Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's a complete overhaul of a 16-foot Lund. Ryan Hoffman of Minnesota converted this standard layout to a front-deck caster's dream on a small budget. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - The boat was well laid out, but needed some upgrades.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - After some thought, Hoffman decided to completely gut it and start over.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's another look at the original layout. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - A solid boat on a solid trailer. This project started with an investment, and a vision.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Moving forward.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here is Hoffman's boat completely gutted and ready for a new floor. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's a look at the carpet on the base-layer floor.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Hoffman began to build the front deck with 2x2s, which provided plenty of support for big men fishing up front, without sacrificing strength.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - He built the front-deck frame to accommodate storage and a stereo. Genius, really.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's another look at the framework.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - He also began to build storage compartments along the side of the boat. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's a look towards the rear with the same framing concept in mind.Photo: Ryan Hoffman
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Another angle.Photo: Ryan HoffmanPhoto: Ryan Hoffman - He chose to place the gas can on the side to make access at the pumps easier. Another fine idea.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here you can see progress being made throughout.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Progress.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Another view of the side storage.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Another view of the overall framework.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Hoffman is adding carpet at this point.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - More of the project is coming together here.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Another view of the side storage and carpeting. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here you can see the floor layout coming together. The stereo and speakers were a nice touch.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - The speakers would require a bit of room behind them, but not to a point that would inconvenience the space.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Note the seat pedestals in the floor. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - A view from the front of the progress.Photo: Ryan Hoffman
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - The rear of the boat is nearing completion. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Side storage as well.Photo: Ryan Hoffman
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's a closeup of how Hoffman secured and tied the storage boxes to the gunnel of the boat. Photo: Ryan HoffmanPhoto: Ryan Hoffman
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Both sides are about done in this picture.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's another angle.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Hoffman put hinges on the inside so he could load gear and tackle from the outside of the boat without having to navigate around the hatch lid. Another solid decision.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Same with the other side. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - He used cardboard to custom pattern the front deck pieces. Photo: Ryan Hoffman
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - After precise measurements were made, he cut the front components out of two pieces of plywood. Sturdy marine-grade treated plywood was his choice. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's the front deck before the plywood was added ...Photo: Ryan Hoffman - and after.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's a closeup of how he secured it to the boat before adding carpet. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Starting with the front section.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - A very sturdy deck, indeed.
Photo: Ryan HoffmanPhoto: Ryan Hoffman - Here is the big portion after carpet was installed. Put the carpet on before you fasten the boards. And, plan to leave a little extra fitting room around the perimeter to accommodate about half an inch of carpet. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here it is fully installed.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - another view.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Storage compartment hatches lids installed.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - The two gaps either side of the speakers are to accommodate longer rods.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Battery storage box lid in the rear of the boat. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - A view from the front of the nearly complete front deck.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here it's basically completed.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Another view.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Rods in the boat ready for a trip to the local muskie lake.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Totally done and ready for a bow mouth trolling motor.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - The vision becoming a reality is very satisfying. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Another look.Photo: Ryan Hoffman
Photo: Ryan HoffmanPhoto: Ryan HoffmanPhoto: Ryan Hoffman - The 24-volt Minn Kota Power Drive is installed and working like a charm.
Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Not a ton of open floor space, but comfortable casting space is abundant. Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Here's another look at the finished front deck with the trolling motor mounted.Photo: Ryan Hoffman - Before and after.