SOLO SKIFF PROGRESS THREAD

[NICKWORN]

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

I like this thread, Look forward to continued updates as you progress. I would recommend getting the largest-sized beach wheels for hauling it. Any place to get H-rail other than ordering for premium prices via Hobie?

John-

OEX who's runa this page is a Hobie dealer, so I ordered through them, and yes I got the Malone 250lb beach cart!!

Hows the Florida life? I see quite a bit of Blackfin showing up on FB.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by NICKWORN

John-

OEX who's runa this page is a Hobie dealer, so I ordered through them, and yes I got the Malone 250lb beach cart!!

Hows the Florida life? I see quite a bit of Blackfin showing up on FB.

Hi Nick, GTK, Apologies if any of my comments have been inappropriate. I did not realize Malones 12" wheels had a 250lb capacity.

Life in Florida is a lot less expensive than California, but having spent the first 40yrs of my life in SoCal, there are still some things I miss. Fishing wise, this is the best time of year. Recently set a Personal Best limit of King Mackerel 42 and 29lbs respectively I am loving this thread, I look forward to seeing the final results, of the skiff, and the future catches you make with it!

[tak100]

For those that have a Solo Skiff:

It looks like it is through hull installation for the transducer.

Is that true?

How is fish finder performance when under power?

Anyone have side scan working on one of these?

[mrJB]

I've run my transducer through the forward cooler/bait tank scupper using a rubber stopper to enable the cooler to be used as dry storage. Bait tank is old school with the pump located off the rear grab bar...

MySSkiff2.JPG

JB

[NICKWORN]

Lowrance Hook 7 reveal came today. Cant wait to mess with new Genesis mapping feature.

https://www.genesismaps.com

[NICKWORN]

And this happened over the weekend, Solo Skiff cart. Adding plywood to bottom for added storage. Saw Cresent Kayak FB story showing a ton of solo skiffs, should be coming in a few weeks.

[NICKWORN]

Tohatsu 6hp 4 stroke short shaft w/ external tank.

She so pretttttttttae!

Oh yea these Malone wheels are legit. Each wheel is 13" tall while the cart is over 3' wide. 2 Tow straps secured to the frame and a kick stand.

Solo will glide across sand with these.

Two thumbs up on quality.

[solyluna]

Following
I sold my pa long time ago thinking about the solo skif
Is the Suzuki worth 150 dollars extra? I think it's few # less
Cooler for the fish and for drinks?
Installing a kill bag on top the front will restrict the use of the bait tank? I have seen one with custom aluminum rack over the outboard area with bunch of rod holders mandatory 360 light

[cris]

For those of you buying one of these and planning to use a trailer and not surf launch, why not a livingston or small aluminium skiff?

[NICKWORN]

Originally Posted by cris

For those of you buying one of these and planning to use a trailer and not surf launch, why not a livingston or small aluminium skiff?

I looked at Livingston's and just not my cup of tea (i wont be trailering my SOLO ), although i think Morgan from Hobie has a badass one for sale for like 6k or 7k. These Solos are basically a kayak on steroids, keeping that up close connection with the sea, but giving that option to cover so much more ground. The rigging options are endless, cost is cheaper (unless your are thinking about a bare bones Livingston), option to surf launch, etc. All in all its a matter of personal preference.

I will be using the front hatch as a bait tank and the medium size reliable bag barely covers the very front of the hatch, hints why i bought the clear center hatch option to access my bait. see pic. Plus i didnt want to have to keep removing the bungee to access bait because there is no other securement for the lid.

[Warmshort]

Originally Posted by NICKWORN

I looked at Livingston's and just not my cup of tea (i wont be trailering my SOLO ), although i think Morgan from Hobie has a badass one for sale for like 6k or 7k. These Solos are basically a kayak on steroids, keeping that up close connection with the sea, but giving that option to cover so much more ground. The rigging options are endless, cost is cheaper (unless your are thinking about a bare bones Livingston), option to surf launch, etc. All in all its a matter of personal preference.

I will be using the front hatch as a bait tank and the medium size reliable bag barely covers the very front of the hatch, hints why i bought the clear center hatch option to access my bait. see pic. Plus i didnt want to have to keep removing the bungee to access bait because there is no other securement for the lid.

That things a small boat no where near a kayak lol

[FISH11]

Originally Posted by Warmshort

That things a small boat no where near a kayak lol

It's as much a kayak as a PA. They both are made of Rotomolded polypropylene and can both be paddled, although I think the Solo would be easier.

[monstahfish]

Make sure you test these out in a following swell before you head all the way out to the 9. In my short experience, I've found them very twitchy in following seas and had to slow way down so a trip out at full throttle might be a trip back at 1/3 throttle. I did have a 50 pound fish sitting on the deck in front of me so that may have affected performance as well.

[NICKWORN]

Originally Posted by monstahfish

Make sure you test these out in a following swell before you head all the way out to the 9. In my short experience, I've found them very twitchy in following seas and had to slow way down so a trip out at full throttle might be a trip back at 1/3 throttle. I did have a 50 pound fish sitting on the deck in front of me so that may have affected performance as well.

Yes I've heard this as well, i forget from who, but definitely was made aware. I will be happy to cruise at 1/3 throttle if i have a 50lb fish on the bow!!

[FISH11]

I don't see it as being different than on any vessel. All vessels handle a little sketchy on a following sea, unless they are powerful enough and have the right type of hull to ride at the same speed as the current swell. I been in high wind chop and current that made my Revo 13 ride worse than making it back in at LJ with over 30 gallons of sea water inside the hull on the only day I forgot the hand bilge pump. When I had fishing boats many years ago, I had some instances were if you don't slow down the following sea can almost come over or spin you around. It can feel like a pucker moment no matter what your in when Mother Nature has a little fit. It's like kayaks some can surf in and then there's the more popular brand which require jumping off or coming in backwards. Damn, Look at me an ex-hobie owner for a short time and I'm back to being one of those picking on them.

[TJones]

Originally Posted by solyluna

Following
I sold my pa long time ago thinking about the solo skif
Is the Suzuki worth 150 dollars extra? I think it's few # less
Cooler for the fish and for drinks?
Installing a kill bag on top the front will restrict the use of the bait tank? I have seen one with custom aluminum rack over the outboard area with bunch of rod holders mandatory 360 light

Quit being lazy. .

[ctfphoto]

I just ordered a solo skiff from OEX.

Due in January.

Mark, I will be asking you many many questions in the next few months.

[jorluivil]

looks good!!

[FISH11]

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

I just ordered a solo skiff from OEX.

Due in January.

Mark, I will be asking you many many questions in the next few months.

Way to go Chris. I love mine, everytime I use it at La Jolla (once or twice per week) I am more impressed at the stability and ability in the open ocean.

[ctfphoto]

Originally Posted by FISH11

Way to go Chris. I love mine, everytime I use it at La Jolla (once or twice per week) I am more impressed at the stability and ability in the open ocean.

Thanks, Mark. I love your setup.

I was out lobstering with Mikey Sunday night where we both limited :lobs ter:

That Solo Skiff has so much more range and way faster, less impact on the body.