New Tugnut 1st post

[STELLA L]

We (Jim and Karyn) bought our 2011 R-25SC w a trailer at the factory a couple months ago. Loaded with all the goodies including a diesel generator. It had just been traded in as the DUTCH TREAT but a new documentation will now show it as STELLA (after granddaughter's name). We are dry docked on the trailer at the south end of Lake Washington. Great launch at Atlantic City boat ramp which is a block from where we dry dock the boat in the marina. Amazing how easy it is to unload and load this boat.

The various systems have been challenging at times and so far we have boated Lk Washington learning all the various functions including 3 sleepovers (1 at Fisherman's Wharf and 2 at Andrew's Bay). Our next step is to navigate the Ballard locks. We are getting hours prepping for the Desolation trip and even though we have been boating all our lives with the outboards on fresh water we realize the inboard and salt has many more challenges. Attended the Ranger seminar in Everett several weeks ago and if nothing else that will make one realize you cannot know enough "out there." I have learned a bunch reading TUGNUTS and I am sure there will be more questions.

Since I am turning the boat into a fishing machine (just installed the trolling valve, down riggers, and pole holders) will be curious to hear and see how other fisherman have outfitted their boats. Already spoiled by the auto pilot!

 

[sportner]

Welcome aboard. Sounds like you are well on your way to knowing your boat's systems and start fishing and cruising our great NW waters. Look forward to seeing you out there.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Welcome to the Ranger Tug family Jim and Karyn. We look forward to meeting you when we return to the PNW this summer and join you on the Desolation Sound trip.

Jim

 

[sidetrack]

I use my R 25 as a Fishing Charter Vessel and have done extensive changes. Ck out my photo album and email any queries that you might have.

 

[guidothesquid]

Welcome to the family! Come out to the mini cruise to Fisherman's on Memorial Day and join us newbies too!

 

[nzfisher]

I too have a 2011 25sc and have tried to fit it for fishing. I really like most of the things "sidetrack" has done but here are 4 things I did that I find really helpfull for fishing.

Installed toe boards on each side at the back deck. This enables you to hook the front of your foot under the board in order to fish "hands free" in unstable seas. If you look at a Grady White boat you will see this is standard on their boats. I don't know how people fish without them.

Installed outrigger holders on the side walls about 3/4 of the distance up from the deck between the corner and the back window. I tuna fish so outriggers are helpfull.

Installed a large fish box/ice chest fastened down to the back swim step using turnbuckles. I used the mounting bracket holes for the swim step supports to fasten down the support rings for the turnbuckles- this way no extra holes in the swimstep. I attached a cord to one of the handles on the lid of ice chest from inside the boat to remotely open lid so acting deckhand can place the fish.

Constructed a bait station that sits above the center back seat/bait tank than can be removed when cruising. I don't have photos but if you need them I will try to get them to you.

I have also taken ideas from Sidetrack that didn't require big money that I liked. As I said in an earlier post I have the trolling valve but find it only works in optimum conditions on the ocean. Since I prefer mooching for salmon, this is not a big deal for me anyway. Trolling for tuna the valve is not necessary. Once you get the bugs worked out it is a very stable fishing platform.

 

[STELLA L]

Thanks for the welcome responses and the info concerning the fishing set-ups. Appreciated the time from the guys who posted the fishing suggestions. One of the things I did was to put 10 poles in fish holders on top of the boat just to get them out of the way while in transit or fishing. I found Berkley made the perfect rod holders that I could easily attach to the chrome rails with plastic ties. The rod butts slide in the bottom holder and the tips are locked in foam with an individual cam lock so they cannot fly out no matter how rough it might get. Easy to exchange poles as the bite dictates. Would post a pix here but not sure on this site how to yet do that.

As for the trolling valve I installed - since I will be trolling some of the time in fresh water for cutts and kokanee I needed speeds around 1.2 to 1.6 mph which I was able to do (the boat just in gear ran 3.8 mph w/o the trolling valve). BUT - spent a couple days trolling with no wind, and wind. Can see where there will be problems going into the wind as there is not enough prop flow over the rudder to keep a straight course. I can see where this will be magnified in salt water with currents AND wind. Before I installed the trolling valve I ran a long shaft Yamaha outboard on the swim platform. Would have gone that way except there was no control of the steering direction at all. Even when I turned the outboard with the boat rudder aimed straight there was no control for direction.

Did hook up my Garmin 5212 to the T.V. screen and makes it real easy to see what is happening from the rear deck.

We will be making the Desolation Sound run this year. Has anybody fished on this trip and what can I expect?