SOLO Revisited

[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.