The Boat Shed - Fin chaser fc430 fc390 modifications pimp my boat

Fin chaser fc430 fc390 modifications pimp my boat

Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: General Forums
Forum Name: The Boat Shed
Forum Description: Discuss all things boating.
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=140098
Printed Date: 04 Jun 2026 at 11:18am

Topic: Fin chaser fc430 fc390 modifications pimp my boat

Posted By: Munsterdog
Subject: Fin chaser fc430 fc390 modifications pimp my boat
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2026 at 5:49am

Took the plunge and am proud new owner of fc40cc after long time watching.

Would love to hear/see what tweaks/mods/adjustments people have made to their fc430/fc390 etc

For example flooring/grip pads/seat adjustments, live bait tank cover, storage adjustments, maintenance items/tips and small finishings that make life easy or help look after it. The little things that make sense and bring benefit?

As an owner of previous boats I know it can take some time to work out little tweaks so keen to hear and share!

Replies:

Posted By: The Tamure Kid
Date Posted: 16 Mar 2026 at 7:34pm

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.

Posted By: Munsterdog
Date Posted: 12 May 2026 at 8:20am

Some great ideas in there thanks - had also noticed the chain/cable issue on the trailer which I need to sort out.

My time been taken up with some fixes/maintenance at this point, get that sorted before mods...

One thing I have been doing is replacing the original (Soudaseal 240FC MS a.k.a Gorilla ms) flexible sealant used under the gunwhales, the original has split presumably from too much movement/elongation. I am replacing with Sikaflex AT Facade, this stuff has huge elongation so should hold up well, check under yours if it's holding up - doesn't appear it's used for structural, more for keeping foam chips in.

Wondering about something washable to 'plug' the gunwhale rod holders, noting the bottom is open (for draining) but straight into foam chips. Don't want to loose hooks/bait etc down there...

Also added a high amp breaker on the battery (carefully speced for high starting currents, time will tell if it was a bad idea) as the unprotected leads running through the metal hull concerned me a bit along with adding ventilation hoses for the battery - not much space/fresh air in center console near potentially sparking wiring, but I am very likely being over cautious as I work in electronics. Also noted the default fuses appeared very high e.g. 20A for fish finder which normally runs below 1A.

Lastly, a few mini mods/drill hole in places that don't drain well e.g. shelves under bow I noticed had sitting water after jet wash.

So nothing 'exciting' yet but getting these things sweet as first then into the fun stuff :)