jdh Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I've been fishing out of a 17' Lowe Side Console boat for the past couple years and because I'm running and outboard I've been able to fish in very cold weather. I'm looking to upgrade fishing boats in the next year or so - to something a little more Lake Michigan worthy, and wanted to make sure I don't have problems with the colder weather.Anybody have some tips or good/bad experience with keeping a boat ready to go fishing until Mid-December and bringing it back out in early March?One of the styles of boats that I've been looking at are 20-23 foot fiberglass walkaround style with single or twin outboards. Are there concerns with fiberglass in freezing weather? Am I better off looking for an aluminum boat in that size range?I've been toying with the option of picking up and old Starcraft Islander or similar and removing the I/O and rebuilding the transom to support an outboard.Again, any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danthebuilder Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Gonna leave most of your questions for the pros but I know If you hunt you can find Islanders made from the factory with outboards. No conversion required. http://toledo.craigslist.org/boa/5236207709.htmlhttp://nmi.craigslist.org/boa/5229909324.htmlhttp://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/5177431952.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmfishon Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Yep just find one with an outboard. No problem with glass though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coralee Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 My glass center console works great in cold weather. Had it out once it was so cold the docks were frozen from the trailers pulling out. I fell walking on it and another boat slid off its trailer as the guy was slipping backing down the ramp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdh Posted October 5, 2015 Author Share Posted October 5, 2015 I picked up an Islander I/O this weekend. I have plans to convert it to an outboard setup next winter. I'm planning on getting this thing restored and using it for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rascal Trophy Fishing Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Please paint the trailer jhh, thanks, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark4493 Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Can't wait to see pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdh Posted February 4, 2016 Author Share Posted February 4, 2016 Well I've started the rebuild, or as I should call it right now - a disaster zone. I don't have the most recent pictures, but I have the hull - floor/foam/stringers - almost fully cleaned out. I'll post some more in a few weeks as I keep working on it. The transom still needs to come out. Overall, anything wood was a disaster, but the condition of the hull and anything metal is very good. Motor was running nice before I winterized it. I have 12 bags of trash I need to work on getting rid of. Ed, I'll get around to restoring the trailer soon. Once I pull the motor I'll drop the boat off in it's parking spot and bring the trailer back to the garage. The trailer needs to be done before I start putting the boat back together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coralee Posted February 4, 2016 Share Posted February 4, 2016 You've been busy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thursday 3+1 Tournament Posted February 6, 2016 Share Posted February 6, 2016 Cool post! Looking forward to seeing your progress. I've got the same type of project going with a 19' spectrum. WAAAAAAAAAY more work than I was planning on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nailer Posted February 7, 2016 Share Posted February 7, 2016 I love seeing these post also. Keep up the good work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdh Posted February 17, 2016 Author Share Posted February 17, 2016 There's a new twist to the project now. I'm getting another Islander hull delivered on Saturday. This one has a hardtop, but no motor. I need to figure out if I want to swap the motor to the "new" hull, or swap the hardtop to the old hull. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now