More ?'s about XB-2003's

[big_o_tom]

I was just looking at some XB's on boat trader online and thought of a few more ?'s. One pic showed the front storage box with some tackle tray's in it. It had 3 "crankbait" boxes and another box on the other side and that's it. Where do you guy's that have these XB's put the rest of your tackle? Next ?. Another pic showed the back of the boat where the grab handle is. Is that handle useable? What I mean is, if I have been skiing or tubing and decide to get back in the boat, do I use that grab handle at the back of the boat(or does it really need a ladder of some sort to really work)? Last ?. Does Allison make one of those bracket's or stand's for pulling skier's or tube's (the kind that fit in the rear pedistal seat mount and attach to the rear of the boat)?

[fishnfireman]

Hey Tom.

First---- thing I did with my old 2003 was to turn that front lid around..(no it never came open) so I could get to the tackle easier. Next I made some slide brackets that fit under the deck, in line with the lid..That way I had my most used stuff...in the slide trays.. but could slide them back to get at the rest.

Next.. the handles did not help me much as they are to close to the back for me to get the right leverage to pull myself in..20 years ago it would not have matered.. one of those new steps that attach to the jack plate would be nice .....I used to step on the cav. plate then grab top of mtr with one hand and hit trim button with the other

I have seen some with the ski pole that I'm pretty sure were bought from Bill.

[Props4u2]

The trays you speek of lift out and the entire area under the front deck is open. Some use the Rubbermaid containers under there and others are more creative like fnf stated above. You don't want excessive weight up front as with any boat. The storage in these boats is unreal, there is not another 20 footer that can compare in more ways than one.
Allison does not offer a ski tow for the XB but they are available from several aftermarket manufacturers, we have installed several with great results.

[big_o_tom]

One day I'll get one of these boat's and hopefully by then I won't have anymore ?'s. I guess a feller could keep a rear compartment for tackle and put extra clothes/gloves/boggin's(that normally would be in the rear compartment)in the front of the boat. What about rod's? Some guy's have about 20 rod's on each side of the front deck, I usually just have 3 or 4 secured with a rod strap. I don't like to put the rod's back in the box everytime I fire up the big motor. Is that something I'll have to start doing?

[fishnfireman]

That would depend on how light your feet are,,as to how many rods you keep on top.

I would keep from 3-5 out when I had the 2003.
However I never used the seat unless it was extra rough and then it was just a leaning type pole......Not using the seat helped my back plus give me more room up front.

[hirks]

FNF, do ya have any pics of your tackle system? I just got my 2003 a while ago and put it to bed for winter but am planning out my tackle organization for spring.I was thinking of a lip tray covering half the box openning and a set of cook's tackle on the lid for the other half.Did you put a white board/golf club tube rod system in yours?

[fishnfireman]

I dont think I have any pics..The boat was sold in 05 and I don't know who has it now..

I made the slide out from some good SS drawer slides... used alumium for the frames..made them to fit the 12 quart tuperware boxes. you could put 2 on each side.. I then put brackets on the floor to fit plano boxes...worked out real slick......slide the trays back and still have handy access to under deck..slide them out and get the top stuff.


Yes I did the rod tubes.....I also have done it on the new boat..

[hirks]

Ah got it now, the slide trays(2 stacked) were hung under the deck at the edge of the lid openning and you just slide them out on tracks?Did you use the office filing rack secured to the storage floor for holding your 3700 plano's?If so was it a pain to reach down for em? I was going to put them in a tub that I will cut to fit and hang on lid lip (like factory tray) but consided the folder rack as well.Any complaints on the rod rack?

[froggy]

Guyz,

I immediately put the, Allison provided, Plano holders on the shelf. I then fitted the largest Rubbermaid container that would fit the opening and still stand a bit off the floor underneath. I think the box is like 15" deep X 15" long X 24" wide. It'll fit all you need for a day at the lake!
Also, turning the lid so the hinges are closest to the seat post instead of closest to the console makes life easier all around. I recommend using one of the rubber, Merc Performance Products, cowl bunji's as a second latch to be sure the lid won't fly open at speed (it would be a neat speed brake).

As far as rods, I keep 12 in the box at all times and my parter may bring 10 or so. We use rod socks to keep from having a tangled mess. I usually have 2 - 3 on the front deck with me unless it's really tough fishing then I'll have 5. There's a perfect way to store them with the rod tips alongside the right side of the console and the butts just aft of the seat post---they are never in the way.

There's so much storage it can be easy to carry too much stuff.

I hope this helps.

froggy

[big_o_tom]

I like the slide box idea, maybe that will be standard on XB's by the time I get one.

[fish10]

I fish mainly worms and jigs 95% of the time and only keep jig boxes,worms and hook,etc box in one of the bins that came from the factory.The second bin has attractants and my lunch usually. I have a crank bait box and spinnerbaits in 2 plano boxes that fit in between the 2 bins.I keep another 4 plano boxes in the aft passenger side hatch along with life jackets and a junk box. Don't keep anything in the other rear hatch.The rear hatches are huge.Under the front deck is wide open.
I keep 5 rods on the deck at all times.Put one of the Rod Box retractable straps in the starboard gunwale to hold the rods down while running.Front deck is plenty big enough to fish from with rods and seat up.
Good idea turning the front hatch around cause that's the only thing I don't care for.Rod socks are a necessity.Got 14 rods in my locker and can get at any one any time. As far as partner rod storage we just set them on the floor tip end up on the rear deck.Haven't lost one in the 7 years I've had the boat.Don't get in and out of the boat much any more but the kids and wife use the motor and handle without much problem.I built a step for the jack plate but haven't installed it yet.

[camtra]

I am also interested in a ski pole. Do yall have a name to who provides these? Also how are they mounted in the rear?

[Props4u2]

Swivel-Eze and several other manufactures make ski poles that will work on the Allison bass boats. The main pole drops in the rear seat pedestal hole, you have to mount two other small pin type anchor points on the rear outside corners of the rear deck. Very simple install.

[big_o_tom]

Does anyone have a pic of the step for the jack plate?

[fishnfireman]

I don't

I do remember seing one on a Skeeter that was still new.. So I don't know if it was a Skeeter deal or if that dealer had added it.

I hate to say it but the triton boarding ladder is a slick deal also.

[fishnfireman]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fish10 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Good idea turning the front hatch around cause that's the only thing I don't care for.
. As far as partner rod storage we just set them on the floor tip end up on the rear deck.Haven't lost one in the 7 years I've had the boat.Don't get in and out of the boat much any more but the kids and wife use the motor and handle without much problem.I built a step for the jack plate but haven't installed it yet.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I went a few steps farther with the floor rods

By making a rack for the but ends that held about 6 rods just behind the gear shift. Then had a piece of carpet cut with the edging around it and placed it on the bare surface where the rods went up on the back deck. I also placed a velcro tie down strap there.

I would like to see a pic of your step ...have ben thinking of making one..