Fishing Girl buys boat and now has questions....:o) NEW PICS!!!! 2024

FishinGirl reply :

Hi Guys, I just want to introduce myself and hopefully get some great advice... Here's a little about me... Im 28, a police officer in Boston, and I love to fish... I have been fishing ever since I was a little kid with my dad, and haven't stopped... I have always been ok with fishing off piers, docks, edges of ponds, but this year, I bought a used 1995 Bass Tracker.

The boat was maintained by a true fisherman.... This guy knows it all.. and used this boat to fish; hence the boat looks like it was used... not shiny, and not a high end boat... it has a small Mercury 25 on it..

So here are my questions... the boat has some used seats... they are torn and in horrible condition... I would love to replace them with OEM seats, but tracker does not go back that far.. So I asked about new ones but those run for 1000 or so... No thanks... So where can I buy decent seats for lets say under 600 dollars... My tracker has the three seats in the middle and then the two fishing seats on either end... The two seats next to the captains chair fold up because there is a cubby underneath... so I can't buy a bench seat...

Second question.... How hard is it to re-carpet the boat... I would love to do the project but am I getting in over my head?

Nice to mee you all.. and thanks for future advice.. I know I will need it..

-FishinGirl

(Go Patriots)

roadwarrior reply :

Welcome aboard!

You will get some great advice from our guys shortly. You might even get some help from some N'Englanders...we have a few... :

8-)

Branuss04 reply :

Hi and welcome aboard.

Can't help with the seats, but the carpeting I can. It isn't hard as long as you set aside a day or two and take your time. I bought the kit from BPS and did it myself. It took more prep time than anything. It may not look like a pro did it, but i'm fine with that, It looks good though. Good luck

HesterIsGod reply :

Welcome!

Sorry I cannot help with your question.

BassBird reply :

Welcome!!! Awesome that you risk your life everyday for our safety!!! THANK YOU! Sorry to hear that you're a PATS fan Go Colts. Re-carpeting isn't too bad as long as you have plenty of time for the project. Good Luck!

-hydrillagorilla- reply :

welcome fishngirl! I second the thank you. You do us all a great service and we are grateful!

My suggestion is to try Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's website and look under boats and then seats. You will find a ton in prices from 40 to 100. I would think they will have what you need.

Happy Releasing,

H.G.

Madhouse27 reply :

As far as the seat situation goes, what's the total width of the seating area? I have a similar boat (99 Skeeter Alum) that has a bench style seat with storage underneath it. To access it, the backrest folds down then the whole seat tilts forward allowing you to get in there. I think the whole thing is a little over 4 ft wide. I know BPS and Cabelas both sell a replacement for this style. It might just work for you and you could get matching front and rear seats at the same time. Hey did you work St. Patty's Day down in Beantown?

bassnleo reply :

FishinGirl, welcome from one Police Officer to another.

Both Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas has bench style replacement seats, they may work for you depending on your seat's size.

Could you take your seat out have someone re-do it w/ new fabric?

I had one done last year in my bass boat. It was pretty inexpensive as opposed to ordering a replacement one from ProCraft.

cart7t reply :

For $600 you should be able to replace all five seats AND replace the carpet. BPS, Cabela's, Overtons all sell seats.

SenkoBasser reply :

Hello fellow New Englander and welcome. You should check out Cabelas.com. You'll find everything there including carpeting which is really cheap. Good luck with the new boat and fish New Hampshire.

Popeye reply :

Welcome to BR - the BEST bass fishing forum on the Net, IMO! IF your seat all still function OK, i.e. swivel, fold, etc., then I'd also recommend having them recovered as bassnleo said. No sense spending money on the seat hardward if it's not necessary. The carpeting should be easy enough to replace and there are many great members on BR who can assist you with advice on how to do that or help with suggestions if you run into any problems.

AND THANK YOU for serving your community as a Police Officer!!! Police, firemen, paramedics, doctors, teachers, servicemen, and pubilc volunteers that assist/aid other community members just don't get THANKED enough, IMO!

Again, a HEARTY WELCOME to BR!!!

PS: I'd love to have a Bass Tracker like you do:o) Having your own boat will open up a whole new dimension to your bass fishing efforts. Now you can get out there and access areas where them hawgs are:o)

Grey Wolf reply :

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.cabelas.com & www.basspro.com should solve all your problems.

CJ reply :

Welcome to Bass Resource.

My mom was an upolster for years. She always said that it was cheaper to go buy new seats if it were something common.

low_pro reply :

First, WELCOME!

Second, Go Colts!

Oh yeah, and carpeting's not that hard... just takes patience. Also, if you want to keep the original seats, take the seats to a local shop who does upholstery. Good Luck! Post some pics of the boat!

Tucson reply :

Just a thought on the carpeting: Have you considered using a spray-in bedliner instead? Much easier to maintain than carpet.

FishinGirl reply :

Thanks guys for all the responses... I opened up a Cabelas card and ordered my seats... I ended up getting rid of the middle buddy seat, and ordered larger seats... I plan on making something to put in between like a built in cooler or something... I also ordered the carpet...

I'm very excited... I have never owned a boat before.... Last year, I bought a Mad River Kayanoe.... a Hybrid o a canoe and a kayak.. I put a fish finder, and about 10 rod holders.... The Kayanoe was so much fun.. but I was so sick of paddling...

Im hoping to use this for one season, and then sell next year at this time... I will post pics as soon as I reach the 10 post mark...

I also bought a new Rod and Reel.. I went with the Abu Garcia Revo... its so beautiful.. lol

I know I will be asking so many more questions, as time goes by... and I hope to make some great friends.... Thank you to all for the Police officer comments.... I love my job... and wouldn't change it for the world...

Thanks again..

-FishinGirl

(Go Patriots)

Sorry Colts fans... there is no one better than Tom Brady..lol

Grey Wolf reply :

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! once you get it fixed up.

rondef reply :

to the forum. I also would like to say thank you. Good luck with your new boat I am sure you can find some members that live in your area that would be willing to help you with your project. You will love having the boat since you only fished from shore, it opens a whole new approach to bass fishing. I also started fishing from shore and bought my first bass boat last year and I have enjoyed tremendously.

NBR reply :

Pull your boat down to the Foxborough Bass Pro Shop and get a sales person to look at your boat and tell you what you need. The BPS catalog shows some basic padded seats at about $40 each. If you get real fancy $100 per seat is about the max. I seem to recall a U.S. Marine store in the Boston area. My guess would be that it is on 495 along the south edge of the city but that's from my memory which is suspect.

fishfordollars reply :

Glad you asked before you forked down a grand for seats. You can buy a couple of seats to sit in and a couple of more to fish from for less than250.00 from most of the outdoor suppliers. Congratulations on the boat, enjoy, ask any questions you like. We don't bite. Tight lines...

MA1232 reply :

Welcome to BR!

Sorry, I don't have any answer to your question but I have a question for you.

I got a 12' Jon boat with a TM. Do you have to register the boat?

Thanks

George Welcome reply :

Boat upholstery shop - have them rebuilt.

FishinGirl reply :

Quote
Welcome to BR!
Sorry, I don't have any answer to your question but I have a question for you.

I got a 12' Jon boat with a TM. Do you have to register the boat?

Thanks

any vessell that you are adding a gas or battery motor has to be registered.... That's why I went the Tracker route because I have no clue where my history of origin certificate for my canoe is... so I figured... go buy a boat..lol... let me know if you need more info.. I was in Fall River yesterday doing all of that...

-FishinGirl

MA1232 reply :

Quote

Quote
Welcome to BR!
Sorry, I don't have any answer to your question but I have a question for you.

I got a 12' Jon boat with a TM. Do you have to register the boat?

Thanks

any vessell that you are adding a gas or battery motor has to be registered.... That's why I went the Tracker route because I have no clue where my history of origin certificate for my canoe is... so I figured... go buy a boat..lol... let me know if you need more info.. I was in Fall River yesterday doing all of that...

-FishinGirl

Thanks for the conformation!

I'm north of Boston, so I'll paid the Boston DMV a visit tomorrow. I hope they will be okay with just a bill of sale.

Good luck,

Sang

FishinGirl reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
Welcome to BR!
Sorry, I don't have any answer to your question but I have a question for you.

I got a 12' Jon boat with a TM. Do you have to register the boat?

Thanks

any vessell that you are adding a gas or battery motor has to be registered.... That's why I went the Tracker route because I have no clue where my history of origin certificate for my canoe is... so I figured... go buy a boat..lol... let me know if you need more info.. I was in Fall River yesterday doing all of that...

-FishinGirl

Thanks for the conformation!

I'm north of Boston, so I'll paid the Boston DMV a visit tomorrow. I hope they will be okay with just a bill of sale.

Good luck,

Sang

Don't go to the RMV... its at the DEM office that you register and title a boat.... here is some information for you..

BOATS UNDER 14' - DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Bill of Sale (name and address of seller).

Proof of payment of sales tax (ST-6, ST-6E, or Bill of Sale). Note: To pay your sales tax online, visit the Department of Revenue website at

Pencil tracing of hull ID number (serial number). ***

Required fees - (See fee schedule below)

Properly completed and signed application.

If a new boat is purchased from a registered boat dealer or department store, a copy of the "Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin" is required.

251 Causeway Street

Suite 101, Boston, MA 02114

Phone: (617) 626-1610

Fax: (617) 626-1630

HOURS OF OPERATION:

8:45 AM - 4:45 PM

MONDAY - FRIDAY

FishinGirl reply :

here are some pics of my saltwater days... can't wait for the bass though...

-FishinGirl

(Go Patriots) - through thick and thin

MA1232 reply :

one again thanks!

Just remember that I'm taking tomorrow off because of Good Friday. So, I will call them before I go.

Is that a bluefish you holding? They give you the best fight lbs per lbs.

FishinGirl reply :

Yes that is a Blue Fish... what a fight they give... I spent the summer catching Stripers and Blue Fish... Good luck registering.. its a pain the ***... but when its done, its a huge relief..... - Good Luck

-FishinGirl

FishingBuds reply :

Well if you can catch that with out a boat I'd hate to think what you'll catch on a boat ;D

welcome and congrats on the boat, got one tiny question.

Is there any line you can use to get out of a speeding ticket ;D

seriously tho look forward to the before and after post pic builds

FishinGirl reply :

Here she is... my 95 Bass Tracker.... Here's the pre pictures... I am starting to realize there is sooooo much to do....

Here are the seats... I tore them all out..... I love the colors on these but the condition is horrible.. so I bought all new seats to replace these....

Here's the view from the front... the old carpet....

I tool the wood from the front off... just in bad condition... and the screws were all rusty and looked horrible...

Next step was to take the carpet off the bottom floors... I started it but did not finish today... It got to cold outside... A nice 40 degrees... and couldn't feel my fingers anymore... But it was a good start..

So that's where I am right now... Long day... I realized there is a little bit of a soft spot on the floor wood... so Im not sure what to do.... I really don't want to replace the floor... its way too big of a project to do that...

I will keep everyone posted... SO MUCH TO DO!!!! wish me luck...

-FishinGirl

The Rooster reply :

I thought I had a soft spot in my boat's floor too but when I pulled up the old vinyl floor covering I found out it was just a pop rivet along the edge of one piece of wood that had broken. Quick fix with a new rivet. Might get lucky on that if you haven't already tore the carpet up there and found out for sure.

Here's the link to the thread where I posted my pics of my boat doing the recarpeting job. I tried to document as I went along what I did so you may see something there that will help you with yours. I have pics of how I carpeted the wood panels as well as the aluminum ones. Shows the different steps I took.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1206128651

_tyler_wright_ reply :

Whatever you do, keep that fron't deck piece as a stencil for your new piece of wood. Otherwise you might ruin alot of plywood.

Black Bass reply :

Welcome! There is a lot of great information on this board just for the asking.

You and other who are tackling boat renovations are prodding me to start on mine. Looks like a fun project you're involved in. You might consider leaving the buddy seat out and making the space an easier access to the back deck.

Looking forward to pictures of your progress.

-hydrillagorilla- reply :

You are tenacious young lady! I love it!

Looks like a good ride!

Happy Releasing,

H.G.

fishhawk reply :

A girl with a bass boat and handcuffs! Hope she has a good sense of humor too.

FishinGirl reply :

of course I have a sense of humor.. I love to laugh... This boat project is turning into a bigger thing than I thought... It looks like Im going to replace the back deck as well... Just more work than I had thought... But Im getting there.. piece by piece...

I will post pics soon of the progress...

-FishinGirl

ba7ss3in reply :

From a former leo, still with the dept., to another welcome aboard. Hope things are going well with the boat.

FishinGirl reply :

Thank you sir, its going all right... more work than I realized.. but if Im going to continue, then I have to do it right... .. I will post pics of the progress.. and of course of my big fish..lol

Thanks again for the support...

Carry on my friends,

-FishinGirl

backpain... reply :

Keep at it! That is how it works sometimes, but in the end after tackling things one at a time you will be finished. It will be then that you will be SO GLAD that you put the time in to do it!

fishhawk reply :

What are your plans for your decks to protect the wood from water damage? We all want to make sure your efforts will hold up a long time for you. Might have some better or easier ways to get the job done.

FishinGirl reply :

I have been doing research and the chemically treated wood is much heavier and is known to wear down aluminum... so Im thinking of using plywood and treating it several times with waterproofing... Im not sure if this will be enough.. but I am still researching....

Any advice is greatly appreciated...

Thanks guys!!!

-FishinGirl

NBR reply :

Use marine plywood. It may need to be ordered but I would think you could find some in the Boston area. A coat of marine varnish on the top, bottom and edges should make it last longer than you have the boat.

fishhawk reply :

I agree with NBR on the marine plywood, it will cost alot more but will last much longer. It's put together with waterproof glue and I think it may also have a chemical treatment to help it last. I'd really soak down the edges several times with whatever you choose as a sealer because this is usually the most porous spot plus water gets trapped there where it butts up to the boat. The top usually is not a problem if you attach the carpet with an edge to edge coat of exterior grade carpet adhesive that Lowes or Home Depot should have. put the glue on with a notched trowel from the same stores the glue will seal the wood. Most of this you probably already know but I'm long winded...Good Luck!

Don B reply :

I did the same thing to my Tracker Jetboat about a year ago. If the pictures post, you can see how I changed the seating....

Don B reply :

and after....

Don B reply :

The first two pictures were to show you how, imo, I improved from the original to give myself an easier walk-thru to the back of the boat without tripping over the middle seat.

Here's another, imo, improvement to give myself more of a fishing platform in the front of the boat....

Don B reply :

to this...

Don B reply :

I took out that open dead space, made it more storage space underneath.....

fishhawk reply :

Wow! DonB looks very professional, great job! Are you volunteering to help Fishergirl?

Don B reply :

Quote
Wow! DonB looks very professional, great job! Are you volunteering to help Fishergirl?

Only in spirit!....and with a few new ideas for her on the seating and decking since she has it tore down to the barebones like I did mine.

It was a lot of work, about two weeks worth for me, evenings after work, and for one weekend.

Good luck with your project fishergirl. When it's all done, that rig will be a part of you!

E reply :

Man thats a professional grade job. Looks great and I love the diamond plate.

Zeta reply :

Boat is going to look great when you're done fishing girl.

Six years ago I scored an older Grumman alum. bass rig

for cheap and replaced decks, carpet, and seats.

I used 3/4" marine grade plywood. It was pricey and probably

even pricier now, but I'm glad I used it.

Here's a link to my project. Lots of before and after

pics in the link below. My brother cut the decks

and we secured them down with stainless steel screws.

I did the carpet. I don't want to promote any particular

place, but I will tell you that the place I bought my carpet

kit from was a godsend and I never would have been able

to do the carpet job without their included instructions sheet

AND their help over the phone.

The seats I bought from Cabelas at $100 a pop. (I see you

got seats already).

For newbies at this it didn't come out half bad.

If you have any other questions that I can help with

I'd be glad to chime in, just pm me since I will most

likely not remember about this thread. Oh and

btw, I'm in SE Mass too! Here's that link:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4phbw/id1.html

edit: Your m.o. and aol handle seemed familiar to me.

You also have a sportster and are a member on the

xlforum yes?

slice reply :

Welcome. Girls who fish are cool.

Brush Hog20 reply :

Wow DonB...Maybe Tracker should hire you...fantastic job!

FishinGirl reply :

Quote
Welcome. Girls who fish are cool.

and I have two Harley's... am I really cool now..lol

thanks for the compliment..

-Jessica

-hydrillagorilla- reply :

If they are pre-evolution you are super cool!

dumb_dog11 reply :

Quote
Well if you can catch that with out a boat I'd hate to think what you'll catch on a boat ;D
welcome and congrats on the boat, got one tiny question.

Is there any line you can use to get out of a speeding ticket ;D

seriously tho look forward to the before and after post pic builds

At sixteen, i could use one in case trouble arises with my lead foot

Fishing Girl buys boat and now has questions....:o) NEW PICS!!!! 2024

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