SOLO Revisited - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

makobob · 02-20-2017, 10:52 AM

Questions for OEX
Is there a transducer mount area?
Will the Pro Mar nets fit behing the engine when in the run position, YEP looks like a great LOBSTER platform. Thanks.

Baja_Traveler · 02-20-2017, 11:10 AM

After visiting OEX Mission Bay and seeing it in person, I can say that the promar nets will not fit behind the engine - unless you devise some sort of special holder for them to mount them vertically - and then raising the outboard cant be done because they would be in the way.

But, there are square acres out front - much more room than a PA14. Some sort of holder can be devised to stack them flat up there easily.

I've found out that the only way to mount a transducer is off a bracket, either mounted using a transom mount, or better, using a ram clamp on the rear grab bar so it can be folded up and out of the way for transport. Another option would be to just use one of the ram arms that go over the side - that could easily be swung up and out of the water while underway. Inside mounting is a no-go because of the foam. It was suggested that it could be possible to carefully carve away a pocket down to the hard hull to mount one, but not advised.

makobob · 02-20-2017, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

After visiting OEX Mission Bay and seeing it in person, I can say that the promar nets will not fit behind the engine - unless you devise some sort of special holder for them to mount them vertically - and then raising the outboard cant be done because they would be in the way.

But, there are square acres out front - much more room than a PA14. Some sort of holder can be devised to stack them flat up there easily.

I've found out that the only way to mount a transducer is off a bracket, either mounted using a transom mount, or better, using a ram clamp on the rear grab bar so it can be folded up and out of the way for transport. Another option would be to just use one of the ram arms that go over the side - that could easily be swung up and out of the water while underway. Inside mounting is a no-go because of the foam. It was suggested that it could be possible to carefully carve away a pocket down to the hard hull to mount one, but not advised.

Thanks Kai, figured the nets would not fit, transducer mount should not be a problem eigther. These would be nice to boat-a-van from Puertocitos to our place or from there to Punta Final. Day trips or camp along the way. Such mobility. DREAMS.

Baja_Traveler · 02-20-2017, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by makobob

Thanks Kai, figured the nets would not fit, transducer mount should not be a problem eigther. These would be nice to boat-a-van from Puertocitos to our place or from there to Punta Final. Day trips or camp along the way. Such mobility. DREAMS.

Believe me, I've already been looking into possibilities. Pulling up Google Earth and using the ruler it looks like it would be 15 miles fishing south to Punta Final (crossing Gonzaga Bay). 30 mile round trip, easily done and with fuel to spare.

blazian · 02-22-2017, 01:19 AM

I believe it is not recommended to chip away at the foam because it may not come out smooth (ruining the imaging) but another guy on a forum mentioned that he was going to use a hot metal plate to melt down/smooth any bumpy spots. Not sure if that will work though. Saw it down in OEX (Kerry waas really cool and informative) and its a better option if you like running trolling motors on your pro angler IMHO.

Iceman · 02-22-2017, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Inside mounting is a no-go because of the foam. It was suggested that it could be possible to carefully carve away a pocket down to the hard hull to mount one, but not advised.

this is the same foam that was in the original Malibu Extreme to provide extra rigidity (as well as the Hobie PA 17) as well as flotation. I have removed sections to install transducers on the MK Extreme, sure their disclaimer is because you need to attempt this carefully to not damage the kayak.

sculpins4bait · 03-30-2017, 10:45 AM

So don't buy this for goin to the 9?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Baja_Traveler · 04-19-2017, 11:45 AM

I have not launched or landed in surf conditions yet - still waiting for those pesky back ordered wheels to come in. The Solo paddles just as well or even easier than a PA. I don't see any problem launching at La Jolla - just push the boat out to knee deep water and go, but I have yet to try it...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

cris · 04-19-2017, 01:31 PM

That photo is great. Love the colors.

02-20-2017, 10:52 AM	#1
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	SOLO Revisited Questions for OEX Is there a transducer mount area? Will the Pro Mar nets fit behing the engine when in the run position, YEP looks like a great LOBSTER platform. Thanks. __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

02-20-2017, 11:10 AM	#2
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	After visiting OEX Mission Bay and seeing it in person, I can say that the promar nets will not fit behind the engine - unless you devise some sort of special holder for them to mount them vertically - and then raising the outboard cant be done because they would be in the way. But, there are square acres out front - much more room than a PA14. Some sort of holder can be devised to stack them flat up there easily. I've found out that the only way to mount a transducer is off a bracket, either mounted using a transom mount, or better, using a ram clamp on the rear grab bar so it can be folded up and out of the way for transport. Another option would be to just use one of the ram arms that go over the side - that could easily be swung up and out of the water while underway. Inside mounting is a no-go because of the foam. It was suggested that it could be possible to carefully carve away a pocket down to the hard hull to mount one, but not advised.

02-22-2017, 01:19 AM	#5
blazian Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 106	I believe it is not recommended to chip away at the foam because it may not come out smooth (ruining the imaging) but another guy on a forum mentioned that he was going to use a hot metal plate to melt down/smooth any bumpy spots. Not sure if that will work though. Saw it down in OEX (Kerry waas really cool and informative) and its a better option if you like running trolling motors on your pro angler IMHO.

03-30-2017, 10:45 AM	#7
sculpins4bait Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: SD Posts: 104	So don't buy this for goin to the 9? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-19-2017, 11:45 AM	#8
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	I have not launched or landed in surf conditions yet - still waiting for those pesky back ordered wheels to come in. The Solo paddles just as well or even easier than a PA. I don't see any problem launching at La Jolla - just push the boat out to knee deep water and go, but I have yet to try it... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

04-19-2017, 01:31 PM	#9
cris Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 254	That photo is great. Love the colors.