My $15,000 Decision HELP | EP 23

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In this episode we head to Preferred Marine to start rigging for our Mercury 300 V8 Motor including installing the helm, throttle and ignition. We also get a first hand look at a tower that has me second guessing my decision to go topless.
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[@ReelReports]

Should I invest in the top now or ride out topless through the winter?

[@timortiz8021]

Do it before it hits the water. What about radar?

[@marcoscarrandi4867]

Invest in top, work out a deal. Video the making of the top and advertise David’s business 🤙🏼. Good luck 🍀

[@KillaCowboy]

DO ITTTT

[@4stringmanagmaildcom]

@@timortiz8021 Is it ever foggy in S FL?

[@timortiz8021]

@@4stringmanagmaildcom With doppler you can see which way the rain storms are heading. Also you can see birds and weed lines with radar. It's nice to see boats and channel markers in the fog, rain or at night, but before talking about radar you first need to talk about T-tops. That's why I asked about radar. It's only money...lol. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do.

[@4stringmanagmaildcom]

I would do the top. But I wouldn't delay putting your boat in service waiting for it. Use the boat until the top is ready and you have an appointment to install it. You are right on the grab rails. I have been surprised in charter work I have done how much trouble some people have with their balance on the water even in a mild chop. I have seen athletic build people in their 20's and 30's lurching when a wake comes along, and that was after I gave them a heads up a wake was coming let alone older folks who develop some balance issues even on dry land. Regarding the second control station, I would see it as a good way to create some separation between yourself and clients ... you know, the ones you need a little break from. Last, having some refuge from the sun I think would appeal to a lot of people. My 10 cents worth.

[@robertp7209]

Takes a while for folks to get their “sea legs”. I go through it every spring after launching up here in the NorthEast.

[@JonDunnmusician]

He makes a great point about safety: it amazes me how fast these captains take people with no life jackets on, it amazes me further that they're not more accidents

[@Mike-hb4pc]

Personally, I would wait and do some serious research on a top for the boat. IMO, that tower is kinda fugly. And it looks like the ingress/egress isn't very friendly. There is a LOT to think about with a top (outriggers, antennas, seating, controls, future options/additions, etc. etc. etc). So for me, I would put the tower on at a later date and do some serious thinking/planning. Anyway, just my two cents. Boat is looking fantastic! Cheers!

[@mmanut]

That tower is what your boat needs. It’s sick. Doesn’t over power the boat, takes up minimal space, gives you the advantage a fisherman needs. DID I SAY IT WAS SICK‼️‼️‼️‼️GOOD LUCK, Vinny 🇺🇸

[@mikeludwikowski7050]

Sooo ready!!! I’m invested by watching every episode!! Some more than once. Lol

[@TaylorCarter]

The tower/second station is a hard YES

[@JS-sx3bl]

Taylor said it so make it happen. Only thing I’d consider is making the stern awning shorter for casting purposes. Also I’d add a radar and a life raft up top on a hardtop. Or just hinge the structure to be partly removable / movable so you can trailer it or hit the keys with low bridges. Cheers J.

[@captainscottlum2371]

The boat is looking sick! I had a custom full T-top built, we thought of a lot of great ideas for it but there are things I wish I had thought of prior like having L-brackets welded on for nav lights and pre wiring my Simrad HALO 5G radar.

[@billdillard885]

Mike.... where’s the radar going?? You’ll LOVE the tower! I had one on my 16 ft Talon.... can’t beat it for site fishing. Have one on my 42 Invincible... radar is at my feet in front of upper station. With Garmin you can actually turn off radar in the pathway of the pilot if you want. If I was on that station every day I would utilize that feature... It is a amazing how much your visibility improves by being only a few more feet off the water.... JUST DO IT!! BTW.... Don’t waste $$ on powder coating... Haven’t seen it hold up yet in a coastal environment. (Especially Black) Begins to chip and blister 4 to 5 years out... imo.

[@mkllove]

You're going to need the top and shade, with allowances for radar later... the top as is on his boat is just OK, but could be greatly improved with out a lot of cost by making a few 3'-6" extensions of those pipes to improve upper helm access while seated and a pipe bar footrest so you can brace yourself in upper seat while moving at speed...see : 6:23 The upper control console should be moved up and back, by angling up mounting pipes a few degrees without extending controls away from seating position to allow better access from front vs climbing over rear of console and controls. The bar you're grabbing at 6:47 could be relocated lower to be the foot brace/rest. A fold up/down bar on front of lower console door would give you a step to climb up as well as fwd console seat. Folding it up allows you to fully access console interior. If that's too much, make it just a towel bar shaped pipe on front of console door which could be a step going up to upper controls.

[@gotchaexpeditions735]

Top is nice, I have one, but I access mine from both sides, I think coming in over the helm every time will be a pain, especially since your clients are gonna be huddled in the shade every time you jump up top! When a big fish is on, you don't want to wait for your client to move so you can get down to grab the gaff, probably gonna hurt somebody's feelings and lose some fish in the heat of battle! If it was me, I would tell him you want the tower but you want access from the sides, it will be a Reel Reports original and I think you and your clients will enjoy it more! Good fishing and tight lines, thanks for sharing the build!

[@davidchalich938]

Definitely need a top for grab rails and shade. Don't need the second driving station. That's a good compromise that would clearly save some $

[@oceanminded3679]

I personally can't wait for the end of the build and the start of some insanity!!! 100%

[@ReelReports]

For real.

[@kingdrew6665]

I say absolutely go with that top, it adds so much functionality to the boat. You made excellent points about some people not being as sea ready as yourself. I believe you will be glad you did in the end and he will definitely help whenever you decide to sell the boat.

[@Jordan-vj8rd]

Love the top, its the final touch your boat needs! It is worth it in my opinion seems very well built

[@kohenshlom]

you know exactly what need to be done ! there is no question here at all its a must to have a top and that tower is really a nice extra of the extra ! you will never regret doing it but if you will not you will beautiful boat you built and great videos

[@maikelancheta6338]

Don't do it Capt.. Keep her clean and classic. That's a very functional top. But functional doesn't equal beauty. And we don't run and gun 365 days a year. Just ask anyone that has a second station. They rarely use them. Keywest style maybe. But i whould just go with a regular top with through rod tip holes. Your customers will thank you for it. Shade is everything when that clock hits 1,2 and 3pm.

[@rolandfero9742]

I totally agree!

[@jk30jr]

I think a T top is a great idea. Second station is a personal preference

[@robertp7209]

The second station makes the T top twice the job plus, and do you really need a second station - like how often will you be up there? The T top is a good investment with the sun down there, and provides like you say places to hold on to. Up here in the North East guys get custom canvas enclosures so the Top is essential to get out of the weather - on center console boats.

[@kuinagel]

Top is cool on a sand bar day, fam trolling, beach cruise, Bahamas shallow water cruising , or FL Keys back country. If you see yourself doing that more than the commercial stuff than do it!!! Commercial is always more with less I guess but you look like your building an all around machine so I could see you using it. You not gonna be gunning it out there on the tower once your at the inlet and you be too busy finding work on deck with customers. May be on the ride back. Good luck either way that thing is pimp!!!🤙

[@dreoneful]

That top is a must

[@bryanbrodowski970]

Absolutely do the top! Visibility plus looks very cool!

[@miamiwax5504]

Mike you gotta do a "take a fan fishing" segment when you get the boat running. Also, that fan should be me 🙂. Side note: the put up a fence under the 163rs st bridge in sunny isles so nobody can fish! So we no longer have bal harbor jetty or sunny isles. 2020 SUCKS!

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

Listen to yourself throughout this entire video! You love the top! DO IT!!!!!!! You waited this long.

[@zacpearson1878]

Top is the way to go, Fl sun is brutal

[@aaronsgunsmithing]

Go with the top Capt. Mike!!!!!

[@trimntim]

Yes to the tower!!! You only have one chance to do it right the first time. Everything else is a potential for problems. Personally, I would also have non-skid added on top of the console to protect it, and for safety.

[@GenesisHealthy]

Only concern is the top of the console (the upper standing platform) is slick gelcoat. That is a ball-buster if you slip and straddle one of those aluminum bars... Ouch!

[@carlosllama9979]

Hey Captain Mike I can’t wait to see the finished product here is my opinion I would definitely go with the top it’s going to take shade from your boat though but it’s definitely an advantage Birdseye view all the time but I will not go with powder black in this Florida heat that can heat up pretty quick I think powder white is definitely the way to go either way she’s gonna look gorgeous

[@redouanepeche]

Well done my fisherman friend, your information is great, I wish you an abundant catch

[@hlwade]

Yes!

[@gregoryburris6374]

Following the journey! 😉

[@randy_powell3250]

That top plus a little shade forward would be ideal! Can you put Isinglass and wings off of it?

[@mikeludwikowski7050]

Ohh and don’t forget the outrigger mounts!

[@crowman5936]

Pull the trigger. That top is so artistic it should be in a museum as modern art. Clean.

[@MrJmbigorange]

Top definitely

[@the-jp3hd]

Solid yep... it will provide shade when needed and a vantage point when hunting ... only down side is a light wallet :(

[@whilstyouweresleepingsnooz6495]

Will the T-Top interfere with the rod holders in your lean post.

[@stephenrojas6533]

Definitely do that top boss. The shade and grab rails are a big plus. It’ll be worth it. 10k not bad at all. Looks great

[@steverichardson6920]

Every inch of extra height makes a difference, I had a tower on my previous boat and caught fish because it, 33 & 28Kg wahoo in one instance when anchored, couldn’t see them from the cockpit but in the tower saw them circling in our burley. Have a 255 Conquest now and miss a tower heaps, get it, consider it as pre-investment in success.

[@Peter_M89]

Top now. It looks amazing.

[@koolone3791]

If you get the tubing in black for the top won't it get hot with the sun?

[@manueldiaz-hb4tg]

I love that t-top i would install it now I think its a good investment

[@peteprior8896]

Captain Mike I think you got to do it. You’re going to need a hand holds for your clients and if you don’t do it now you will probably regret it tight lines

[@timdowney9615]

Top is a must in SE Florida. If it's not concern money wise, its a no brainer. Good Luck

[@vincemitchell4885]

I know cost is a factor I would put the top the key West top just like it is without the second station that might save some cash later you could always add the second station you have the top and everything goes with it

[@sergiorodriguez889]

Gotta have that tower brotha!! A good pair of Gyros on that tower is a game changer 🤙🤙

[@TideFighterFishingTeam]

No doubt DO THE TOWER!

[@r3m1brown]

Yes on the top

[@johnthekiwi1601]

Do it and don't question yourself!

[@mobettadealgetta5111]

Think about how you're going to climb up to the 2nd station after your steering, throttle, electronics, etc are set. It would suck to accidentally crack one of your screens while climbing up and in a little swell!

[@lukemallet916]

I know you want to get it into the water but get the top. Do it right and how you want - slight blue balls now but you know it'll be worth it when it's done the way you really want

[@davidmcduffie1398]

Invest now or you will be kicking your own butt come spring time when things get hot and heavy ( IMO ) ! That is a good lookin top and more than just looks but functions too including safety ( Holding on to, shade and protection from rain and the other driving station with better vision of fish and bait ). You can even mount things to the tubing structure like lites for night time fishing, brackets for holding gaffs or dip nets or what ever you dream up. Looks like money well spent, plus you already have the rigging for it, not so tough decision ( IMO ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@frankenjoe07]

Do it now- I would also have them add a small cross bar for the foot rest and (2) 45 degree angled rod holders on the sides of the back rest

[@jomarvida]

do it!!!!!!

[@DTruth850]

You came this far.. just go with the tower bro. Even if you don’t use it much.. you’ll have the option to play around with it and relax up there here and there 😄

[@thomasquantz5173]

Why did you use them for rigging instead of factory?

[@adamblum3096]

If you do white powder coat would look awesome

[@krisbeedle2818]

Do it!!

[@DPointman]

Do it Captain Mike.

[@besimtitiz]

Hey Mike, can't think of your boat topless. Come on man just do it :)

[@davidcanterooutdoor]

I would invest. I didn’t do it for my boat and now regret not doing it. The second station is a must for great sight fishing

[@captainscottlum2371]

Can you tell me what upper helm box he used on that tower and possibly where I might be able to get one?

[@ReelReports]

Birdsall on that one, but I ordered one from Latitude Boats that is a bit smaller.

[@captainscottlum2371]

@@ReelReports thank you

[@jefftadish8213]

Top it!

[@Evanburdon]

Get a key west top if you need shade. Don’t get that second station that’s not even a real tower you’re going to look like a west coaster going for trouts reds and them. Get 2 LPs instead

[@adamblum3096]

I definitely think you need a top, not sure if a second station is necessary. That is a decision you have to make based on your type of fishing. Have you always thought I would really like to be up higher when looking for fish then you have your answer. Hiding from the sun is crucial especially when skin cancer is very common these days. Just my opinion

[@MICHAELMIAMI2023]

When will the boat be ready for sea trial ???

[@ReelReports]

As soon as we hang the motor we will be prop testing shortly.

[@michaelgaghagen5771]

I’m in ft Lauderdale now. 23 ft sportsman need a first mate. Thread fin died quick today.

[@mikewillemse3761]

Shaded area too big , always gets in the way of your rods...reduce size to as small as required.. Tower good but entrance of steering and controls could become a problem and cause accidental damage, speak to them about a side ladder or something small in front of the control consol. Towers and T tops are great for storing extra rods as they are then off the deck and never in the way on the deck. from my experience rod holders must be vertical and fit as many as you can boat looks good so far

[@ReelReports]

Agreed 💯

[@JonDunnmusician]

I say the opposite make the shaded area as large as you can: we did and it's one of the greatest blessings on the boat

[@JonDunnmusician]

Invest in Festool drills and you won't need to hold the vacuum hose between your legs

[@josephkey2979]

You already know what you got to do.

[@spinfish1434]

You Need That Shade in the FL sun ☀️.. Do it right the first time.. just my opinion.

[@josedezayas3467]

go for the top

[@jonathanwatler8936]

The top is pretty sick dude..

[@vladfish]

Please Capt. Tell us whats the final cost for the entire project 😉

[@Ocean-Grown]

Do the top!

[@mfhairstream6812]

Have to get a top

[@lukestevens3963]

get that tower man

[@brentoncoghlan8702]

Add the shade for sure bro....

[@ehickey73]

HURRY UP !!!!! We wanna see blood on the deck 🤙🏼

[@slange455]

Like t tops not sure I like that second station looked difficult to get in/out

[@rolandfero9742]

I totally agree.

[@JO-st9ss]

Definitely do it, if you do it now you won’t have to worry about it later.

[@GTheFlash]

Invest in the top and make it to your own liking. It is your dream boat so stick to the dream!!

[@ronaldaltizer4611]

Always ttop for offshore boat looks better with it to imo

[@johnraisbeck2800]

Just for comfort, real and fishability do the top and radar! Powder coat it!

[@ReelReports]

I'm still looking around and playing with designs, but I agree. I think it will be nice if I can fish it without top for the spring season.

[@alohapittsy7981]

get the top! it's going to save you in the summer in the sun

[@FrankM812]

Yes on the top, no on the powder. Way too many of the coatings fail and it’s a huge expense to repair a few years down the road

[@BerserkingGator]

You were pretty adamant about no top at the beginning. If you want hand holds just have a grab bar made. It’s a work boat first and foremost. I suppose ask past clientele you trust if you’re really on the wire

[@JeffreyDRein]

Black handholds in summer? HOT potato 🔥

[@ReelReports]

Black aluminum doesn't get as hot as you would think. Especially with the top/shade protecting the hand rails. I like the natural look of aluminum as well, but I've grown bored of it.

[@galennitcher9570]

Better make the call

[@kayakpiratepirate2599]

I would never charter a center console without a top unless it was back Bay. its a no brainer.

[@ReelReports]

I hear ya... Nice to escape the sun on a full day trip.

[@707SLAYER]

I dont know i love it in raw stainless also .who says your a copy cat who cares its awsome .

[@FINfinFINfinFINfin]

Blows my mind that some tubing cost 15k. It's sweet though.

[@lb7wade518]

You need the top

[@scottmaccaferri]

Ttop yes definitely ! Upper steering station, meh. if your running single handed with a bunch of novice fisherman on a charter I’d say the upper steering station not practical.

[@jameslara5352]

Do the top

[@m2s1measuretwiceshootonce49]

🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@gunns7720]

Does anyone know if this channel is done making videos?

[@ReelReports]

No, we have new videos coming soon...

[@gunns7720]

Seems like the amount and quality of content of videos you have been releasing is falling short. Hope it picks up soon

[@UserUser-zm3fo]

I would avoid black, I'm local to you and would worry about black getting too hot.

[@wesleycurrin1457]

you need the top