Advice needed - Adding accessories to R5

[Scicciari]

Hi Folks - have a 2017 R5 and thinking about adding lights and windlass to front of boat - looking for advice if it
Would be ok to do after delivered from factory?

[Big Block Power]

I would get that 100%from the factory.

[Scicciari]

Let me rephrase :0) - ok to add to my existing boat - looks like a great feature I would use a ton and the forum in other chats favored it. Do I trust a dealer to add the holes and install or don’t mess with it? - new to this boating stuff, but you have helped me a ton this week! This site rocks!

[tgrace98]

Windlass and docking lights will be really hard to add now. Those are some pretty nice sized holes that need to be drilled into the bow. I would assume this would not be cheap either.

[Big Block Power]

Docking lights I would tackle before windlass. I'm assuming everything is pre-wired.

[Ytmsn]

No way I'd sawzall a hole that big in my boat for lights. Unless you put LEDs in they're worthless anyway except for looks.

And installing a windless would be waaay out of my comfort zone. Not sure I'd be comfortable with anyone else cutting that big of a hole in my bow either.

[Norris_Boating]

Asked my dealer about adding accessories, the said they could add any accessory to the boat after purchase except windlasses.
So I would personally be VERY careful before adding that, lots of potential weight on bow when pulling it up.

[BobRae99]

lots of potential weight on bow when pulling it up.

Do you think weight is a problem if it is installed correctly? After all the same boat comes equipped with one from the factory. Unless you are suggesting a boat built with the optional windlass has some extra structure applied to handle the windlass. That would be something to check on with the factory.

[cmattj]

Windlass option does have a different configurations . Order it OEM. You won’t regret it. Even the add for resale will pay you back what you spend.