rusty.hook
Well-known member
I bought an aluminum all-welded 2005 G3, 1548 with a 1997, 25hp Yamaha pull start tiller motor and new galvanized trailer. This combo was such a great deal I could not pass it up, only $2,500.00 and it looked almost brand new. The boat had only been used twice in last 2 years. Knowing I was not going to keep the Yamaha pull start and wanting to go to a electric start, either a 30, 35, or 40hp motor, I sold the new looking 25hp Yamaha and bought a electric start 1996, 40hp Johnson. I went to the G3 Boats website for the basic floor plan of my boat for planning my boat. I went into Microsoft Paint on my computer and drew the plan I wanted. The first mod I did, was add a 40lb hand operated Minn-Kota to the front deck with a Big Foot off and on switch on the deck. The back deck had two areas that was insulation only. I contacted approx four G3 dealers about cutting the insulation out and making storage in there, and they all said no problem, because it has plenty already. Added a door on each side. Added a door to the center section of the back deck almost to the motor also. Covered all with gray carpet including the back deck. Added two seat holders on the back deck, one in the middle and other on side for driver. The bottom already had ¾” plywood with brown carpet, so I added a piece of ½” plywood covered with my gray carpet on top and screwed it down, extra weight makes for better ride and noise control also. The 40hp handles this boat real well. Installed a water/fuel separator on the transom and all new Ethanol gas compliance hose and squeeze bulb for the Ethanol gasoline problems, Cut 3/8” plywood for the sides that covered up the exposed ribs of the boat and covered with carpet. Built a large side “tackle box” 43” long X 20” wide in front of console that extends to the front deck. Will install Rod Savers on the non folding area for my 7’ rods. Built a pedestal in the center of the boat for passenger when traveling to and from hot spots. I use two seats that we move around in the different positions as needed, also have one seat mounted on front deck that is covered with gray carpet also. I had asked for any ideas on a wood console from 4 other boating forums, and no answers, so I designed and built my own for mounting my GPS and fish finder and switches for bilge pump and navigation lights and for a 6-gallon gas tank underneath. Mounted bow and rear navigation light. Mounted a terminal block for all the wiring needed on the side by the console. Added the tall trailer light poles and the side bunks for easy drive on loading. The cooler is not mounted, therefore it can be moved from area to area as needed. I love my “new” boat and hope to catch lots of fish and have plenty of pleasure from it, see pics below.
