you might have.

I installed a 36V Minn-Kota Terrova Riptide trolling motor, 3 group 31 batteries, and a 3 bank charger.
I installed SS vertical rod holders in the front between the seating areas

I installed SS vertical rod holders on the front of the livewell, and in front of the rear seats

I installed a fresh water flushing system for flushing the engine with the freshwater system. There is another post about this if you search for it.

I installed rocket launcher rod holders on the rear Bimini leg, for fishing with planer boards. Not for offshore use.

I installed dual transducers for SideVu, so I don’t have to raise my outboard to clear the transducer

I installed a short leg for my Bimini top, so I can store it in a low position for trailering and storage, so it is not laying on the rear combing pads

I made a new wind screen between the two front consoles with a zipper in the middle, so I could unzip and get to the front easier, which I could not do with the stock vinyl one. I need to get to the front to deploy and stow my trolling motor when I fish during the winter.

Nice mods. What did you mount the transducers to? Adding a transom mount sideview transducer this year. Thinking about using a stern saver with the epoxy. Are those stern savers or are they screwed into the transom? If the former, how do you like?

 

[DFox]

I bought my 2018 215 Freedom in August of 2019 from the original owner. Here is a list of modifications I have done so far. These are just things that I have done to my boat to suit my needs, so you can leave positive comments, and any questions you might have.

I installed a 36V Minn-Kota Terrova Riptide trolling motor, 3 group 31 batteries, and a 3 bank charger.
I installed SS vertical rod holders in the front between the seating areas

I installed SS vertical rod holders on the front of the livewell, and in front of the rear seats

I installed a fresh water flushing system for flushing the engine with the freshwater system. There is another post about this if you search for it.

I installed rocket launcher rod holders on the rear Bimini leg, for fishing with planer boards. Not for offshore use.

I installed dual transducers for SideVu, so I don’t have to raise my outboard to clear the transducer

I installed a short leg for my Bimini top, so I can store it in a low position for trailering and storage, so it is not laying on the rear combing pads

I made a new wind screen between the two front consoles with a zipper in the middle, so I could unzip and get to the front easier, which I could not do with the stock vinyl one. I need to get to the front to deploy and stow my trolling motor when I fish during the winter.

I bought a new freedom 215 this year and am really interested in some of the mods you did. Any chance you could provide me with more details on the fresh water flush system with the water tank? I searched the forums but couldn’t find much detail about it.
Also, would you mind providing the product information for the rod holders you mounted on the bimini leg. That is a great idea and keeps them clear for when you are fishing but also easily accessible versus the funnel rod holders. Lastly, any additional info on the bimini support leg you added? I trailer my boat and would love to not have the bimini up while trailering but I don’t like it bouncing on the coaming pads either. Thanks!

 

[SCBuckeye]

I bought my 2018 215 Freedom in August of 2019 from the original owner. Here is a list of modifications I have done so far. These are just things that I have done to my boat to suit my needs, so you can leave positive comments, and any questions you might have. I had to do an additional post to add more pictures.

I changed out my rocker switch actuators, because I needed to add a new switch for the windshield washer, and the new port side bilge pump. I wanted them all to match, so I just ordered all new actuators and a couple of new switches. It was challenging finding rocker switches that have green LED backlighting that GW uses.

I am planning to separate the blue night lights that all come on when you turn the courtesy lights on. I want the blue lights on the transom and under the transom platforms to come on separately from my cockpit lights under the gunnels and on the front right console. I don’t like the cockpit lights on when I am running at night, but I do want the transom lights on when running at night. More to come on that later.

Where did you get the new rocker switch replacements? I can’t see mine, so I’d like to replace.