"new" stick steer conversion

I posted on a thread pertaining to stick steer boats recently, and thought I'd post some pics of my newest rig. This boat is a 16' VIP that came with no decks, but had a console. It came with a factory side-mounted live-well and small live well on the bow. I removed the console and console seat (seat was fiberglassed into the floor-major PITA) and installed stick steering, got longer throttle and shift cables, built a custom rod box, moved the speedo and tach up front, made a panel for the bow which was missing and relocated the trolling motor plug into it, and relocated the motor controls. I've still got to re-install the trolling motor (which had the foot pedal cable too short from the factory) with a different trolling motor and mount the pedal to the floor properly. I also have to weld up some aluminum rod holders for spider-rigging as well. I'm hoping to have a decent sonar by next fall as well, though the old Lowrance at least shows depth. If you notice, the hull has a nice Vee to it which I believe will somewhat cut down on the beating when going through a chop. I've never put it in the water since I got it home except in my pond, so I'm anxious to try it out and see how the stick steering handles with me up front. It has a 60 Yamaha on it and although I had to replace the water pump impeller, it ran out nice the day I bought it and easily go the boat up on plane and ran about 35mph, which is plenty of speed for me. I don't like for my eyelids to flap while running my boat! Not a pretty boat, and not fast, but I believe it will be very comfortable for the kind of fishing I do. My rod box has a separate door for both driver and rear seats, along with separate conduits for the rods. Hopefully it will cut down on the number of snapped rods and broken reels that I have had in the past. I bought it before Christmas a couple of months ago, and am just now "finishing" it. Will post some results after the first test run.
I love my stick steer boats that I don't have a lot of money tied up in. :)Attachment 150897Attachment 150898Attachment 150899

From what I can tell, it looks likt a nice setup. Pictures are kind of dark, would love to see some more when you have more daylight in them. lol Looks like a great setup though!

Talent.... Nice work

You did a good job

Nice work, what kind of boat was it originally?

Can't wait bor the rest of the photos also showing the back and rod holders. Is that a storage box on the right side ????

Nice work, it's fun doing projects like that. Thanks for posting.

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Originally Posted by Tracker123

Nice work, it's fun doing projects like that. Thanks for posting.

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Fun? Work

Thanks for all the comments. I'll post some decent pics when I get a chance. Those are some rod boxes on the side, but no real storage. I'm hoping to add a small storage box for life vests in the middle of the side of the rod box. Maybe a spot to throw trash away on the rear port side. I like having the sides of the boat up around me so that they break the wind a little on cold days which I fish a lot of, and because I like to have my jigs/hooks/tackle box up near waist level so I can get to them easier. I also like have the live well access quick and easy. When they're biting, I don't like to have to stand up, turn around, and kneel down to open up a deck live well. I know----lazy, right?! Anyway, I'm selling my skeeter bass rig which is a much better looking and much newer boat as far as hours of use, and keeping this old VIP boat (Vivian Industrial Plastics). I will post some pics of my rod boxes on the inside when I get a chance. I'm thinking some rod holders and a better sonar will finish it out nicely. I do enjoy projects, but have far too many going at once lately. Got to fix my bro-in-law's suburban, my dad's old chevy 4x4, 2 of my dad's buddies' outboards, etc. etc. Sometimes seems like it never ends.
JBJ

It looks great, my Grandfather has a Bass Tracker with stick steer in the front, its nice for fishing white perch.

Good looking boat. Like to see more pictures when you finish.

Sounds exactly like my dream boat besides being a few feet too long. Hope you enjoy it

Nice work. I hope to see it in person one day soon on Black Bayou.

CharlieE,
Sorry I missed you again on the bayou. My dad and I were fishing in Texas today and I was selling my skeeter yesterday and cleaning up around the place. I am planning on fishing on the bayou this week and expect some good fishing this weekend if the weather holds.
Holler next time and I'll cook some fish and come over next time.
Later,
JBJAttachment 151424Attachment 151425
Some decent pics of the boat and unfinished rod box. I've not used them on the lake yet but they seem to work good in the yard..... :)

Looks Outstanding.. :)

Looks like a nice comfortable setup.

The rod box is really nice! Are you going to put some sort of marine varnish on the pine lid for the condensation? Looks real comfortable indeed.

I fish a stick steer and that is one nice job you did on your boat. Bet that thing cuts the chop well. Really like how much room you created.

Thanks for the comments. I'm going to put some resin on the lid and paint it gray when I get it all finished. I should have done it before I started but I was in a rush to finish before spring ended. I got some cheapo blue LED strip lights that I'm installing in the rod boxes and under the front panel and gunnel for seeing better right before the crack of dawn when I like to get started in the spring, summer, and fall. I haven't really been able to test it yet with the stick steering in a chop but I will report the results. It felt the best I've ever felt a hull handle in a chop the day I bought it with the console steering. If it's half as good up front with the stick steering, I'll be pleased.
I'm hoping to post some pics with fish in the boat next time! :)

slime it up......