Building removable storage accessories for a Coleman Crawdad.
BUILDING CUSTOM HINGED DECK AND STORAGE COMPARTMENT
This custom boat set up was geared toward having one person in the boat and room to stand on the deck to fish with no seat hinderances. The deck is really stable and great height advantage for fishing.
Another aspect was to have enough space for all the gear bags under the seat.
On the deck, there are actually TWO hinged pieces.
The first is the full bench seat and the other is a small hatch to easily place the battery.
The small hatch (seen in the picture with the door open) has two flip latches to securely close it.
Two rubbermaid food containers with lids were measured and cut into the deck to mount flush for added waterproof storage.
Two stainless screws were used to attach the containers to the deck while the lip of the container also set on the deck.
Two paddle locks/holders were placed on the underside of the full bench seat/deck to latch it onto the boat
CUSTOM REMOVABLE STORAGE
Front removable storage piece material list:
- Two rod holders
- Large lure caddy, beverage holder, miscellaneous caddy (whatever you want to call it)
- Plywood
- Two paddle holders
- Two stainless hooks
- Waterproof paint + primer + sealer
It really saves space for us when we pack the boats up with camping gear for overnight trips. Even if we are out for the day on the water and doing some serious fishing with the dogs, it is nice to have a place for drinks, lures, and rods.
And of course I had to JAZZZZZZ my boat up with stickers and Yellowstone memorabilia!
FINISHED DECK WITH WATERPROOF PAINT + SEALER + STAINLESS HARDWARE
The rubbermaid storage compartments are nice for miscellaneous accessories like baits, pliers, trash, etc.
INSTALLING ROD HOLDER
This rod holder on the right side of the hinged compartment/deck is primarily for trolling for MUSKY!
SWITCH BOARD TO ALL LIGHTS
REMOVABLE STORAGE COMPARTMENTS IN ACTION
The rod holder on the deck makes it easy to troll for musky and store the rod out of the way. I can easily stand on the back deck to cast the fly rod without the boat rocking or tipping.
Notice that in this boat we opted for NO pedestal post seats. This makes it so much easier to cast a fly – rod and fish! The flotation cushion is enough to rest comfortably or a stadium back chair would also work!
The rod holders in the removable storage compartment fit either fly – fishing or spin fishing set ups. This makes it nice to have the rods in a secure location and aid in tying on new fly’s/lures.
GUESS WHAT?!
WE CUSTOMIZED ANOTHER COLEMAN CRAWDAD
On the ’83 custom Coleman Crawdad build it was aimed at optimizing space on the floor and actual post seats!
