|
Post by usckayak on Aug 8, 2013 16:05:50 GMT -5
I was wanting to get everyone's opinion on the microskiff trend. What I mean about this is do you think it is "cheating" if someone uses both human power and mechanical power? Is there a difference, in your opinion, to a paddle and say the mirage drive or peddle/prop drive? Is there a difference between the peddle drive vs powered, ie electric/gas motors? I am not trying to advocate one system or style over the other, I'm just trying to get an open discussion going.
I only bring this up because I've been seeing more and more of the so called "microskiffs" for example, the soloskiff and the dragonfly style boats being offered. I can see both sides to the argument. There have been plenty of times I am searching google maps and I see what I think is a promising spot, only to find it is several miles away from a launching area. That makes for a heck of a paddle, while probably doable, it would be tiring. Then again having to charge a battery or buy gas for an outboard doesn't sound exactly like fun.
|
|
|
Post by bigredobsession on Aug 8, 2013 16:45:29 GMT -5
I like the idea. My next boat will be a gheenoe with a 9.9 on it. Just enough to get it almost to a plane but still small enough to be lightweight in case I have to get out and drag. Our area really isn't condusive to kayak fishing. There aren't that many places to launch compared to like Florida. We have too many barrier islands which usually put our launch sites on the main land and that could be several mile paddle to any good spot.
With a gheenoe or similar boat you could make several miles in no time.
|
|
|
Post by 3spots on Aug 8, 2013 18:09:37 GMT -5
There's a place for the micro skiffs and the situation that you pointed out about good spots far away is perfect. There is always some sort of maintenance/upkeep to do with any craft. Most guys I know that paddle can hang with the peddlers, it's just preference. The peddlers obviously have the upper hand due to the fact that they can fish while moving.
|
|
|
Post by usckayak on Aug 8, 2013 19:58:47 GMT -5
I like the idea. My next boat will be a gheenoe with a 9.9 I'm glad you mentioned gheenoe, because they have been around for forever and a day. They obviously make a unique product too. 3spots I would think the peddlers have a slight advantage over paddlers since leg muscles are stronger than you arms. I doubt I could hang with peddlers.
|
|
|
Post by bigredobsession on Aug 9, 2013 0:31:16 GMT -5
You can paddle just as fast as a peddler but you can't do it for long. Like Trey said, the main advantage is having your hands free of a paddle and on a reel more. I would guess a peddler cast's twice as much as a paddler.
|
|
|
Post by savreds on Aug 9, 2013 9:48:28 GMT -5
I don't know why some people get so hung up on issues like this myself either. If someone wants to paddle to get to where they fish, so be it. If the want to peddle, great. If they want to have a Solo Skiff (like I want), have at it. If you want to have a flats boat that runs 85 mph to get there, great! The thing is, it's a personal choice. Personally I'd like to have all of them and a 40 Skater cat with a couple of 1500 hp Illmor's in it so I could go run 150 mph in the ocean. The only time the means of propulsion should matter is during a tournament and that will be specified in the rules. All that being said, I don't think anyone should look down or have negative feelings about someone just because you don't have or like their means of getting to the fish!
|
|
|
Post by bwanajim on Aug 9, 2013 9:52:45 GMT -5
What is considered a microskiff?
I have my 15' Riverhawk (up for sale by the way) would that be considered one?
|
|
|
Post by bigredobsession on Aug 9, 2013 11:34:49 GMT -5
Yeah it would. I have seen that up for sale for a while now. Has very many people shown interest in it?
|
|
|
Post by bwanajim on Aug 9, 2013 18:56:35 GMT -5
Three have, 1 seriously and 2 just out of interest I think, but I'm in no rush to sell it. I hate putting stuff on craigs list.
|
|
|
Post by usckayak on Aug 9, 2013 20:14:13 GMT -5
Basically if its on microskiff.com, which Ive seen people convert old sailing dingy's on there.
|
|
|
Post by frankc on Aug 22, 2013 20:05:44 GMT -5
We use an assortment of boats, and although we love the kayaks, something with a motor on it is better for this area.
We used a 16 ft canoe with a 4 HP motor for years, but we stayed out of open water. We then used a 15 ft Geenoe type boat with a 15 hp motor which extended our capability considerably. Not too good for open water with wave action.
The kayaks excel when you can launch close to where you plan to fish, but we basically save them for trips to FL. We plan to mother ship them when we get back on the water.
|
|