One area alot of folks overlook is the trailer. If your RT178 still has the stock trailer, give the bunk boards and wiring a good inspection, especially before longer hauls. Factory bunks tend to wear fast, and light connections can get a bit unreliable with age—swapping the bulbs for LEDs is a modest but worthwhile upgrade.
Comfort-wise, a quality aftermarket seat upgrade pays for itself on those long days out. The stock seating’s pretty utilitarian, and your back will thank you later! Also, if you plan to fish in colder weather, a removable windshield or even a simple windscreen makes a huge difference.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the advantage of a good rod storage system. Custom solutions (even just adding deck straps or tubes) keep gear from tangling or getting knocked around in chop. After a couple rough rides, you’ll want the peace of mind.