Install ComforTroll D-Lux Trolling Motor Tray in a 185Vx 2005

[n8cas]

Has anyone tried to install a tray in a 185vx (2005) ? There's not much space up there and I know I have to cut through a bunch in order to do it. Is it worth the work, possible damage / functionality to the bow area? I'm hesitant to do it. Any feedback would be appreciated even it's not from installing a trolling motor tray on a 185vx. Any boat shorter than 20 - feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

My tray: ComforTroll D-Lux Trolling Motor Tray

Trolling Motor Tray – 19.5” x 11.75” x 4”
Filler Plate – 20” x 12”
My Trolling Motor: Lowrance Ghost 52 inch

[skeeterator]

I put that exact recessed pedal in my 06 185vs and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It's not a tough job except near the front of the tray closest to the bow. The majority of the hole will be over your big center compartment and cutting that and installing the drain line isn't hard at all. Cutting through the front wall of the compartment and getting through the foam insulation is the hard part. That wall and deck combined are really thick and I burned up a couple blades in that area but got it, just took some time. Go slow and make sure to run a shop vac right beside your saw blade as your cutting to suck up all the fiberglass and foam, nasty stuff in particle form.

[n8cas]

I put that exact recessed pedal in my 06 185vs and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It's not a tough job except near the front of the tray closest to the bow. The majority of the hole will be over your big center compartment and cutting that and installing the drain line isn't hard at all. Cutting through the front wall of the compartment and getting through the foam insulation is the hard part. That wall and deck combined are really thick and I burned up a couple blades in that area but got it, just took some time. Go slow and make sure to run a shop vac right beside your saw blade as your cutting to suck up all the fiberglass and foam, nasty stuff in particle form.

This is very helpful. So you installed the same ComforTroll D-Lux tray ? It's bigger than you think when you look at it on the bow and tape out the lines. But, I guess that's the only tray that can fit the Ghost pedal well enough to function properly. I think that center compartment does not have a drain. I'll have to figure out where to route the drain hose.

[wmitch2]

I've done 2 of them, but they were both on 520's. Pretty sure you're gonna find the same situations. You'll have to cut thru your center locker front wall to make the hole big enough. I tried using a Jig Saw, but it ate up the blade quickly. So, I used a cut off blade on my Die Grinder and it worked 110% better. Hold a Shop Vac Hose close as you cut to keep from making a big mess. Cut the carpet out first, then drill a hole in each corner so you won't cut past the corner when you cut the edge, then around the edges, and then cut an "X" corner to corner, or cut into 3 sections. Use a prybar or a claw hammer to break each piece out. It's extremely tough to try and pull the whole thing out at once because of the foam is stuck to it. If you have a light in the center locker, there will be a half pipe where the wire runs thru. You'll need to cut the wire an then splice it a longer wire to go around the box to re-connect it There's a bunch of foam to dig out. Also, be sure to dig a trench down to the keel for the drain hose. The pics are in reverse order, but you'll get the idea. Make sure to go as far forward as you can and make sure it's square before you cut the carpet !!! Good luck, should take an hour to hour and a half but you'll LOVE it !!!

[n8cas]

I've done 2 of them, but they were both on 520's. Pretty sure you're gonna find the same situations. You'll have to cut thru your center locker front wall to make the hole big enough. I tried using a Jig Saw, but it ate up the blade quickly. So, I used a cut off blade on my Die Grinder and it worked 110% better. Hold a Shop Vac Hose close as you cut to keep from making a big mess. Cut the carpet out first, then drill a hole in each corner so you won't cut past the corner when you cut the edge, then around the edges, and then cut an "X" corner to corner, or cut into 3 sections. Use a prybar or a claw hammer to break each piece out. It's extremely tough to try and pull the whole thing out at once because of the foam is stuck to it. If you have a light in the center locker, there will be a half pipe where the wire runs thru. You'll need to cut the wire an then splice it a longer wire to go around the box to re-connect it There's a bunch of foam to dig out. Also, be sure to dig a trench down to the keel for the drain hose. The pics are in reverse order, but you'll get the idea. Make sure to go as far forward as you can and make sure it's square before you cut the carpet !!! Good luck, should take an hour to hour and a half but you'll LOVE it !!!

This is fantastic. I really appreciate the help! I'm the type of guy who needs it. Looks like the weekend after next, I'll have the time to start the project (and hopefully finish it)

[fishfry]

I have

I purchased a new 2005 Ranger 185vx and before I even picked it up from the dealer I had a recessed trolling pedal put in the floor. I honestly cannot say what name brand it was. I can say that it worked perfect. It looked good in the boat and the floor never sagged or flexed. That deck is very stout and I am a big guy.

If anything I would say that the recess pedal opens room on the front deck. For me the placement of the pedal worked out exactly right for where me feet naturally fell from the leaning post. At times there was a tiny bit of water in front of the drain hole in the tray but I never noticed it to be a problem and it was never more then a tiny bit of water.

I was very nervous about cutting into a brand new boat as one can imagine, but I would do it again without a thought now.

[n8cas]

I have

I purchased a new 2005 Ranger 185vx and before I even picked it up from the dealer I had a recessed trolling pedal put in the floor. I honestly cannot say what name brand it was. I can say that it worked perfect. It looked good in the boat and the floor never sagged or flexed. That deck is very stout and I am a big guy.

If anything I would say that the recess pedal opens room on the front deck. For me the placement of the pedal worked out exactly right for where me feet naturally fell from the leaning post. At times there was a tiny bit of water in front of the drain hole in the tray but I never noticed it to be a problem and it was never more then a tiny bit of water.

I was very nervous about cutting into a brand new boat as one can imagine, but I would do it again without a thought now.

Did they cut the whole very close to the bow panel BECAUSE of the shorter front deck on a 185? I'm thinking of putting it as CLOSE to the front as I can (right up against the black weathering to seal the edge of the carpet).

[skeeterator]

Did they cut the whole very close to the bow panel BECAUSE of the shorter front deck on a 185? I'm thinking of putting it as CLOSE to the front as I can (right up against the black weathering to seal the edge of the carpet).

Just took this pic of my 185 for you. I put mine 2 inches from the bow panel. This is the same recessed pan as yours, I just opted for no cup holder, wanted all the space I could get in it for the ridiculously big pedal. I attached the drain hose to some pvc and routed it to the drain in the back of the compartment. Hope this helps, good luck.

20230223_171324.jpg
20230223_171516.jpg

[n8cas]

Just took this pic of my 185 for you. I put mine 2 inches from the bow panel. This is the same recessed pan as yours, I just opted for no cup holder, wanted all the space I could get in it for the ridiculously big pedal. I attached the drain hose to some pvc and routed it to the drain in the back of the compartment. Hope this helps, good luck.

20230223_171324.jpg
20230223_171516.jpg

very helpful! thanks!

[Bassmada]

Totally worth it. You gain more leg room up front and feels more comfortable overall. I went with the standard ranger tray and bought rangers template which made it much easier. I have the same trolling motor as well. I figured out My boat had the recessed tray that was glassed over from the factory so when I cut the deck it exposed the coloured flake gellcoat underneath.

[Le@r]

Hello y'all Thanks for all the good tip and tricks in this threads. I own a Ranger Boat 185VX 2004 and this week I installed a Panthera Recess Tray. I was not able to find any great tip for my specific model. I make a short to help further people. I positioned the opening at 2 3/4'' from the top. The lip of the tray was too big and with a closer opening to the top will have had touching the tray lips to the rubber that hold the carpet in place. Also to cut the floor I used an electric 4'' grinder with a diamond cutting whee. Drill holes at each corners. Use a multitool to remove the foam and have underfloor panel cutting. It is the best mod ever done so far to help my operation of the bow and seating.

enjoy the season

https://youtube.com/shorts/fLgb56xNH...MCmgQzrRvFnmep