Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

A few years ago I took my old fishing partner on a 16 ft Starcraft boat I had converted to a bass style boat . Every time we went out he commented on how impressed he was of the build
After the season and while enjoying a few adult beverages he asked what I would do if I had his boat. I assured him I’d put it back on the water.
Over the winter he got sick.
In April he called me and told me to come over and get the boat and we would take care of the title transfer
A month or so later he went into the hospital and didn’t come home. He passed the following January

Anyway come to find out , the boat . A 17 ft tracker tournament Vee had sat outside for 16 years
This thing was rough. Everything including transom was rotten

For the next couple of years between spending a lot of time out of the country with work, I gutted the hull and took it to bare metal.
I rebuilt transom , painted, did all the fab work , re wired , basically a complete makeover

Took it to the dealer to have the motor gone thru. 3 week wait turned into 22 weeks.
I finally ran out of patience and bought a new boat off the showroom

The tracker sat out in the lot over the winter and thru the summer
. My brother hit a stump in his boat and busted the transom . I ended up selling the tracker to him for a loss.

He’s getting ready to put it on the water next weekend.

Finally keeping my promise to my friend. It’s going back now the water

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Very nice. Great work. I enjoy my Tracker 16’ pro deep V. It’s older but has been dependable and a joy to fish from.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Thanks. This one is an 86

GLA Loc: WA State

Well done...I'm sure your fishing partner would be proud!

mbrillhart1957 Loc: Southeast Wyoming

WOW!
Looks great.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

It looks like you did a fine job, Ben. It's probably the best-looking '86 around.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Ben, you are a nice brother. That was a great thing you did.

cyclops Loc: Lexington, N.C.

thats a story I can dig, awesome....

FourchonLa. Loc: Fourchon Louisiana, South Louisiana

Nice job and I would say a boat load of satisfaction in your handiwork. Your friend would be proud of it. Now you’ve got extra room in your garage for your next project. 👍👍👍

CptHook Loc: Southbend, Indiana

Nice job!! Very impressive. Can’t believe that’s an 86, looks like a new boat.

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

Your friend is resting in peace. Good thing👍

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I listened to the old guys stories for hours. He lived a very interesting life Great man.. miss him.

GaryH Loc: Northern Pa.

Nice job Ben. Your friend has a floating memorial. He’d be proud of you...

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I was sweating it. I bought a new boat , this one sitting at the dealers , was afraid I wouldn’t see it thru
I think it all worked for the best. Keeping it in the family at least
Looking forward to taking a ride in it

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

Great job Ben...accent lighting and all...🐟on