Offshoreonly.com - Boat Customs’ 308 Skater Flat Deck Conversion Complete

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLA (Post 4317927)

Did it affect top speed since it runs so much flatter?

Thanks for the compliments guys. It was a big effort by all involved. Chris and crew were very dedicated to getting the project done and I appreciate them letting me get my hands dirty so to speak. Everything was custom built to fit me perfectly. From the dash,windshield, kick board and console. Jim Lee re-tooled his windshield molds to accommodate the wider cockpit we went with. The receiver was narrow enough to get 2 + 4 seating and yet have good walk around on the deck without widening the hull. The cockpit depth was increased 8" by moving the kick board up 6" and the rear seat back 2'. All the electronic controls were mounted to the dash bulkhead and are easily accessible from the forward hatches.

We went with CZone digital switching system designed and set up by Ron Muller of Electronics unlimited. It allows switching from any of the displays and the Garmin 7610 has a WIFI connection to my iPad which allows remote access and control to all of the system. I used my existing JL Audio 7.7 MX speakers and added two JL Audio 10' subs and another amp. I replaced the old head unit with the new remote Fusion BB300 black box which is NMEA compliant and is controlled by any of the screens and iPad or iPhone. All the electronic controls were mounted to the dash bulkhead and are easily accessible from the forward hatches.

Batteries, trim pumps, and jackplate pumps were place in the bow. This along with the change in the deck and windshield make the boat less flighty and run more level. I may move some of the weight to the rear as we dial it in. It handles the rough better as it tends to fly more level without the bow popping up as much as it used to before the conversion.

I still have a lot of tweaking to do with the set up. I did consistently get the boat up to 95-96 and one run up to 97.5 before loosing water pressure to the motors. It may require increasing the depth of the water ramps to allow increased engine hieghts. The old hull and deck ran 98 consistently with the old CG and windscreens up with a best run of 102. I believe I will see that number again once dialed in. If the 400R's work out I plan to change to that power after a season or two. Otherwise it is a very economical boat so to speak and it runs and handles great for the type of boating I do. Another consideration is DBR mods to the existing 300XS's.

In the front seats the wind is negligible and my wife really enjoys that and the viability. In the back seat the wind is not as bad but still significant enough that you know your hauling booty. My daughter actually told my wife she preferred the pack seat as it still felt like were going 90! Visibility to form the back seat is dramatically improve allowing everyone to see forward and out the sides.

Craig with Appearance Products reupholstered the interior, provided the carpet and made a new tonneau cover.