Nothing to do but dream of accessorizing

slman · **Joined:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:54 am **Posts:** 199

I guess I need something to do while the snow is still around and I can't use my new boat. So, I spend time trying to think of additions/mods I could do on my SL262. Has anyone done any?? I know there are not a ton of SL's out there but I think its more than we all think.

First thing I am considering is a top dash mounted GPS. The one from the factory would be put next to the steering wheel and to me, that location stinks for visibility...which is why I want one on the top of the dash. My dealer has made his suggestion...any others??

Any other ideas for accessories/mods?

Cougar...although we matched high temps on the east and west coast on Sunday, we are right back in the cold.

Looking forward to any and all suggestions!

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:34 pm

Accessorizing is a DISEASE.

SLMan - I agree that the spot that FW puts the GPS units is not good for visibility. I found that I spent more time driving the H240 sitting on the bolster and peaking above the windshield. A GPS down there would have been totally useless for me - but it sure looks dang sweet.

I think that's a great accessory if you boat along a coastline... I would definitely make that a P1. Which one is Ryan recommending? Also consider if you can get the GPS plugged in to show trim tab data, fuel flow info, etc... Kinda a cool feature.

Other "accessories" to consider.

1) What's your plans for a BBQ on board?
2) AC inverter for charging phones, laptops, etc?
3) Good quality ropes/fenders/fender covers/etc? Do you have a good achor/rode setup for the boat?
4) Watersports toys... and ways to inflate them, haul them, and ropes to tow with them. Also take a look at the Four Winns raft on the accessories site -- it's SWEET!
5) Lights. LEDs, under water, platform, cupholder rings - whatever.
6) Stereo. I'm all about JL Audio (although I just found a nice connection for Kicker gear which is making me think twice)
7) What can you get to make your wife happy? Happy wife = any boat accessories you want.

Trailering accessories... locks/couplers/straps/spares/all the stuff to make trailering easier.
9) See #7
10) Save money for gas. With a 496 HO - you'll need it.

slman · **Joined:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:54 am **Posts:** 199

Well Cougar...now you have me thinking!
Ryan suggested a standard horizon CP 180 and that seems like a really good choice.

The other thing I can see for this year is a grill (I read your other thread). I do not have the rail system so the first question I want help with is whether or not I should install the swim platform rail?? Is it worth it? Is that the most logical place to put a grill? HELP!

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:58 pm

Slman ---

That Standard Horizon unit is a good one from the reviews that are out there. You might also consider some of the Garmin units -- the 500 series is getting solid reviews as well. Price/size/features it's a toss up.

Check out the Garmins:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148

As for BBQ's -- I don't think I'd go the transom rail mount on the SL262. I'm not sure it would look quite right on that boat????

I would try some sort of socket/flush mount setup like this:

If you go with a kettle style grill - you can get a slick little setup (ask Ryan about the one they did for me on my 240). It's an Attwod universal adapter thing that's mounted on the hull - and you can attach anything from rod holders to a bbq arm in it. Then, you just buy the bbq rod arm attachment and off you go. the mount has a nice rubber cover so when the bbq is not in use, it looks nice and clean.

If you have rod holders - that heavy duty setup above looks sweet if you go with a larger bbq than the kettle style.

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:09 pm

This is the mount I used on my H240.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/us ... Mount+Base

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:18 pm

The mounting arm took me a few minutes to find... it's a Magma arm:

It's the 'fish on' adapter that works with the Attwood base.

I actually never used the setup at all... which surprised me... so I still have the arm in package.

If you decide to go this route let me know and we'll work something out and I'll send you the arm.

slman · **Joined:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:54 am **Posts:** 199

cougarcruiser wrote:

Slman ---
As for BBQ's -- I don't think I'd go the transom rail mount on the SL262. I'm not sure it would look quite right on that boat????

I would try some sort of socket/flush mount setup like this:

I don't think a simple kettle style will cut it as I always seem to have a bunch of people around that want to be on the boat (imagine that!). That said, I like the stainless socket mount as it looks like it would "fit in" on my boat because there is A LOT of stainless and it makes the boat really stand out. The next question would be location as I am really scratching my head on this one. On the four winns rail mount for the transom, can it be easily put up or taken down or is it more "permanent"...I've never seen one installed. The swim platform is SO HUGE on my boat that it seems logical to cook out there to stay out of the way. There is even a seat to relax in and cupholders to keep my beverage handy. Maybe there is some kind of mount with a pole style that can just be taken in and out when needed (kind of like the older style four winns cockpit tables that mounted in the floor).

Damn...I really need to get back to New Hampshire and take a good look at the boat to decide where and what!

Flying Sushi · **Posted:** Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:00 am

Slman:
How about custom build camper canvas? One reason I did not get an arch for my 260 is to have a camper canvas which we use a lot in boating in New England especially in spring and fall. They really extend our boating season. I understand the camper canvas is not offer from Four Winns for SL262 but Ryan has a contractor who can build one for any boat.
Actually I am thinking about getting an arch for my 260 and custom build canvas for it as well….

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:03 am

SLMan,

You have enough room on the sides of the boat that I would really consider doing one of those beefy, flush mount rod holder style mounts. You could then go for the Newport or Catalina grill.

My vote would be the port side area above the sink. That gives you the real "galley". ha ha.

slman · **Joined:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:54 am **Posts:** 199

cougarcruiser wrote:

SLMan,

You have enough room on the sides of the boat that I would really consider doing one of those beefy, flush mount rod holder style mounts. You could then go for the Newport or Catalina grill.

My vote would be the port side area above the sink. That gives you the real "galley". ha ha.

Cougar...I like how you rub it in by putting up the pic of the smoke coming out of the thru hull exhaust.LOL

Well, I do have the sink...so its not a bad idea. But, if the cockpit table is up then it will get tight in that area...but definitely doable. I just thought making use of that huge swim platform somehow would free up space in the cockpit for people to eat and socialize.

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:55 am

You know Ryan can always add that exhaust? or an arch? or ANYTHING you could dream of for a boat!

Slman - did you hear about the custom pontoon he cooked up? Twin Verado 200's? Check out Winnisquam's homepage - it's pretty slick. For a well known author who has a home on the big lake next door...

I thought about the side for the BBQ because I worry that a pedestal mount on your platform might take away from the clean lines of that rubber mat... but that's totally an option.

The rail system is very sweet. I wouldnt have ordered it, but it came with the boat I got. I actually REALLY like it so far. very stout and well built. And yes - you can remove it quick-release style. The challenge will be how/where you might store it? It's pretty cumbersome. I don't foresee ever removing it on our 318... but if we do - there's no good place for it. That's the only downside I see of that.

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:17 pm

Here...maybe this will help:
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2772&p=25951#p25951

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Thu Feb 12, 2009 5:43 pm

LEDs!!! YES! slman! That would really set off that 262!

IF the 318 wasn't already fairly decked out with them - it'd be high on my list!

slman · **Joined:** Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:54 am **Posts:** 199

Cougarcruiser is going to be a bad influence....my wallet does not like you.

As for LED's...I only use the boat after the sun goes down a couple times a year...so for me...not really worth it.

But keep th ideas coming!

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:04 pm

Nobody's putting a gun to anyone here.

I'm all about ideas and "things to think about".

Although - 0 for 3 so far.

No thru-hull exhaust
No arch
No LEDs

BBQ is tbd. ha ha

www.iFourWinns.com

Nothing to do but dream of accessorizing

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