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Reader Boat
Profile: The Metal Man - Jim Day
What kind of person converts a 14 foot aluminum skiff to an offshore fishing
machine?
Background
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Overview
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Neat Stuff-Part 1
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Neat Stuff-Part 2
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Parting Shot
Motor
 The
starboard motor has the original Suzuki steering and throttle cables. Jim
fabricated the necessary parts to attach the port motor. Note the Doel-fin
hydroplanes. The two motors are not counter-rotating, but are small enough so
that torque steering is not a problem.
The motors can be tilted completely out of the water. As mention earlier, fuel
economy with the single motor is outstanding. 
Jim usually trolls with just a single motor.
Rather than try to get a binnacle dual-motor control for the small Suzukis, Jim
simply added a  second
single-engine control to the left side of the console. The console is narrow
enough that having the throttles split like this has not been a problem.
Jim installed a Racor water separator filter to help protect fuel. It is
located along the starboard gunwhale, where it is easily inspected and serviced
if needed.
Electronics
  The
small console holds a Ritchie compass, VHF radio, full-size sonar, handheld
GPS, and a Raymarine Sportpilot+ autopilot. The I-Top mounts the JRC radome,
which was chosen because of it's light weight.
Also note the electrical accessory plug. This little box is mounted on the left
side of the top crossbar of the I-Top. It's used for powering squid
lights. The plugs / sockets are actually units designed
for electric guitars. These heavily-chromed connectors form a pretty
solid connection, and have proven to be very rust-resistant.
Jim uses AGM deep-cycle wheelchair batteries, rather than conventional marine
batteries. They are considerably smaller than regular batteries, like all AGM
batteries can be mounted in any position, and have a reasonable electrical
capacity. Also relatively cheap compared to marine AGM batteries.
Fishing
 
One of the benefits of being a welder and making your own rails: Jim added this
custom mount for his Scotty electric downrigger, built into the stern rail
Note the rod racks in the front of the I-Top (right)
  Here's
a neat trick...Jim built his own collapsible / autoextending outriggers. The
units telescope when raised, but when lowered, the tension cord automatically
extends the outrigger. The tension cord also reinforces the 'rigger, and
reduces flexing to the rear. The 'riggers are hinged at the base
  The
30 gallon livewell was custom-built out of 10 gauge aluminum. When the
plexiglas cover with a seat cushion is in place, the livewell becomes a seat in
the perfect location for a fisherman hooked up to a large fish. From this
positon, the solo angler can easily reach both engine controls, as well as
steer the boat and work the radio. Note the corner pieces that "round out" the
interior.
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