There are quite a few videos posted online showing the Seahawk 4 with all kinds of complex modifications, including wood floors, custom benches, boxes, seating, sunshades, lighting, fish finders, motors, and more. This is a reflection, I think, of the love people have for this inexpensive entry into
the world of boating, particularly for people on a budget, and for people who do not have large storage areas for boats, or large trucks and trailers for moving large boats around to various locations. I could not resist, and went ahead and got a Seahawk 4 a few weeks ago. I then spent several evenings doing some customization. First, I put in a wood floor, as this is a critical step towards the luxury liner I hope it to become. There are many ways to do the floor, and I suggest watching as many videos as you can, and picking a style that fits your needs and skill set. I chose the plywood and foam method, and did a glue down carpet as well. I cannot understand the idea of staples in an inflatable boat, but some choose this method. Next came the Intex Motor Mount and a Minn Kota Endura C2 30lb thrust trolling motor combined with an Everstart marine deep cycle battery with 750 MCA and 129AH. The motor and battery set me back $180. Super easy to install the motor mount, and the motor slides right on with clamps. Next, I took an cooler, 24"W x 18"L x 18"T, and turned it into my battery box. I chose to put the battery at the front of the boat for weight distribution, and this added the extra step of taking some PVC and running it to the back of the boat and into another cooler, same dimensions, that is my storage for anchor, pump, and then the motor electrical connections. The coolers take up some space, but make nice seats, and give me storage options. The PVC was a hassle to set up, but now the 6AWG wire running from the battery to the motor will not get damaged, and stays dry. The Coast Guard recommends a breaker be installed on the hot wire to prevent fire, and other ugliness in case of a short or other misfortune - very wise advice. Using 6AWG wire is probably overkill, and Minn Kota give specs on their website, but I did not want to risk loosing any amps over the distance, and in the long run it is probably better for the motor and the battery. 6AWG is a hassle to pull through PVC, so go with 3/4inch, and it is also difficult to crimp on the terminal connectors and the motor plug - watch videos for methods to do it properly. The two coolers, PVC, 6AWG, 50amp breaker and trolling motor plug and recepticle cost a total of $75. I also bought an anchor for $18 which I connect to the life line that wraps the hull of the boat so pressure is distributed around the vessel, rather that tugging on the welded grabs at the front or on the oar locks. The last piece of this puzzle for me was the modification to my minivan roof rack, which is too small to carry a 12 foot boat. I bought two 2inch x 10foot PVC pipes, and lashed them together with 550 paracord, set 48 inches apart, and strapped them to the roof rack, and put the boat up on top of the whole assembly. Works like a charm, and this cost $10. So , the whole rig cost me around $400. Not cheap, but a reasonable amount, if it all works, and does what you intend it to do. For me, the answer is yes. I have now taken it out 6 times, and it is so much fun. My max load application is when I take my three kids out fishing. The four of us, battery and motor, and the fishing gear weigh about 700 pounds, and it is a fairly tight squeeze, but the boat and motor do not seem stressed at all. Even fully loaded like that, she rides high and easy on even a choppy, windy lake. I love being able to stand up in the boat, but I advise to use three point principles, keeping a hand free for yourself, and one for whatever you are doing while standing. I have also taken it out solo once, and another couple times with a buddy. This is where, in my opinion, the boat really shines. Intex say 4-person, and it can do that with ease weight wise, but space wise, I believe 2 adults with fishing gear is perfect. The 30gauge PVC is tough stuff, but obviously beware any abrasive or sharp objects. I pre-rig everything so I am not fussing with it on the boat. The rod holders work very well, and keep the rods up off the floor and off the sides where an accidental rupture could occur. When not in use, I hang the floor board and motor on the wall of my garage, put the two coolers on a shelf, and the boat in a plastic container, so it is all tucked away, and the car can fit in the garage. I am an amateur boater, and rather unskilled craftsman, but with a little research, work, and $400, I got me a bass boat that will last for years to come, that is safe and reliable for my family to use, and that fits our home and lifestyle.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2017 by Fluffpuppypup
