Comfort Troll???????

[Lugnut]

Just wondering how difficult the install is? Is there anything that I need to look out for? Or any little tips that could save me time or heartache? I have an '85 Ranger 370V and just ordered one to install. Thanks in advance

[WON Teams]

I just installed one in my 519 when I re-did the carpet. No problem. Took about 15 min and that includes cleaning up the mess.
The only issue I had is on the 99 519 the front center storage compartment goes so far forward you cut into it just a little ways. It in no way affects the looks or function but it took me a few minutes to figure out why the part of the deck I cut would not come out.
Also, I used a claw hammer to clean out the foam so the comfort troll would fit.

Good Luck

GW

[Randy Walker]

lugnut,
I am not sure the exact differences between your boat and my 2004 Ranger when it comes to drainage system, foam injection, wiring (running under front decking-lighted compartments usually)
and placement of your front livewell\dry storage box. The 2 things that I ran into was cutting my storage compartment lighting wires (easy enough to fix) and having to cut into the backend of my dry storage center box. If you have no issues with these 2 things - your task should be an easy one. Have yourself some new blades for saw your going to use and about an hour to spare...it's all worth it when done. Hands down one of the best fishing purchases that I have ever made....PERIOD!!! I know someone that has an older boat (diff brand) that said that it took him about 30 minutes because he did not have any foam up front to dig out like in the new Rangers (maybe old also??)...good luck! and enjoy the benefits.

[Lugnut]

Well by the sounds of it I should have it realitively easy.....knock on wood. I just have to check the distance from the front of my deck to my front livewell, clearance, etc. Thanks guys, I am starting to get excited.

[wormman99]

I just had one installed on my '87 373V. It also has a front livewell like yours. Be careful that you don't cut too far forward on the deck. if you do, you will have to remove part of a crossmember that runs across the deck. This will make the install a lot harder. Installed, the front edge of the ComfortTroll is 3 1/2" back from the edge of the carpet. My livewell has a "step" on the front half and I had to cut the nipple off on the bottom of the ComforTroll or it would not sit level. I didn't need it anyway as it drains right into the livewell. Also, if you have to dig away any insulation, make sure you seal it. If you don't, it will soak up water like a sponge. I put a bead of silicone on the ComforTroll before screwing it down. I also swapped out the included screws for stainless. Hope this helps.

[BT]

You telling me Comfor Troll don't include stainless screws! WOW!

You are right about sealing it very well. If that foam in the Rangers starts getting water in, it becomes a sponge and losses its floation abilities in a short amount of time.

P.S. If the foam becomes fully saturated the boat is considered a total loss by insurance companies. There is NO method for drying out the saturated foam.

[wormman99]

I don't know if they were stainless or not. I replaced them because I though they were too thin.

[Ken C.]

Check out BassBoatCentral.com and do a search on recessed tray, comfortroll, flatfoot and pro tray. There are a couple of write-ups that include nice pictures. I know there is (or was) at least one installation on a Ranger with good pictures showing the foam and cutting the storage box. You might also want to talk with Gene at the Hook since he has installed a couple himself.

[Ken Mah]

It should take you about 2 hours to install it. Most of that time is spent measuring and measuring and then re-measuring. It’s the best and scariest hole that you will cut.

Drop me an e-mail and I can forward those pictures.

Ken Mah

[C-Bone]

I just installed one on my 04" Champion.....toughest part was getting the nerve to do it. Getting it square on the deck is the only real issue.

BEST tip I can give is use a 4 1/2" angle grinder w/ a diamond tile blade. I picked the whole set-up at Harbor freight in Stockton for around $30.00......goes through the carpet and deck like BUTTER.

The best thing about the diamond blade and grinder was I could "feather the hole and the rounded cut in the front that was a bit tight without trying to get a bite w/ a saw....

I used the grinder to install my flush mount graph on a hunch and it just blew me away how easy it cuts

P.S. WEAR EYE PROTECTION, LONG SLEEVES, and GLOVES...that stuff is downright ITCHY!!!!

[Ken C.]

One other tip I read was to have a helper run a shop-vac while you are cutting. Have them hold the nozzle right at the saw blade. This will suck up most of the fiberglass dust. And yes, speaking from experience you want to wear gloves, face mask, long sleeves and generally seal yourself up from the fiberglass dust. When you are done take a COLD shower as that will tighten up your pores and the bits of glass will either not get into your skin, or if they're already there it will make 'em stand up so you can get them out better with a washcloth.

Let us know how you do!