SHig's ODC816 Maiden Voyage

[SHigSpeed]

As promised...

Started at one lake at dawn (Stumpy Meadows) but didn't have any good vibes. No fish, only one rise - so movin' on...

Pics:



Then moved on to what is becoming one of my favorite lakes: No motors PERIOD! All 'yaks, 'toons, and tubes!



Sharing fish with the ospreys!



And one of many fish:



So, impressions?

Damn this thing fins fast! When the wind kicked up it was harder to maintain position, but when I wanted to kick, it was quick! I still need to work on my oar technique though. Must be doing something wrong!

Overall, more of a PITA to set up (from scratch) than a tube, but the quick finning is nice. Landing fish is more challenging and the bigger "sail area" will take some getting used to...

Overall, I like it, but the seat has to go. No padding on the molded plastic seat ain't cutting it. Gonna put some thought into redoing it soon.

'Till next time,

_SHig
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[flygoddess]

They sell the same seat in the padded version at WalMart.
What is harder about landing a fish?
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[SHigSpeed]

[quote flygoddess]They sell the same seat in the padded version at WalMart.
What is harder about landing a fish?[/quote]

Hmm... Wally World eh?

As for landing a fish, the 'conez' on the 'toon and the footrests are more in the way than on the tube. Also being higher out of the water makes me further from the fish.

_SHig
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Well, at least you survived the shakedown cruise without having to deal with gale force winds. That would have had you thinking about never getting on your toon again. Glad you also got some fish. That tends to put a nicer glow on the experience.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have tried toons a couple of times and have also found them to be less friendly in terms of landing fish and in easily accessing all things you need to lay hands on. You just have to get used to the idea of landing fish on the side, rather than the front.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The rowing thing will come with practice. If your previous rowing experience has been in a regular boat, you are used to some "foregiveness" if you apply too much oar stroke on one side. A heavy boat plows the water and is not influenced as much or as quickly by uneven application of power on one side or the other. But...a pontoon rides high on the water and can spin on a dime...and give you change. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In addition to having the length of the oars properly set, you also need to make sure everything is balanced right on board. Being heavier on either side will create more drag on that side. Also, you need to make sure the seat and footrest positions are set right for your size and weight. The craft should rest absolutely horizontal with you sitting in the payload position.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]When practicing rowing, don't try to throw a roostertail until you have developed a smooth steady rhythm. Walk before you run...so to speak.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is good that you plan to use fins for positioning and for short moves...or slow moves from one spot to another. Unless the wind comes up you will be able to use fin power for most of your mobility. But, when the wind does pick up a bit, having the oars and knowing how to use them will make you glad you have the toon with auxiliary power.[/#0000ff]
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[flygoddess]

[quote SHigSpeed][quote flygoddess]They sell the same seat in the padded version at WalMart.
What is harder about landing a fish?[/quote]

Hmm... Wally World eh?

As for landing a fish, the 'conez' on the 'toon and the footrests are more in the way than on the tube. Also being higher out of the water makes me further from the fish.

_SHig[/quote]



Maybe I don't have a problem cause I use a 9' Fly rod. I haven't landed a fish on the side. Too awkward for me, but I do use a long handled net.
I guess I adapted and got use to it
This is the Navigator, and it has a bar that runs across the front from tube to tube, no opening



This one is my CC. Not a great picture but still in front

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