2003 518 DVX - trolling motor tray??

[ranger8470]

I have a 2003 518 DVX and want to know if I can install a trolling motor tray without major problems???

[squib]

Yep. But you will have to cut through the upper end of the center storage box. You will likely also cut the electrical wires leading to the light in the center compartment if it is lighted. No big deal.

[ranger8470]

Ok. Thank you. Any other suggestions before I do it?

[squib]

Measure twice. Get a good blade. I have done it on 4 different boats; two were Ranger 518s. Routing the drain line is a pain. If you dig out enough foam, you will get down to a PVC channel. You will be glad you did once it's done, but you will get a sick stomach looking at the big hole you cut in your boat.

[Wild Heethen]

Squib, did you notice if it weakened the deck in that area allowing the floor to flex any. That's my main fear. 2002 518 DVX. Thanks.

[squib]

I haven't noticed it. I weigh 175 lbs. It might flex more if I ate more hamburgers.

I do think it might help if you take out absolutely no more foam than you have to. Perhaps even shoot some of the spray expanding foam under the tray. Thing is that stuff is sticky and I wouldn't the tray to be stuck in my boat. I have pulled it out a few times to be able to route wires. That said, you might be able to tinfoil the bottom of the tray so as to not glue it in with the spray foam.

[Grits and gravy]

I have done it on my 519vx. I filled in all the voids with expanding foam to help prevent any weak spots. I weigh 290lbs and have not had any flexing or weak spots and it has been about 6 years ago that I installed it. Coat the bottom of the tray with crisco before you spray in the expanding foam and them install the tray. It will keep it from being stuck if you ever need to remove it.

[Pro's Choice Pete]

You might check this out, I installed one on my 518vx and documented it. http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread....referrerid=495

[CigarBasser]

Thanks for the post and link within!