Just Bought a Trophy 23' Pilothouse new

[seaboyforever]

Fellow Spearos and Boaters,

I just purchased a Trophy 23' Pilothouse.
I would like to put 4 tank holders on it. but Im not sure where exactly I should put them.

I was thinking about putting then on the large swimplate form against the Transome.
with the 23' you dont have that much decks space..not too mention the Gunwals have the coaming pads on them.

have any of you seen the tropy pilothouse? What would be your recommendations? I was even thinking about mounting 2 tanks in the cuddy..

I know i can do it, just now sure how or with what roll control system or cage.

also i want the Garmin 3210 Vs the 3206 that it comes with...is there a big difference in the both? is it worth it to upgrade...

[bgbill]

Fellow Spearos and Boaters,

I just purchased a Trophy 23' Pilothouse.
I would like to put 4 tank holders on it. but Im not sure where exactly I should put them.

I was thinking about putting then on the large swimplate form against the Transome.


also i want the Garmin 3210 Vs the 3206 that it comes with...is there a big difference in the both? is it worth it to upgrade...

I would mount the tanks as far forward as possible, I have found with smaller boats, they tend to not handle the weight as well when at the stern of the boat.

The only difference between the 3210 and 3206 is the screen size, it seems like a lot of money just to get a bigger screen, although I do have a 3010, and I do like the larger screen.

Post some pictures of your boat, I have never seen a Trophy Pilot House.

[seaboyforever]

here are some pics....The swimplate that I have is a full size not the one in the pic.

what other things should I add to this boat to make it a better dive boat?

I have already a dive ladder,seatow

[SEATUX]

I assume you want to network the Garmin w/ radar, auto pilot etc? Garmin is a great GPS, but as for bottom machines they really suck big time! I did the Garmin thing, FINALLY gave up, kept the Garmon GPS and went Furuno 585 bottom sounder w/1000w thru hull narrow beam; it makes the Garmon look like an “Ouija Board”. (Actually the Ouija Board outperformed the Garmon

[seaboyforever]

Im looking for ideas for this boat. the challenge is. The coaming pads are on the gunwals port and stbd. how can i build out from under the coaming pads to put a bracket for roll control brackets?

should I remove a section of the pads to install the brackets or is it possible to make some kind of bracket?

your pictures and advice would be awesome!!!

[maddog]

I know I'ts a new boat and all, but the coming pads have to go. At least they must be cut back in the areas you wish to mount your tank brackets. The transome would be the last place to stack up the weight. 4 tank holders? Might as well just go for it now

[seaboyforever]

whats holding the coaming pads? bolts and nuts i would suppose?
My experience with coaming pads is having them torn apart with hooks and everything else in a couple of years anyway....
but, since they are there, i was hoping you guys might have a solution that allows me to keep them?

[maddog]

They are usually held down by studs or through bolts. Unbolt the combing decide how much to loose, un staple the fabric -- cut off the combing board -- cut down the fabric and use stainless staples to reattach the fabric.Now you have void areas where you can mount tank racks.

[Doc]

Sweet ride! Nice little pocket cruiser there... but not much room for diving. Can you get the tanks in the front cabin?

[seaboyforever]

After doing most of my diving from all sort of different boats. I feel this boat is perfect for my needs and the elements I will be facing... along with taking the family and fellow divers friends.
after looking at the cuddy cabin..I have realized I have a great idea..I can put 3 tanks there. and you still have room to use the JOHN.
I will be looking at taking the some padding out and p[utting in 2 tank rack on each side....it should work out...thanks for your help...
this upcoming season should be awesome...
now im looking for dockage with electric and water on the South Shore of Long Island.

[SEATUX]

Temporarly remove the coaming pads, bolt 3/4 starboard to the back of the fiberglass ,extending down to the hight you need the roll controll mounted, build out the starboard till the tanks clear the coaming pads,(strips of 3/4 starboard as wide as the roll control channel) reinstall pads.

[KEYSKILLER]

tear the "john" out and utilize that space for tank storage

[FishHunter]

Wow! I love that boat! I'd tear the toilet out just to not have it. I wouldn't want to have #1 and #2 where I would go to warm up and relax. You would also have to ask everyone else to not go inside for about 20 mins. Plus if you got to go you can just jump in the ocean really quick and do your thing. Everything else about the boat I like.

[seaboyforever]

what do you guys do with the girls and mom?
Im warming up to the idea of using 3/4'' starboard extending it to what I need and bolting it down...now thats an idea.however?
will the roll control brackets be too low? I wont know until i get onboard and bring the tanks and brackets..but i think should work out just fine. allowing me to keep the pads and adding the brackets.
Im keeping the head, thats why it has to vent windows down there.

[stickitfishy]

Lose the toilet and get a bucket. If a girl can't go in a bucket, don't take her on the ocean. Why? Because if it gets rough she will whine more than a little! Sweet ride though. I can picture 2 tanks on each side in the back and 8 up front somehow. If it were my boat that's what I would do!

[Doc]

Most non boaters are disgusted at the thought not having a toilet. Most experienced boaters are disgusted at the thought of having a toilet.

I dont sht where I sleep.

[seaboyforever]

Even though its a new boat..Im still going with Sea tow.. whats $150? compared to hundrends more my friend paid to be towed home.

sorry but im keeping the shitter. first its already there and all of my friends have had them on there boats and they have never had probleme with them.
of course if you dont clean them, they will stink up...DUH!!!

but on the good side..Im putting in four tanks in the cuddy and another four on the deck. just perfect for my needs...
how many of you guys have a trophy ? also whats the average cruising MPG used on the 5.7Merc for the 23' trophy pilot?

My other questions how many of you have a fresh water cooling system for your engine? Is it worth it?
what are the pros and cons?

[Redneck7]

FWC is good for the engine (ie, block), but unless it's a crusader or other big money engine the exhaust is still in the raw water loop so it may or may not be worth it to you...depends on price and how long you plan on keeping it before repowering or rebuilding the engine.

My neighbor has the 25' trophy that's otherwise pretty much just like that that has a 350ci Merc and I think he's in the high 30's top end...he has a second station on the hardtop though with a canvas top, so he's got a plenty of drag.

Good luck.

[KEYSKILLER]

quick question:

not knocking it but isn't trophy made by bayliner?

[Redneck7]

Yeah, Trophy, Mako, Bayliner, Mercury Marine, Tracker, Boston Whaler, Baja, Meridian and a some others are all made by Brunswick marine now.

Go to your local Bass Pro Shop to see everything, they usually carry most of Brunswick's lineup. Apparently the merger/acquisition brought the quality of some brands up (Bayliner, Trophy) and some brands down (Mako is the big one I've heard complaints about).

[Megabeast]

what do you guys do with the girls and mom?

5 gallon bucket or gunnel hunch. I work on a 42' vessel and a 50' vessel for 3-7 days at a time and guess what, neither one has a shitter and nobody misses it. They are problems problems problems and you have to explain to every moron how to operate them, then they can't figure it out, fill it up with water, which then gets all over your boat in a swell while they are coming to get you to ask how to operate it properly. They are utterly worthless.

You boat looks like a pretty good dive setup. I would see about getting a pelican 6 pack rack in the center of your floor, or even better a BAXCO rack if they will fit. My buddy has a 23 Bayliner and he has roll control in the cabin and the hull slams so much that the tanks fall out periodically unless braced with diver gear. Ohh yeah, if a tank falls on your toilet and cracks it, you're going to not be happy. :lol:

[KEYSKILLER]

yeah, if a tank falls on your toilet and cracks it, you're going to not be happy.
:lol:

[seaboyforever]

I have to admit the best part about this boat is that it is owned by myself and parents. To compromise, I had to give up buying a center console for a pilot house with a dinnet and shitter. the good news is I dont get stuck with paying everything my self. The slip is paid for and so is the boat...all i have to do is pay for gas, insurance, sea tow and etc....now thats not a bad deal and im sure most of you will agree.
For Four divers in the Northeast on a normal day out to sea or in a bay, this boat will be good. for fishing it will also be just perfect, also i'll have a place to bring and show off to the ladies :thumps:

so the shitter may have to stay, atleast for now :cool:

as for roll control, i will be installing 3/4 starboard from under the coaming pads. 12''X48'' on both port and starboard along with 4 tanks complete. The cuddy will have tanks in brackets laying down against the bulkhead being secure with tie down straps or i just might screw them in front of the shitter. either case it should work fine,.


whats BAXCO??????

the more and more i talkto my dive buddies Im happy we went with a pilot house. Just wish it was a FWC engine...

[Southern Cross]

I'm sure you have an old igloo cooler somewhere, we all do. Take the lid off and stuff your tanks in it. I use a 120qt. and can fit 9 tanks standing up without boots. With boots it fits 8 tanks. Works great for me, as I don't like drilling holes in my boat. Get a rubber mat to put underneath it so it doesn't slide. This "tank rack" also goes in the back of my truck to haul tanks to and from the dock.

Another tip...a piece of carpet in the cockpit will give you good footing when it's wet, and protect your deck and gelcoat from dive gear.

Good Luck.