SOLO Revisited

[makobob]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[blazian]

Originally Posted by Iceman

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.

Cool thanks for the info! I really only wanted to mount it on the inside like my Hobie. I really want one of these, just need to sell my PA14 or just lie to my wife and say i'm demoing a new kayak

[makobob]

Originally Posted by blazian

Cool thanks for the info! I really only wanted to mount it on the inside like my Hobie. I really want one of these, just need to sell my PA14 or just lie to my wife and say i'm demoing a new kayak

You can always tell her that you have the Pa 14 up for sale.

BTW, I went down to OEX mission beach this morning and pulled the trigger. Asked for the 1st one available, so do I get it before or after my Sentri arrives?????

Guy's these are really well built and have a good finish. Now to figure how I want it rigged. Tight Lines and get YOURS, there is a SHOW SPECIAL.........I doubt you will see these USED for sale unless it is a hardship sale.

[defjack]

Bob what motor are you going to use? I think this boat is going to be just right for you

[alanw]

Fishing the domes or Laguna from Dana Point, this thing is looking good. Are there any good seating options for it?

[SDROB]

[QUOTE=makobob;275773]
(BTW, I went down to OEX mission beach this morning and pulled the trigger. Asked for the 1st one available, so do I get it before or after my Sentri arrives?????)

Whaaaat! You lucky dog..... More than likely I will be getting one in the near future too!(within the next year) Were gonna have a blast!

[makobob]

Originally Posted by alanw

Fishing the domes or Laguna from Dana Point, this thing is looking good. Are there any good seating options for it?

Have to see about the seating options, Jack the Honda is very tempting because of the warrantee, the Tohatsu seems to be the best price point.

[Baja_Traveler]

Mine will be as plain as possible to start off (other than Marine Mats installed), but if I should decide to put some sort of back support in, I'm going in this direction. Unfortunately - my awesome seat in the PA is 6 inches too wide to fit the hatch, or I'd be putting in mounts for it. Heck, I still might when I can get a boat to see if it will work...
Learning a ton from the Texas Solo Skiff guys, seat is from Jackson Kayak...

[MrPukaShell]

I can't wait to see it. There looks to be a lot of rigging options. I like the one where the guy put Hobie rails on it. Good for you

[Baja_Traveler]

The OEX demo boat at the Fred Hall shows will have the Hobie rails on it, so you can see it there.

[Iceman]

Swivel boat seat would be perfect.

[Baja_Traveler]

Here's a happy discovery - I was shopping around for a SUP paddle to use on the skiff, finding out the decent ones are well over $200. My exploration lead me to the Bending Branches Angler Optimus paddle extension and stake out pole kit for $120 on Amazon - free shipping, and it went out 2nd day air no less. It just came today, and fits my existing Hobie paddle perfectly. Maybe some use for the 8 foot stake out pole in south bay fishing for bonefish, but I figure it will be good to have later in the year on the Mag Bay trip...

Bending Branches SUP Extension

[makobob]

I ordered the Solo Skiff in Sea Foam from OEX Mission Bay about $1950 out the door with the H rails from Hobie. I will add a swivel boat seat from West Marine. The Honda 6 will arrive next Friday from the Dingy Doctor for $1900 out the door. I will transfer the Dragonfly 7 between the Outback, the Solo Skiff and the Gregor.
That makes the skiff almost $4K which is a lot of money, but I feel there will be a lot of BANG for that cash. Besides doing Asuncion, and Mag Bay, Puertocitos to Punta final. There would be the afternoons to Isla San Luis, carry over the "0" gravity chair and dinner makings and spend the night. Life is good I HOPE YOU ARE LIVING YOURS, to the fullest. Tight Lines.

[SDROB]

Awesome news Bob! Congratulations... Can't wait to see you back on the water...

[stevie951]

Originally Posted by makobob

I ordered the Solo Skiff in Sea Foam from OEX Mission Bay about $1950 out the door with the H rails from Hobie. I will add a swivel boat seat from West Marine. The Honda 6 will arrive next Friday from the Dingy Doctor for $1900 out the door. I will transfer the Dragonfly 7 between the Outback, the Solo Skiff and the Gregor.
That makes the skiff almost $4K which is a lot of money, but I feel there will be a lot of BANG for that cash. Besides doing Asuncion, and Mag Bay, Puertocitos to Punta final. There would be the afternoons to Isla San Luis, carry over the "0" gravity chair and dinner makings and spend the night. Life is good I HOPE YOU ARE LIVING YOURS, to the fullest. Tight Lines.

Not bad not bad, and excellent advice .. Especially considering some spend more than that on their hobies and they are using leg power not Horse power