In our last issue, we covered what went into rigging Toy Boat 2 prior to
launch. Now we'll fast-forward four years, and discuss where we are now
and how we got there...
Here are some things that we added since we first launched Toy Boat
2...
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
Net holders
|
We needed an out-of-the-way place to put our folding net (a
net is required by the California DFG when fishing in the ocean) |
Just fine. Things are a bit crowded under the rods, but it works. |
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
Custom tackle shelf, mounted to console rail.
|
There is very little room on the console to place things like
extra hooks, used lures, etc. during the course of the day. We built this
shelf from Starboard marine lumber, and
suspended it at the top of the console rail using some zip ties. |
Just fine |
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
External GPS antenna
|
Our tackle shelf obstructs the GPS's view of the sky. We
purchased a Lowrance external antenna for the GPS, and mounted it on a
small piece of polyethylene cutting board glued to the end of a Shakespeare 12"
fiberglass antenna extension |
Just fine |
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
Simrad AP12R autopilot
|
Our offshore runs are often 1 - 3 hours long, sometimes solo. As many people
will attest, it can be very tough to steer a straight course by hand over this
distance.
Also, our Edgewater 175CC hull does not track very well at 2-3 mph, so setting
out trolling lines by ourselves was tough. We originally used bungee
cords to keep the steering wheel from turning while setting out trolling
lines.
|
Just fine, after we figured out a problem which we caused by leaving the AP12R
in Navigate mode while the boat was drifting. See the
Scorecard for more details
|
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
New sonars
|
The Lowrance X-85 sonar was a good performer in general, but for
saltwater use, the Furuno LS61000 and Raymarine DS600X units fare better |
Just fine. See the "Sonar
Reflections"
article in this issue for more comments. |
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
Cutting board / bait tank lid
|
This acts as a splash guard, and also provide a convenient place to
cut chunks, strip baits, or rig dead baits |
Pretty well, considering adding a lip around it to prevent stuff from rolling
off. |
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
Anchor retrieval float
|
The first time we had to haul the 14 lb anchor + 20 feet of chain up from
200 feet, we knew we needed a better way to do it.
|
Just fine, once we figured out that the anchor-to-chain and chain-to-rode
junctions need to be fairly smooth. See the
Scorecard for more details
This item has saved us a lot of work, is cheap, and works well.
|
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
Floatation cushion hooks (these are two hooks on the front of the
bait tank / leaning post that we hang the throwable Type IV PFD from)
|
This keeps the Type IV throwable PFD handy, yet out of the way |
Just fine |
| We added |
Because |
And it's working...
|
|
Water pressure gauge
|
We had the gauge left over from when we bought the hull. Our old
Johnson 90 did not support a water pressure gauge, but our new Evinrude E-TEC
does, so we put the gauge bac in. |
Just fine.
|