Soon I will have the dream lake boat set up I've wanted for years. Sold our older trailered 12 foot v-hull the other day. Put a deposit on a rear powered boat loader through Load-It in Langley (chose Load-It over 4boys, but that is a different discussion). Will be getting that installed once I buy the new lake boat. Still deciding between a couple different john boats. Gotta get the wife to sit in them and make sure she likes the ergonomics before I make the final choice.
Anyway, once I have the loader and boat home it will be time to pimp it out! I want to take my time and make sure everything I buy is a solid purchase. The first priority is seats. The old boat had a space under the seats and we sat on removable seats that strapped/snapped together. They were made for canoes I believe. Fairly comfy actually.
All the new boats I'm looking at you can not access under the seats. The aluminum goes more or less to the floor and the benches are filled with foam. Can't get a wrench/ratchet underneath to bolt a pedestal in place. Is this a problem? Do most of them just screw to the bench seat?
Also I'd like some advice on pedestal and seats. Looking in Cascade and Cabelas last week there are a LOT of different pedestal options! I want something where the seats can be removed if I choose, and where the seats will swivel. Don't want/need pedestals that raise/lower or move side to side.
I'm not worried about choosing seats I like, but do find the choice of pedestals confusing. Also if anyone has any install tricks/tips I'm all ears. Adding locktite to the screws or whatever.
When the seating is complete I'll be adding rod holders and anchors etc. Not too worried about that at the moment, I plan to go all Scotty.
If anyone has any other sharp ideas I'm all ears. I've always hated how the full size oars seem to always be in the way. Any thoughts on telescopic oars? I wouldn't want to be without them in case the motor craps out. Also useful for pushing off from shore where too shallow to drop the motor. However on a 12 ft boat I find they are a PITA when not in use. Any developments in technology I am not aware of?