I'm "making" a fly fishing platform ...
Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 7:59 am
I thought you guys might like to see the project my son and I are working on. We're converting an old, unloved surfcat into a fishing platform from which we can cast our lines (he's not into fly fishing yet, but I'm sure he'll try it soon. He does love fishing though.) This will only be used in calm waters like near-shore ocean or rivers and lakes.
We started out with a 13' Hawke Surfcat from which we stripped the tramp. Onto the tramp's frame, we've attached a plywood deck, and then fitted a bow-mounted electric motor and a 5.8hp outboard. Still to come are the seats and storage facilities and, of course, registration ....
Sean and I took it out onto the water yesterday afternoon for its first powered sea trial. The video of that can be found here.
We were both very impressed with the way it handled and rode. Sitting directly on the deck as we were, we both got pretty wet from the spray washing the deck, but with seats installed, that's not going to be an issue.
I noticed that the shape of the hulls (long, thin and designed to act as a keel for sailing) hinders the turning ability under power from the electric motor when there is some forward speed built up, but under normal fishing conditions (i.e. standing up while essentially stationary), it's quite manoeuvrable. Not so responsive that I'd go flying over the side like I would with the kayak though!
One advantage of the hull design is that it tracks very well, so being slightly off centre with the leccy's steering doesn't send me round the bend, literally. I actually have to want to turn and deliberately steer that way before it strays off line.
Cheers,
Graeme
We started out with a 13' Hawke Surfcat from which we stripped the tramp. Onto the tramp's frame, we've attached a plywood deck, and then fitted a bow-mounted electric motor and a 5.8hp outboard. Still to come are the seats and storage facilities and, of course, registration ....
Sean and I took it out onto the water yesterday afternoon for its first powered sea trial. The video of that can be found here.
We were both very impressed with the way it handled and rode. Sitting directly on the deck as we were, we both got pretty wet from the spray washing the deck, but with seats installed, that's not going to be an issue.
I noticed that the shape of the hulls (long, thin and designed to act as a keel for sailing) hinders the turning ability under power from the electric motor when there is some forward speed built up, but under normal fishing conditions (i.e. standing up while essentially stationary), it's quite manoeuvrable. Not so responsive that I'd go flying over the side like I would with the kayak though!
One advantage of the hull design is that it tracks very well, so being slightly off centre with the leccy's steering doesn't send me round the bend, literally. I actually have to want to turn and deliberately steer that way before it strays off line.Cheers,
Graeme