ProTray Install on an Astro20FDX

Okay guys,

Here's the latest upgrade to my boat and how I did it. Someone asked that I take pictures as I go and here they are.
First I use the template to make the spot that I want to place the tray at. I was a bit nervous because I had to be careful of the hatches that were close by and the reinforced wood underneath the floor that was part of the pedal stool set up.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6100GcN2jlw5Y0
this next picture shows you where my pedal had been screwed down previously and where the template had been outlined with a black magic marker.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6100GcN2jlw5Y0
Next, cut the carpet...here we go! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/ohwell.gif
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6100GcN2jlw5Y0
After cutting the carpet away, I used my cordless tools to begin cutting the floor. Underneath I have a 1" thick deck that has some foam with it, and one cross support as you will see in the next picture. The jig saw has a 30grit blade on it. My circular saw has a regular rip cut blade.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6100GcN2jlw5Y0
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6100GcN2jlw5Y0
To notch out the support board running across I first used a hand saw with a skinny blade to cut down the sides. I then used my drill with the largest drill bit I had to make a hole for my jig saw blade and continued with the jig saw to cut out the notch portion of the support board. I had to do some carpet cutting to get to the board, but kept it for further use.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6100GcN2jlw5Y0
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...5110GcN2jlw5Y0
I used the carpet that I cut away to cover the exposed portions of the support board and to help make a snug fit for the tray.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6100GcN2jlw5Y0
After that I placed my tray in to see how it fit, like a glove, and then took it back out to place a good line of silicone caulk around the edges before screwing down the tray.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...6100GcN2jlw5Y0
And now here is the final product with my pedal installed.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...5110GcN2jlw5Y0
I still have to do something with my drain tube, but will work on that later this week. I can't wait to actually go fishing with this set up. I do need to do some tweaking on my trolling motor and foot pedal with it now being in the tray, but it looks and feels great so far!
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/smile.gif

Good Job http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif

You'll love it...nice job!!!! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

Thanks... Thats one of my next boat projects. i might actually have the cojonies to cut up a perfectly good deck.

It was easier than what most people encounter due to the fact that I had a deep hull below my deck. Took me about an hour even with me checking, rechecking and then checking again before I marked and began cutting.

Astro, That looks great! http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif You'll never want another boat without it! Good fishin. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif MM

Thanks Mark and for all your help on my new tray!

Looks good. I'll be doing my Stratos as soon as the tray arrives from Mark. Thanks for documenting your install.

Tom, yours is shipping out today! Thanks, Mark

WOW

I want one of these REAL BAD! BUT I am not sure I could cut my deck open.

I wonder if this would be an easy install on a Basscat Pantera II???

What does the tray cost btw?


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finished my tray in 50 minutes. I'll post pictures some time soon.
Tray was $85 to my door

Sweet. Fairly easy to put in, but it makes you nervouse because you can only make a cut one time...better make sure it's right the first time. I have yet to even get out and try it because I am waiting on a ramp to open up on Lanier. May have to take a trip as soon as I get my seats reinstalled from being re-upholstered by Ghare here on the board.