2000 203 SC Elite - stringer system schematic or pics ? (recessing troll motor)

[champ203rude]

i'm thinking about some dangerous surgery on my boat to do a recessed trolling motor. does anyone have pics or schematics of the older champions in terms of how their stringer systems run so i know if i can or can't cut down into the floor ?

thx

[J Bondy]

Can you take your front bow slope depth finder or carbon panel out and stick your arm down there? I had a few 203's and you should be alright to cut there, but definetly don't quote me.

[Lea]

If you are referring to the trolling motor pedal recess, we have had quite a few folks install them in many of our Champ models. Zero problems! Many folks posted pics of the process. Hang on and someone will give us a link...

[brandonb]

I have a 2000 203, there were no issues with installing the recessed tray in my boat. Here are a couple of pics, forgot to take a pic after we removed the insulation.

[jerzia]

Same here with my 99 203. It was a breeze to do. I used a sawz all to cut the floor and the insulation. The insulation came out in one big block. Just remember to seal the rough edge of the deck after you cut. Epoxy resin will do the best job. It's a bit more labo than some easier methods, but the last thing you want is for your deck to rot

[vols203]

Getting ready to do the same to my 203....how thick is the insulation?

[scotty34]

I put in a Pro Control 2 weeks ago in my 98 203. The foam under the floor is 6" thick and tapers to over 12" thick as you come back toward the storage box.
#1 select location
#2 trace template Pro control provides
#3 cut carpet drill holes in all 4 corners
#4 cut with jigsaw
#5 on the portside of cut out about 4-5" below deck you have a think pvc tube with wires in it, you can carefully cut it with a hacksaw
#6 remove foam, seal edges with resin after trial fitting
#7 finish installing seal screws
Pro Control makes a nice easy to install product.
Scott

[champ203rude]

wow! that pvc with wires pipe... glad u brought it to the forum! thanks guys.

[vols203]

Glad you asked the question , thanks for the info

[jerzia]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by champ203rude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">wow! that pvc with wires pipe... glad u brought it to the forum! thanks guys.</TD></TR></TABLE>
My 99 203 did not have that!

[brandonb]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jerzia &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
My 99 203 did not have that!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Neither did my 2000 203....

[champ203rude]

Thanks guys... i think i'll start with the jig saw so it's not that deep and then go deeper with the sawzall after i see what i got

Thanks everyone!

[ShannonBassMan]

If you have the space you should be able to install a recess tray.

Sounds like you have some good advice as is, but I do have a more detailed Photo step by step guide that could be useful to you.

http://trollwell.com/install/install.html

[champit]

I just did my 99 203. Had the pvc on the port side also with 1 set of wires which I believe were accessory wires. Kinda looks like they may be for the inside lights. I cut the pvc and hung them out of the way. I used a sawzall to cut the floor and then took a hand saw to cut the foam just so I had a little better 'feel' in case something was in the foam. Piece of cake, go for it. I've put several in my Champs over the years and never had a problem. I would like to do someones new Champ just to see the look on their face when I got done cutting and said " OH $HIT ".