Nice video. Thanks for posting it. I have the 1654 and getting ready to add some lights. You saved me a lot of work. I didn't know you could get wires up the middle of Tracker boats that easy. I know where my wires are goin now!
k9mick121 we’ve been fishing with it now for months and it seems we have 0 issues with wires rubbing or getting hung up. It worked really well. Good luck with your rig!
Greetings...thanks for your video. Now then, at 12:36 the explanation about the terminal blocks where the battery is connected to one and the battery is connected to the other and your comment about the colors ("red in the back and black in the back") is difficult for me to understand. Also, are those blocks somehow connected to each other with some metal conductive plate to power the motor or what??
There are two separate blocks in the rear of the boat. One of them is a hot wire one of them is the ground wire. They were made that way so we could remove the motor and replace it and easily remove the cables right there
Great job! I just ordered a 1754 with a 20 HP Merc and a 45 lb. trolling motor yesterday, my first boat. I asked the BPS people if I could add a third seat like you guys did, they told me it would void the warranty. If true I assume any other cutting you did would. Did you guys check on that? The wiring part of your video ws VERY helpful, answered all the questions I had. Thanks!
It probably voids warranty yes. Didn’t check and honestly we weren’t worried. That boat is still in working order and smashing ducks with its new owner.
@@Craft518 thank you for responding my friend I have a 1648 and that boat is way too small for the Potomac river Looking to order a pontoon 18 early next year
Nice job! What brand spot lights are those? I have been looking for a set, but was afraid they would be cheap and not bright when I hooked them up. Those lights look pretty good. Have they worked well for you? Thanks
Archie Anderson well actually we did do a bit of a change. That front battery is still there but only runs lights in the winter and trolling/fish finder in the summer. We removed the big wires and placed a second battery in the back bench seat for the motor cranking and bilge if needed. We upgraded to a mud motor and it needed more cranking power with less wire to reduce load. Hope that makes sense
I've seen a lot this one is the best. Switch panel, main switch and light part numbers please. I love the night lights and the essentials that you need in the dark. Yamaha or merc?
Oh man there’s a lot to list. It’s a Tohatsu 15HP motor but it was not long on that boat. Everything I got was off Amazon 100% for all lighting and switches and it worked great for years. So many different panels and lights to choose from I just got what I thought was worth the money at the time.
I bought the same switch panel. Since they are all desperately fused already. My question comes from the battery on off kill switch and exactly how that is wired. Could you explain? Thanks!
There’s a diagram in there somewhere. Essentially, it’s battery ground to cutoff, cutoff to grounding block for all devices, grounding block to switch panel where all the hots go to each device. This also means the motor too. That goes to the ground cutoff.
Really digging your set up, and following a lot of this for my Grizzly. I'm having trouble getting wires down the channel though..running two 4 gauge wires and a 12 gauge duplex. Seems I am hanging up where the channel would end near the front deck. Any advice?
Ross Andress yes I would not run the battery like this again. After the season we ended up taking the large wire out completely and adding an additional marine battery and hatch in the back close to the motor. The long cable cannot carry the amperage load along such a thin wire. Suggest not to do it this way. The front battery is now only for trolling and fish finder but still has charger attached as shown for in between voyages.
Rocker switch panel comes with them from Amazon, green lights were ordered on Amazon as well 2 strings for $16 and the storage covers are tempress from eBay. Hope it helps
Shawn Lucien for the holes we used a hole saw drill set from harbor freight and it worked well. The hatch cover was 4 holes, 1 at each corner and then an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to connect them. Same tool for the switch bank hole. The beams in the front were cut with a reciprocating power saw.
Unfortunately I don’t have that written down and they boat is long sold. Bring the pedestal base to Home Depot and ensure they are solid in the chaffered opening and the bit should be just a bit thinner of the threaded shank. If it’s too thin the screws won’t go in and break off
Really like the green lights under the gunnels. What product did use for that? Also are you guys in Saratoga Springs NY? Or Saratoga county, NY? Or where? I subscribed.
We are having trouble getting the wire feed through the channel. Seems like we’re hitting something. Any suggestions. We have the same wire feeder you used. Bought at Lowe’s.
When feeding the fish tape through the drain into the channel it’s only going to about 10 ft. Seems like it’s hitting something and we tried for over an hour. It’s a 1648 mvx tracker..
@@pennyalbright9324 Hmmmm. Not sure what your hanging on or if there was a defect/change in your year and model but if I were in the situation I would ditch the channel and go to the right or left of the long stringer. It’s still on the boat floor no matter what and still headed to the same place at the bow. Let me know how it turns out!!!
I had the same problem with my boat. We tried running the wire down the middle channel and it would go about 8 feet in and hang right up. Tried and tried to bust through and it would not go through for anything.
All the components for electrical work and the hatches were sourced off amazon. Gunnel lights were $9 search green LED light strips. LED white lights were easy as well except the front bar will require a relay that was attached to the wiring harness for it. I jumped the switch wire and deleted that to use the switch bank purchased from Amazon as well. I just searched key words and found the best options for me that were matched to 12volts.
Is the flotation foam they install waterproof or does it absorb water? I'm asking cause my livewell overflowed and almost sunk me in the dark. I was sitting on the front deck catfishing at night finally turned on my headlight and realized the back of my boat was sinking lol. I turned the bildge on and pumped it out but now I'm wondering did my foam absorb water or is it ok?
So I think is non absorbent but only to a point. I have read that people had to replace some foam because it became waterlogged over time but initially it should repel. The idea of that inner foam it to keep the rig just below the water if it gets swamped and doesn’t sink the the bottom. Adding foam to inside the boat doesn’t help it unless you are actually sinking. Great move having a bilge pump.
Daniel Blair and I guess I didn’t really answer your question. Boat foam is like 95% water resistant but some cells in it will contain water. Air it all out you should be fine with that.
Is there any difference in running the positive wire from switch panel thru cut off to battery or should I do negative wire through cut off like you have it
NHRA rules. But really it’s just what I always heard and have done. Controversial of you search it but it likely doesn’t matter. On this one you get the hand up shoulder shrug because everyone will have an opinion.
Saratoga Steel should I be running any fuses in between my switch panel and battery? I have same switch panel as you. Inline fuses on each positive wire?
At 12:07 there is a diagram I drew up. From the switch panel in the lower left of the page I have a 10AMP fuse to each SMALL RED LINE indicating 14 gauge wire. Headlights actually has an addition relay that came with it due to LED power drain discrepancies. Fuse everything IMO...better than a fire if you can help it!
Saratoga Steel hey off top of the head to you remember what screws you used to replace the plates at the front of the boat? I’m about to replace mine and do not want to use Rivets.
Great video, very informative. How have the middle seat installations worked out so far? I have the 1654 sportsman and would like to install seats down the middle like you did. Any issues or key tips?
No issues at all. Make sure you use thick stainless screws and find the perfect bit size...to small and you’ll break the screws. I used 1 1/4” long screws myself. I like the seat post receivers from Walmart as they have less slop than others so the posts feel solid in them.
Should use Marine grade wire/cable. Marine grade is tinned to prevent corrosion due to the moisture. That' why strand wire goes bad so often on trailers and boats that don't use marine grade wire.
adam alburg 17”x12.4” seaflo hatches SEAFLO Marine Deck Access Hatch &... www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q88B98J?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share You will go through a horizontal aluminum stringer where I put them but the foam is substantial enough to hold a man over 300 pounds on the the deck and hatches. I can don’t have exact measurements but about 4-5” back from the deck and 8-9” from the gunwale
i always wondered why people never used jumper cables. much cheaper than buying by the foot. next time grab the set with male plug on one end usually a kit. quick disconnect.
Bo Jackson they are amazon specials. Cut to length and do not require a relay. This is the link to what I used Water-Resistance IP65, 12V Waterproof Flexible LED Strip Light, 16.4ft/5m Cuttable LED Light Strips, 300 Units 3528 LEDs Lighting String, LED Tape(Green) Power Adapter not Included www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRMP46S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q2U8DbX99T13G
Capt Shinski Maximum speed we could achieve with two people and fishing gear was 17 mph. It will not get on plane with just 15 hp. We knew that going in because the plan was to buy a gator tail 35HP surface drive motor. That motor will achieve plane until you really get into the heavy loads.
@@Craft518 Thanks for the info. I'm looking at the grizz 1648, but worried my Tohatsu 15 wont get it on plane. Would you recommend the 1448 for this engine size?
Capt Shinski I only have experience with the 1754. I’d imagine the smaller lighter boat would plane easier but if you want a big boat you’ll need a bigger motor
nicholas stidham it was bought from a website my father found and shipped to the door. You buy old models from this sight and they sell them at a discount.
The rear anchor light is way too short it needs to be above or taller than any person or object that is in the boat. Otherwise, a oncoming boat will not see the anchor light because someone sitting in the chair blocking it, or some other object in the boat, blocking it at night and you will get a run over my friend! And on top of it after the investigation is done if you survive, then you will pay for all damages on their boat because it will be your fault. It would be the same thing as driving around in the dark in the country with no headlights on your fault. Just saying 🤔
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks. This video answered so many questions I was wanting to know. Thanks for all the details
Nice video. Thanks for posting it. I have the 1654 and getting ready to add some lights. You saved me a lot of work. I didn't know you could get wires up the middle of Tracker boats that easy. I know where my wires are goin now!
k9mick121 we’ve been fishing with it now for months and it seems we have 0 issues with wires rubbing or getting hung up. It worked really well. Good luck with your rig!
Pro trick : watch movies at kaldroStream. Me and my gf have been using them for watching loads of movies lately.
@Joziah Jamir definitely, been using kaldroStream for since december myself :)
@Joziah Jamir Definitely, have been watching on KaldroStream for years myself =)
Greetings...thanks for your video. Now then, at 12:36 the explanation about the terminal blocks where the battery is connected to one and the battery is connected to the other and your comment about the colors ("red in the back and black in the back") is difficult for me to understand. Also, are those blocks somehow connected to each other with some metal conductive plate to power the motor or what??
There are two separate blocks in the rear of the boat. One of them is a hot wire one of them is the ground wire. They were made that way so we could remove the motor and replace it and easily remove the cables right there
So yes each black box on the transom brace is connected. One is all power one is all ground
@@Craft518 Okay thanks.
Great job! I just ordered a 1754 with a 20 HP Merc and a 45 lb. trolling motor yesterday, my first boat. I asked the BPS people if I could add a third seat like you guys did, they told me it would void the warranty. If true I assume any other cutting you did would. Did you guys check on that? The wiring part of your video ws VERY helpful, answered all the questions I had. Thanks!
It probably voids warranty yes. Didn’t check and honestly we weren’t worried. That boat is still in working order and smashing ducks with its new owner.
Absolutely fantastic video very nicely done my friends
We made adjustments like removing the large battery cables and adding a starter battery box in the rear. It was a great boat.
@@Craft518 thank you for responding my friend I have a 1648 and that boat is way too small for the Potomac river
Looking to order a pontoon 18 early next year
I love those pontoons they cut the floor out and you can sit in for duck hunting. That would be awesome
Only three seconds? Dude's a beast!
Absolute savage.
Nice job! What brand spot lights are those? I have been looking for a set, but was afraid they would be cheap and not bright when I hooked them up. Those lights look pretty good. Have they worked well for you? Thanks
Was awesome video I'm about to purchase this same boat for sure
great video I have the same lights on my 1754 duck blind boat, love how you put in the battery box and shut off great idea.
Archie Anderson well actually we did do a bit of a change. That front battery is still there but only runs lights in the winter and trolling/fish finder in the summer. We removed the big wires and placed a second battery in the back bench seat for the motor cranking and bilge if needed. We upgraded to a mud motor and it needed more cranking power with less wire to reduce load. Hope that makes sense
@@Craft518I'd love to see a pic/video of your new battery placement. Where did you get the battery box?
yeah man! I need to get me one of those! All the work looks great!
The Front Small Plates you drilled out the rivets. What did you use to re-attach them? Great video by the way
We used a bigger stainless screw and just ran it for a bit. Ended up getting rivnuts which worked way better
I've seen a lot this one is the best. Switch panel, main switch and light part numbers please. I love the night lights and the essentials that you need in the dark.
Yamaha or merc?
Oh man there’s a lot to list. It’s a Tohatsu 15HP motor but it was not long on that boat. Everything I got was off Amazon 100% for all lighting and switches and it worked great for years. So many different panels and lights to choose from I just got what I thought was worth the money at the time.
I bought the same switch panel. Since they are all desperately fused already. My question comes from the battery on off kill switch and exactly how that is wired. Could you explain? Thanks!
There’s a diagram in there somewhere. Essentially, it’s battery ground to cutoff, cutoff to grounding block for all devices, grounding block to switch panel where all the hots go to each device. This also means the motor too. That goes to the ground cutoff.
@@Craft518 so it is essentially doing the same thing as a battery on/off switch. Just using the ground instead of the positive?
Depends on who you ask. Stock cars are negative side, NHRA say positive, some boat manufacturers do it different. I prefer negative.
Really digging your set up, and following a lot of this for my Grizzly. I'm having trouble getting wires down the channel though..running two 4 gauge wires and a 12 gauge duplex. Seems I am hanging up where the channel would end near the front deck. Any advice?
Ross Andress yes I would not run the battery like this again. After the season we ended up taking the large wire out completely and adding an additional marine battery and hatch in the back close to the motor. The long cable cannot carry the amperage load along such a thin wire. Suggest not to do it this way. The front battery is now only for trolling and fish finder but still has charger attached as shown for in between voyages.
How did you get the customized labels on the Rocker switch panel? Where did you find the storage lid cover? The green rail lights?
Rocker switch panel comes with them from Amazon, green lights were ordered on Amazon as well 2 strings for $16 and the storage covers are tempress from eBay. Hope it helps
Great video. What did you use to cut the aluminum? Looks like a very clean cut.
Shawn Lucien for the holes we used a hole saw drill set from harbor freight and it worked well. The hatch cover was 4 holes, 1 at each corner and then an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to connect them. Same tool for the switch bank hole. The beams in the front were cut with a reciprocating power saw.
We're they 1 and a quarter self tapping stainless screws for the pedestal plates or regular?
Standard stainless screws. Only major point is make sure the drill bit matches the screw size. If you try to jam a larger screw it it will break off
@@Craft518 Thanks a bunch for that information. Love your video. Great ideas.
What interior lights did u use ?
Had some Amazon string lights at about $10 per string, 1 for each side. The were adhesive backed and waterproof.
Can you please give me the measurements of your offsets for your seats. I don't want to cut into them.
Thank you Bob
Sorry I don’t have the boat anymore.
Just want to make sure I replicate your work. What diameter (#) were the 1 1/2 inch screws you used to secure the pedestal base plates.
Unfortunately I don’t have that written down and they boat is long sold. Bring the pedestal base to Home Depot and ensure they are solid in the chaffered opening and the bit should be just a bit thinner of the threaded shank. If it’s too thin the screws won’t go in and break off
Really like the green lights under the gunnels. What product did use for that? Also are you guys in Saratoga Springs NY? Or Saratoga county, NY? Or where? I subscribed.
See reply to Qntfi
We are located near Saratoga Lake in Stillwater NY which is within that County.
@@Craft518 I am just north of ya. In Washington county, East Fort Edward Village off Hwy 197 on the canal.
3m sticky back tape was included
We are having trouble getting the wire feed through the channel. Seems like we’re hitting something. Any suggestions. We have the same wire feeder you used. Bought at Lowe’s.
Where are you getting hung up? Front of the boat or at the back and what direction are you pulling toward the stern or the bow?
When feeding the fish tape through the drain into the channel it’s only going to about 10 ft. Seems like it’s hitting something and we tried for over an hour. It’s a 1648 mvx tracker..
@@pennyalbright9324 Hmmmm. Not sure what your hanging on or if there was a defect/change in your year and model but if I were in the situation I would ditch the channel and go to the right or left of the long stringer. It’s still on the boat floor no matter what and still headed to the same place at the bow. Let me know how it turns out!!!
Will do. Thank you!
I had the same problem with my boat. We tried running the wire down the middle channel and it would go about 8 feet in and hang right up. Tried and tried to bust through and it would not go through for anything.
Nice work! Can you post a little of the components (switch, lights, etc)?
All the components for electrical work and the hatches were sourced off amazon. Gunnel lights were $9 search green LED light strips. LED white lights were easy as well except the front bar will require a relay that was attached to the wiring harness for it. I jumped the switch wire and deleted that to use the switch bank purchased from Amazon as well. I just searched key words and found the best options for me that were matched to 12volts.
@@Craft518 so how were tge strips mounted? 3m tape? Or other?
Hey, what size are those terminals on the back you use to hook up your battery and motor?
I went to Walmart and got the largest copper terminal ends they have on the battery display. Worked great
@@Craft518 thanks partner 👍
Is the flotation foam they install waterproof or does it absorb water? I'm asking cause my livewell overflowed and almost sunk me in the dark. I was sitting on the front deck catfishing at night finally turned on my headlight and realized the back of my boat was sinking lol. I turned the bildge on and pumped it out but now I'm wondering did my foam absorb water or is it ok?
So I think is non absorbent but only to a point. I have read that people had to replace some foam because it became waterlogged over time but initially it should repel. The idea of that inner foam it to keep the rig just below the water if it gets swamped and doesn’t sink the the bottom. Adding foam to inside the boat doesn’t help it unless you are actually sinking. Great move having a bilge pump.
Daniel Blair and I guess I didn’t really answer your question. Boat foam is like 95% water resistant but some cells in it will contain water. Air it all out you should be fine with that.
Is there any difference in running the positive wire from switch panel thru cut off to battery or should I do negative wire through cut off like you have it
NHRA rules. But really it’s just what I always heard and have done. Controversial of you search it but it likely doesn’t matter. On this one you get the hand up shoulder shrug because everyone will have an opinion.
Saratoga Steel should I be running any fuses in between my switch panel and battery? I have same switch panel as you. Inline fuses on each positive wire?
At 12:07 there is a diagram I drew up. From the switch panel in the lower left of the page I have a 10AMP fuse to each SMALL RED LINE indicating 14 gauge wire. Headlights actually has an addition relay that came with it due to LED power drain discrepancies. Fuse everything IMO...better than a fire if you can help it!
Saratoga Steel hey off top of the head to you remember what screws you used to replace the plates at the front of the boat? I’m about to replace mine and do not want to use Rivets.
Great video, very informative. How have the middle seat installations worked out so far? I have the 1654 sportsman and would like to install seats down the middle like you did. Any issues or key tips?
No issues at all. Make sure you use thick stainless screws and find the perfect bit size...to small and you’ll break the screws. I used 1 1/4” long screws myself. I like the seat post receivers from Walmart as they have less slop than others so the posts feel solid in them.
Should use Marine grade wire/cable. Marine grade is tinned to prevent corrosion due to the moisture. That' why strand wire goes bad so often on trailers and boats that don't use marine grade wire.
Coulda shoulda woulda that boat is long gone.
What size hatch did you put in front deck and do you happen to have measurements on where to cut. I dont want to hit any supports.
adam alburg 17”x12.4” seaflo hatches SEAFLO Marine Deck Access Hatch &... www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q88B98J?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
You will go through a horizontal aluminum stringer where I put them but the foam is substantial enough to hold a man over 300 pounds on the the deck and hatches. I can don’t have exact measurements but about 4-5” back from the deck and 8-9” from the gunwale
i always wondered why people never used jumper cables. much cheaper than buying by the foot. next time grab the set with male plug on one end usually a kit. quick disconnect.
What did you cut the aluminum with for the battery area?
All hatches were a combination of 4 hole saw holes in rack corner and an angle grinder with cutoff wheel. Made for short work that way.
@@Craft518 think a jigsaw could do the trick after drilling the holes?
That is possible but the foam underneath was dense enough in mine to keep popping it out; switched to angle grinder
Where are the pole holders from? We are looking some to fit in the versatrack.
This are from a Bass Pro dump bin. They are pretty good and you get 2 for $16. Might still be able to get them online
What kind of green lights under the gunnel I like that I have a 1754 grizzly tracker center console
Bo Jackson they are amazon specials. Cut to length and do not require a relay. This is the link to what I used
Water-Resistance IP65, 12V Waterproof Flexible LED Strip Light, 16.4ft/5m Cuttable LED Light Strips, 300 Units 3528 LEDs Lighting String, LED Tape(Green) Power Adapter not Included www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRMP46S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q2U8DbX99T13G
How well does the 15 HP push that boat? Will it get on plane?
Capt Shinski Maximum speed we could achieve with two people and fishing gear was 17 mph. It will not get on plane with just 15 hp. We knew that going in because the plan was to buy a gator tail 35HP surface drive motor. That motor will achieve plane until you really get into the heavy loads.
@@Craft518 Thanks for the info. I'm looking at the grizz 1648, but worried my Tohatsu 15 wont get it on plane. Would you recommend the 1448 for this engine size?
Capt Shinski I only have experience with the 1754. I’d imagine the smaller lighter boat would plane easier but if you want a big boat you’ll need a bigger motor
curious to what the range of the package was for the boat motor trailer ~$7K?
Matthew Prestine boat and trailer was $4600 as we bought a 2016 model year. Motor was $2400 shipped to the door on a pallet. So yes $7000
@@Craft518 hey did you buy motor from manufacture?! $2400 shipped to door seems cheap
nicholas stidham it was bought from a website my father found and shipped to the door. You buy old models from this sight and they sell them at a discount.
Dang. Only 3 seconds to get it up 😂👍
We do what we can!
I don't believe you are allowed to have the front spotlight on while you are running. Should check Coast Guard regulations.
Well the coast guard can come check the headlight situation when they follow me through the creeks. Need that when there are trees on both sides
It's a nice boat, but under powered. Definitely needs atleast a 40 hp on it
Well ya. We put a different motor on it but had this on there to get in the water. That boat is long gone though now.
@@Craft518 you should've kept it, was a super nice boat
The rear anchor light is way too short it needs to be above or taller than any person or object that is in the boat. Otherwise, a oncoming boat will not see the anchor light because someone sitting in the chair blocking it, or some other object in the boat, blocking it at night and you will get a run over my friend! And on top of it after the investigation is done if you survive, then you will pay for all damages on their boat because it will be your fault. It would be the same thing as driving around in the dark in the country with no headlights on your fault. Just saying 🤔
Noted.