SOLO Revisited
 

Questions for OEX
Is there a transducer mount area?
Will the Pro Mar nets fit behing the engine when in the run position, YEP looks like a great LOBSTER platform. Thanks.

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.

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.

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.

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;)

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.

Bob what motor are you going to use? I think this boat is going to be just right for you

Fishing the domes or Laguna from Dana Point, this thing is looking good. Are there any good seating options for it?

[QUOTE=makobob;275773]
(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?????)

Whaaaat! You lucky dog..... More than likely I will be getting one in the near future too!(within the next year) Were gonna have a blast!

Have to see about the seating options, Jack the Honda is very tempting because of the warrantee, the Tohatsu seems to be the best price point.

Mine will be as plain as possible to start off (other than Marine Mats installed), but if I should decide to put some sort of back support in, I'm going in this direction. Unfortunately - my awesome seat in the PA is 6 inches too wide to fit the hatch, or I'd be putting in mounts for it. Heck, I still might when I can get a boat to see if it will work...
Learning a ton from the Texas Solo Skiff guys, seat is from Jackson Kayak...


http://m2.i.pbase.com/g9/85/360685/2...2.m5vDIWUD.jpg

I can't wait to see it. There looks to be a lot of rigging options. I like the one where the guy put Hobie rails on it. Good for you

The OEX demo boat at the Fred Hall shows will have the Hobie rails on it, so you can see it there.

Swivel boat seat would be perfect.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y1fK6LZUibA/maxresdefault.jpg

Here's a happy discovery - I was shopping around for a SUP paddle to use on the skiff, finding out the decent ones are well over $200. My exploration lead me to the Bending Branches Angler Optimus paddle extension and stake out pole kit for $120 on Amazon - free shipping, and it went out 2nd day air no less. It just came today, and fits my existing Hobie paddle perfectly. Maybe some use for the 8 foot stake out pole in south bay fishing for bonefish, but I figure it will be good to have later in the year on the Mag Bay trip...

Bending Branches SUP Extension

http://m2.i.pbase.com/g9/85/360685/2...2.McUB3DFP.jpg

SOLO update
 

I ordered the Solo Skiff in Sea Foam from OEX Mission Bay about $1950 out the door with the H rails from Hobie. I will add a swivel boat seat from West Marine. The Honda 6 will arrive next Friday from the Dingy Doctor for $1900 out the door. I will transfer the Dragonfly 7 between the Outback, the Solo Skiff and the Gregor.
That makes the skiff almost $4K which is a lot of money, but I feel there will be a lot of BANG for that cash. Besides doing Asuncion, and Mag Bay, Puertocitos to Punta final. There would be the afternoons to Isla San Luis, carry over the "0" gravity chair and dinner makings and spend the night. Life is good I HOPE YOU ARE LIVING YOURS, to the fullest. Tight Lines.

Awesome news Bob! Congratulations... Can't wait to see you back on the water...

Not bad not bad, and excellent advice :notworthy: .. Especially considering some spend more than that on their hobies and they are using leg power not Horse power :eek:;)

I got mine - Bob's got his - who else is going to commit and join the club to be one of the first on the west coast to fish one? This thing is going to be absolutely awesome down at Bob's place, and the more I read about Mag Bay, the more I realize that this little skiff will be the key to an epic time this christmas.

I can't recommend the Dinghy Doctor enough - these guys are awesome and go out of their way to educate you about everything on the motor - even showing you how to do your own oil changes and encouraging questions. To top it off, they are very competitive on price, being only a few bucks more expensive than the mail-order places - but you'll never get the education I got going mail order. Support the Locals! They sell Honda, Tohatsu, Yamaha and I think Suzuki outboards - all there to look at. Bob and I went Honda for the top rate warranty, better build quality/design and quieter motor, but you can spend 4-500 dollars less and get the highly rated Tohatsu.

http://m6.i.pbase.com/g10/85/360685/...6.MR8EozwT.jpg

They do a pre delivery, check and fill oil level, answer all your questions and start them up and make sure they are running right. They also do warranty repairs and they got these two "out the door" for $1900.00 each. Now I need my hull # and dealer paperwork so I can get it regestered with the State of California. BTW San Diego Bay has some skinny bone fish waters and there is "gold" to be found in the San Diego flood control channel. Not to forget these are skiffs, not sit on tops so local lakes are available too.

WHO is going to commit at the SHOW and get their show discount????? I understand ANDY will be placing an order for "SOLD" Solo Skiffs on the morning of the 6th of March, with expected delivery dates starting about the 20th. YOU do not want to miss the BOAT. Tight Lines.

Bob and Baja, where do you guys plan on mounting your FF? on the H rail? or are you going to try and mount it on the front rect pod thing?

Gonna have a landing pad fore the drone?

Bob is my spirit animal....... :cheers1::you_rock:

I'm not going to put rails on mine - initially at least. I want to see how I like the bare hull for fishing and maneuvering around first since I do alot of fly fishing. I'm going to put an appropriate size Yak Attack rail on that front pad you are thinking of, and use the same mount from my PA.

Just a reminder; if you use a trailer to bring back these, you cannot use the Sentri card lane at the border.

VERY TRUE, but with the rack and the truck bed there should be no problem, as kayaks ARE allowed in the Sentri Lane.
Blazian, Not sure, it could go forward or on the rail. It will depend on how my flyline lays in the skiff as to where it is most out of the way. Right now thinking forward bulkhead.
Rossman, landing pad is a definate possibility up front.
Goldenglory18, "SPIRIT ANIMAL" that's a first, but I like it, a lot.
Baja_Traveler, Kai I am thinking the bare rails will help control line on my sloppy retrieve as I seem to have a poblem using a stripping basket. Really want to copy Mike Scales retrieve stance and style, as they are as sweet as any backcast I've ever watched.

For you FLY FISHERMEN out there, I think these craft will be a ticket to paradise. Stand up stable even for us oldsters which allows us to enjoy our passions well into our SEVENTIES. BTW who's going to be next. Tight Lines.

UPDATE
 

OEX in Mission Bay is a dealer for Boone Dox which means they will be able to sell and if needed install the Landing Gear with hard wheels OR Wheel Eze sand tires. So for you Solo Skiff guy's sitting on the fence you now have a great way to roll your new Skiff to the water in La Jolla, Baja or where ever you launch. Tight Lines. The Boone Dox guys have installed these on the Solo Skiffs and they work well.

Been watching these skiffs for a while, I will own one pronto!
Happy to take you to the city of bones, Bob! :cheers1:

What kind of deal will they have at Fred H?

$1750 and free shipping, They are placing order with factory TODAY. Don't miss out. They will be great at our Island. Tight Lines Mike.

Don't forget me! Actually one of the first places on my list during the 10 hour engine break-in will be out of the J street marina...

Nice!!! I looked at the white one at Fred hall for a while. Definitely intrigued by the boat!!!

:cheers1:

:cheers1:

I think this will have to replace the Hobie I was gonna buy for next Octobers Mexico trip, keep the paddle yak for the short day trips and get one of these for longer range and getting out to those islands in a flash! :luxhello:

Under normal Gonzaga conditions I would figure 15-20 minutes out and maybe 30 minutes back to and from Island. About an hour straight run to Punta Final in fair conditions. Will not know for sure until we put them into the Sea of Cortez as to how they will take the Gulf wave/chop conditions. Remember the Pangas were specifically designed for that chop. Only time will tell, but I am betting that they will do fine. Testing will take place in Gonzaga this spring as the Spring Break Trips will give us a chance to test them extensively down there. Yes YOU can test drive mine at Campo Turistico at KM 134, if I am there. Tight Lines.

Hot off the Phone
 

GOOD NEWS from Tom at Solo Skiffs he just told me that OUR skiffs will leave their facility on the 13th (next MONDAY) and should arrive in So. Cal by the 20th of March. Just in time for the Spring Break Baja trips. HAPPY DAYS are here again! Tight Lines.

Thats good news I cant wait to get down there.