[Fl904_bowhunter]

So yesterday I posted that I got a 10 ft Jon boat well I have since got a 12 ft Jon boat 32inches wide I know that is not very big but it's 2 feet more than I had! So what can I do to make myself a very basic bowfishin set up for 2!! I planned on goin with a flush deck to keep some stability but I am new to this so any help would be greatly appreciated, this will be used mainly for daytime fishin simply because of the weight and stability issue unless y'all have some ways to make it work!! I appreciate any and all yalls advice and ideas thanks!
Crawdad>>--->

 

[carpe_carp]

For a boat that small I'd go flush deck, 3-4 27w LEDs, a troller and 2 good deep cycle batteries.

 

[hotrodderscott]

We started with a 14 deep V and 1 12 volt hand held spot light! Always a simple way to go! Can always get a number of LED's for the same amp draw as a hand held spot light!
Build a simple plywood deck to stand on, Dont both jump to the same size of the boat, and stick some fish!!!!
I know some guys built side stabilizers (like they use on canoe) to help a little!

 

[Rated Gar]

4-6 27w LEDs and small flush deck for one to shoot and other steers from the back.

 

[Fl904_bowhunter]

Awesome, I thought Bout the outriggers but don't know yet, and I plan on gettin us out in my small pond to figure out how to move around with each other once we have everything installed so we shall see, keep the ideas comin I'm all ears thanks guys!
Crawdad>>--->

 

[Fl904_bowhunter]

Keep the ideas comin guys!!
Crawdad >>--->

 

[nathanralph]

I wouldn't bother trying to get more than one person on the deck there. We fished quite a bit with 2-3 guys on a littler 12-14ft boat but we just fish 1 side of the boat with lights down that side. The front guy is gonna get more shots, but that's life. The troller on the front is also much much easier to control. Don't bother driving from the back,

 

[Fl904_bowhunter]

Bump!
Crawdad >>--->

 

[nathanralph]

Also, if you're going to drive from the front (I would) you may want a tall seat to lean back on. My cousin's boat has this setup and he said he's glad he did the seat - easier on his back.

This small of a boat isn't going to handle a lot of weight, so LEDs with batteries would work well. I actually used 50W walmart halogens but they have dark spots between them and if I did it again I'd go with the LEDs. I was just going REAL cheap. You can even use a spotlight and no deck if you just wanna get on the water. We did it - only killed 3-5 fish but we had fun anyway.

 

[P&R_Carp_Slayer]

i would say don't worry about the deck for now, just stand on the seats til you can afford a bigger boat.. 32in is not a very wide boat at all, i would look for a 1648 or at least a 1448.

 

[Fl904_bowhunter]

Thanks guys keep me comin!!
Crawdad >>--->

 

[JBSedon]

Strap everything down!! Make sure it is strapped to the point that if the boat is upside down, nothing falls out. Batteries, seats, gearbox, whatever......and keep some dry clothes in the truck. You never know......

 

[Fl904_bowhunter]

Bump
Crawdad>>--->

 

[Urban REDNECK]

I have a old 14 foot rivited fishing boat and I can get 3 people on my boat. I have two flush platforms, one in front and one in the middle, the third person stands on the seat in the back of the boat.

 

[DB1534]

Don't shoot two guys just shoot one....one drives one shoots...its a helluva good time....don't get jumpy when you see fish and stand facing 1 o clock for right handers and 11I o clock for left handers for shooting purposes and strap everything down

 

[Fl904_bowhunter]

I appreciate it guys I am actually in the process of comin up with some designs to widen my boat, I know it sounds crazy but I know I can do it!! I plan on havin pics up eventually and I wanna start a build along thread for it!
Does anyone know a good basic light set up?
Thanks again guys
Crawdad>>--->

 

[JBSedon]

For the ime and the cost of widening a boat, you may as well just buy a boat that is the size you need.

 

[nathanralph]

For the ime and the cost of widening a boat, you may as well just buy a boat that is the size you need.

Yup. Save money and check craigslist regularly.

 

[HillJackJDS]

I had a 12 foot semi-V for a long time and started my bowfishing endeavors from it. Through a series of sales/purchases, I acquired a 9 foot Bass Hunter plastic "pontoon style" boat and was amazed at the stability difference! The plastic boat was 100 times more stable for 2 people (both standing) and I no longer had to stand pigeon-toed in the front to shoot! Just an idea, but before I spent a bunch of effort and money in something that I knew would be marginal at best for stability, you might consider a more stable, more mobile platform like the one that I got (basically even money for my old boat). I shot a lot of fish from that boat! It has now moved down to MS where it is in the worthy and able hands of a true trophy fish killer there and still enjoying the bowfishing life!

 

[Fl904_bowhunter]

The widening was just a crazy thought lol, I will probably just stick with my simple 1232 for now and maybe put a sub floor in the front just to have a flat standinn service.. And hill jack I heard about those little like pond prowler style boats bein stable that's crazy to me how they are but hey I guess it somehow works, I'm well aware that I'm workin with nothin fancy I just wanna get out there and kill some fish I appreciate it all again guys!!
Crawdad >>--->