I just bought a 13' Livingston for Puget sound fishing here in area 10. It is bare bones and needs to be turned into a little fishing machine. I was wondering if anyone on the board has had one that they customized and maybe had some ideas and or pics. I am thinking about a little 4 stroke and possibly puting in an after market center console and seats. Also thinking about a downrigger bracket and wiring for the downrigger and fish finder. Thanks.-TBJ

I saw one for sale recently that had been modified quite a bit. I'll see if I can get a pic or two of it tomorrow for you. I believe the owner even covered the bow back to the center consol.

just keep in mind that on a livingston, try to have everything weight forward. if you do put a center console in, make sure you have a pivot seat so-as to run the boat sittin sideways to keep an eye on your downriggers.

also rcommend to mount vertical rod holders on the front of the center console to keep spare rods and put the net out of the way.....

Robert

One thing my uncle did on his small livingston was to put plywood bottoms on each side that way your feet were level instead of rolling an ankle all the time. He also put indoor/outdoor carpet on them and a hole to grasp them for easy removing if necessary.

I've done something similar with my 14' Lund.........since I fish alone a lot, I made a plywood casting platform from the front bench seat to the mid-bench seat. Then with the cooler between the mid-bench seat and rear seat, I can basically walk level from bow to stern casting, setting the anchor, starting the motor, etc. I covered it with indoor/outdoor carpet, too. Feel a little like I'm fishing in the Bass Masters Classic while I'm fishing for coho on the Snoho.

Snake

If a single motor I'd recommend a good set of oars.

get a twenty five horse. that will give it plenty of power. on a boat that lite u might wnt a two stroke instead. console boats r overated. i think that will just be extra wait and money. show us some pics when u get this figured out.

As promised here are some pics of that Livingston I mentioned. It is a 14 footer, however. There may some good ideas, maybe not. I also took a pic of the for sale sign as it has a phone number which I figured you could maybe use to talk to the owner if you like.

Here you go.....

side view



view of bow cover attachment (pop rivets)



view from windshield side



seating



a stern quarter



trailer/motor set-up



and finally, the for sale sign....don't know if you can read it...I have the full blown version here if you need.



Hope it helps with an idea or two.

wow TBJ...u really did have the blackmouth bug...hahaha...c

Personally, I'd add 3 feet to the bow, 1 foot to the stern, 8 inches to either side and extra foam in the hull, you're big, you're gonna need it.......


Then call me and I'll go fishin' with ya.

Nice dude, I want to see a pic of you bobbing around in that...I would suggest a flare gun, good life jacket and flames painted on the side...cheers

FYI we used to fish out of them all the time in PS. There are alot of guys who fish from small boats locally. You all act like I'm going to fish the rock pile out at La Push in it or some thing. I have'nt done any thing with it and probably wont except sell it to my nieghbor who likes lake fishing.

Your a little sensitive today...outside of the bs I think customizing boats is way fun. Wait till you see the custom stainless steel frame pontoon I am building for king fishing this summer. Its only 10 feet long, will have downrigger, color ff, 2hp 4stroke and I will have a flare gun and good life jacket along with portable gps, vhf and whatever else I can pack on it...cheers

Here's steerng station for sale. I don't know if it will fit or if it's still up for grabs but it may work for you:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/boa/538204349.html

Actually, I've fished Mutiny bay several times for salmon and halibut in 10 foot aluminum row boat, and the rowing was hard with those currents. Your livingston will be much better. I used to catch a lot of fish out of one I had, more stable than the 10 foot aluminum too.

I just got tired of seeing Gilly slam the BM's in the harbor by the ferry and since I have already bought 1 new boat this year figured Anything was better than nothing. It will be fine for close to port missions. Appletree, Miller bay, E..... harbor ect....... Thank you for all the posts. We used to launch a 10 foot livingston off the beach at No Point all the time. Caught alot of nice fish and drank alot of Rainer.-T

No kidding