What are your Top 3 favorite boat mods or additions you've made?

PNW_Drifter

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What are your Top 3 favorite boat mods or additions you've made and why do you like them so much?

Bonus points for photos!
 
Auto Pilot, Garmin 1242xvs, & Burnewiin Rod Holders and accessories.
 
Not going to count the new fly by wire 4 stroke Zukes...which are AWESOME!!!!

1. AUTO PILOT!!!!!!!!!:) OMG the greatest thing EVER.https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/autopilot-upgrade-from-manual-hydraulic.26808/
2. Helm Update- Flat dash/12" touch screen, replaced old crappy oval euro switches with New Wire etched contura switches
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3. Reconfigured batteries and switches to have two separate start batteries and an isolated dual House bank and switches under the gunnels so I don't have to remove fragile plastic tubs
https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/new-battery-config-for-265.25744/


4. white stamoid full enclosure with rigid polycarbonate front 3 panels.
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Not really in order. I should say doing a DIY motor swap to a used fourstroke but that's a no brainer and more than a 'mod'.

- Similar to Skunkboat, - Reconfiguring batteries to have a dedicated house battery, moved both to port side, Added a VSR switch so I'll never run down my start battery and I don't have to remember anything. Wish I had known about BEP at the time, would have saved some room but BlueSea is a local company.

- Floor hatch cutout where Aux tank used to be. That much extra storage down low is priceless.
floor hatch.jpeg

- Flush mounting electronics and new bigger Garmin Striker. Plus added fuel flow I got with motor finally.
carbon gauges.jpeg
helm dash.jpeg
 
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1. Fore and aft High Water Alarms - because it could save my life.

2. AIS Transponder - because it could save my life.

3. Converted a large Fish Box into a Pressurized Live Well - because it keeps bait and other fish happy in the roughest conditions. Think of bait stored in two, one gallon, jugs: One is 50% full, the other is 100% full. In a rough sea, which one is better for bait fish?
 
Garmin Autopilot
large cutting board on stern fish box
cutting board 305.jpg
 
Etec G2's, Garmin Autopilot, Pro Fish Windlass.

Etecs for dependability, torque and power WITH economy.
Garmin Autopilot for solo troll patterns, ability to concentrate on finding fish instead of constantly checking navigation and fuel economy (less gas is wasted when you run a straight line instead of a "snake" on long distance runs).
and the Windlass for eliminating pain to my old aching back!
 
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Great thread!

1-Install washdown and live well. Because we gotta have fresh baits :p.
2-Paint teak trim to clean white modern look :cool:.
3-Clean up the dash area with new GPS/Fishfinder, VHF, and New Marine Wire switch panel o_O.

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Cheap & easy....added a Stick it brand 8' anchor pin and motor mounted bracket. We hang at the sandbar a lot and its fast, easy & no anchor mess & fuss. Holds well even in a decent breeze. As I've recounted before, the guy at Stick it said my 225 Tourney was "too heavy & big" for it to work, but it's been faultless. Less than $150.
 
I’ve only done a couple so far… but adding Burnewiin mounts for my Scotty downriggers and then installing the plug in outlets somewhat out of site. I think they look pretty good, didn’t have to drill a ton of holes in the boat and when you remove the Scotty downriggers the boat looks basically stock.

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1. In July 2021 we repowered our 1991 Seafarer with a 2020 Yamaha F250 XB and new Armstrong Gil Bracket [see photos] - love the quietness, odorless, increase in power and fuel efficiency
2. Upgraded stereo system by installing a pre-amp and installing 2 additional gunwale speakers - love the surround sound and increase in bass in the rear of the boat
3. Replaced the original 93 gallon gas tank with brand new tank - It had to be done, period.
 

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Mods I made to my 2007 Marlin:
1. Modified the outriggers to be able to lower them and clip them to the hard top (to get under bridges)
2. Modified the bait station behind the starboard helm into an ice box (got tired of going down stairs for a beer)
3. Modified the rear port hatch with a safety spring to keep hatch from opening too far
4. Added a hatch to the back deck to access the fuel/water separators (Grady added that to the newer boats)
5. Garmin auto pilot ( upgraded last year to the newer version)
6. Upgraded from original Garmin 4212 to 8612