G'day. I wondered what you meant by Fin Chaser - now I realise it's a rename of the old Fish City.
I have the FC465, which is the same hull as the 430 but with a different stern and a basic aluminium 'windscreen'.
I bought it from new and have really enjoyed it. Really punches above its weight in terms of sea keeping, dryness, and fishing room, which is what I'd heard about the boats.
The modifications I came up with were:
1. a wooden platform that fits into the back right corner - as you look back from the bow - to hold the tote tank flat. I'm not sure if the 430 has the same issue, but for me, having the tote tank on an angle (30 degree?) was odd and made the gauge hard to read accurately. It can be pulled out for washing, and has rails on top to stop the tote sliding when underway.
2. A Railblaza rod holder screwed into the lip of the bow storage area. I can put a rod horizontal in that when underway. I also added two stick on foam rod holders with velcro straps along that front area, but I've seen most guys with 430s fit plastic multi-rod holders in the same spot. The 465 has a slightly different shape there that doesnt' make a multi rod bracket practical.
I don't find the rod holders that run along the port side of the hull very practical when actively fishing. Okay for a spare rod, though. I don't put rods in the normal holders along the top of the gunwales when underway to avoid spray on the reels.
3. I have an issue with the Voyager trailer design that mine came with - the chain to secure to the vehicle seems too short. I have thought about getting a longer one to allow a bit of leeway when turning etc. I also had an issue with the chain cutting the rubber sleeve and wire for the trailer tail lights when turning. So I put reinforcing tape all along the hose/sleeve, and also pushed packing foam into the open end of the trailer to stop the chain contacting the piping. Check out your trailer to see whether they've improved that.
I have thought about a lid for the live bait tank. I think a simple one made from perspex with a foam rubber along the edges so it fits nicely over the top of the live bait well would be worth a go. I seldom use the live bait tank, so haven't got serious about the mod, though.
Let us know what you end up doing.
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