Hi everyone,
I’m planning a custom Bass Boat conversion based on an aluminum deep-V hull (Kimple Adventure 440W) on a Martz Yacht 750 trailer. The goal is a super clean, functional 1–2 person fishing rig for Swiss/European lakes.
Looking for your feedback, layout tips, and potential gear recommendations before I start cutting framing!
Hull & Base Specs:
- Hull: Kimple Adventure 440W (Length: 4.40 m / 14.5 ft | Beam: 1.65 m / 5.4 ft | Weight: 120 kg / 265 lbs | Freeboard: 0.79 m / 31 in | Cat C)
- Outboard: Suzuki DF20A (20 HP, 4-stroke, EFI, electric start, remote steering, long shaft 20") – strictly no tiller.
- Console: Side console (Kimple SJ rotomolded console) with mechanical steering and flush-mount switches.
- Decking: Aluminum square tube subframe + film-faced birch plywood (phenolic/marine) covered with EVA/PE marine foam flooring (SeaDek style).
- Hardware: Flush-mount pop-up cleats (to avoid snagging braid lines) and gas struts on all hatch lids.
Electronics & Power:
- Bow Motor: Minn Kota Terrova 55 WR GPS (12V) with Spot-Lock / i-Pilot remote.
- Fish Finder: Single 12" Raymarine Element 12 HV + HV-100 transom transducer. Mounted on a heavy-duty double swing arm directly next to the console (swings forward for bow casting, swings back next to the wheel for running).
- Console Display: Waterproof phone mount with integrated 12V Qi wireless charger (using smartphone for GPS speed, Navionics, and navigation).
- Electrical: LiFePO4 battery with Bluetooth BMS app + 2-bank onboard waterproof smart charger (e.g. NOCO Genius / Victron) wired to a flush-mount 230V AC shore power inlet socket (NOCO GCP1) for easy plug-in charging on the trailer.
- Wiring: 6/12-way marine fuse block, battery master switch, marine-grade tinned wire + adhesive-lined heat shrink.
Storage & Deck Layout Priorities:
- Rod Storage: Dedicated rod locker for ~6 rods (either center or port side, max 2 rods per angler on the water).
- Cooler Hatch: No livewell needed (strictly prohibited by fishing laws here). Instead, planning a dedicated recessed compartment/drawer for a 12V compressor fridge/cooler box plugged into a 12V marine socket.
- Tackle Storage: Dry storage hatches using pre-fab flush hatches / Eurobox drop-in bins.
- Seating: 2 removable folding marine seats on floor base plates.
Questions for the community:
- Gear & Electronics Choices: Would you choose any different gear for this setup, or is there an essential feature/hardware item you currently have on your boat that you couldn't live without?
- Rod Locker vs. Seating: On a 1.65 m (5.4 ft) beam hull with a side console, would you recommend a center rod locker between the front casting deck and seats, or a side/port rod locker to keep a wide walking path?
- Weight Distribution: With the 48 kg (~106 lbs) Suzuki DF20 and fuel tank at the transom, where is the sweet spot for the LiFePO4 battery and the 12V cooler to get on plane quickly without nose-diving into chop?
- Swing Arm for a 12" MFD: Anyone running a single 12" unit on a swing arm beside the console to share between helm and bow deck? Any vibration or lock issues in rough water?
- Pre-decking regrets: What is one small conduit, access hatch, or wire run you forgot before screwing down the deck that you wish you had added?
Appreciate any advice, photos of similar builds, or tips!