R-25 Fishing Questions

T

three dog night

Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2009
Messages
8
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Hello,
I'm waiting to pick up a R-25 that I ordered. It has the 150 Cummins engine. Has anyone ever mounted a
kicker engine to one of these Tugs? Rep at boatshow told me that customers add a attachment to engine to allow it to move at a slower speed for trolling. What location do the downrigger mounts get attached to? I assume they cannot go directly on railing. Is this vessel able to travel at 20 knots? Thank You in advance.
 
Don't know the answer to your question as we just bought our R25. I am also interested in how slow the 150 can troll as I will be looking for silvers later this summer or if a kicker makes sense. I like the thought of a kicker as secondary power for safety also. On our C Dory 25 we had a 175 main and a 15 hp kicker which could get us home if necessary (never needed for that though). We did use it for trolling and moving around while fishing. I had rear helm controls which made it convenient.

Dave
 
20 knots, I think not. Loaded I am getting about 15. After break in it should improve some. The Lucky Fin has only been run on fresh water so far.
captd
 
With my Yanmar 110, I couldn't go slow enough for Blackmouth/Chinook/Pinks, and almost OK for silvers. At the time I got mine, they did not offer the trolling valve. I'm pretty sure the Cummins 150 will move the boat too quickly as well. I now learned that this option is available for the Yanmars (don't know about the Cummins - need to ask Andrew). Basically, it allows the transmission to "slip" so the prop can turn slower. I understand Ranger is installing their first one, so more data should be coming shortly...

I added a 9.9 HP Honda on the swim step for trolling. I added a mount on the swim step, but don't really like it. The motor sits too low when it is not in use, so I used a hoist to lift the 100 lb motor onto the stern rail. A real pain - but it does work for trolling. I think pictures are still in my album.

The 9.9 is probably a bit more than needed - but I'd guess 6 might be too little.

Do remember that steering control at slow speeds on the main engine will not be as good as your outboard!

Mac
 
Darrell,

Remember that you have this boat loaded to the max. I got a report that it is so loaded you cant even see the white water line on the aft =).

I will have to pull the paper work out on Capt D's boat but I believe we ran that at over 16-17 kts with 5-6 heavy people on board. I think with a normal load you can run this boat at 17 kts but would be tough to hit 20.

As for the trolling valve, we have had a couple installed on the Cummins. It is available by calling Cummins NW. They give you all the information you need. I would suggest asking for Pat McCullough. 425-235-3400
 
Forgot to answer your downrigger question. You are correct, they do not mount on the rails. You'll notice the rails pull right out on both the port and starboard sides. The gunwale is just the right width to mount the base for the swivel base of a Scotty downrigger when turned the correct way. Ours are electric (only way to go!) and it's easy to add the outlets right below the downrigger mounts. Thought I posted pictures in my album - if not, I can take a few pictures and post 'em. Lemmeno.

You'll also need rod holders. We use the ones on the downrigger. The ones installed on the boat don't function well.

Mac
 
Mac,

I like the looks of your kicker bracket. I also saw the pics of your Scotty downrigger mounts. They do fit nicely
on the gunwhale. Is you Honda outboard a 20 inch shaft? Thank You for your help.
Joel
 
The kicker bracker was pricey ($350 if I remember right), but built very well and the only one rated for the weight of my outboard. But it also gets in the way of using my dinghy on the weaver davits. So...I have to take it off when cruising so I can use the Weavers...

I have the 20 inch shaft. It's fine. The problem is that there isn't a lot of clearance when tilted up - the boat's wake can catch up with it. Once you are up on a plane, it's fine. If I ever got to do this again, I'd probably choose the trolling valve first. Second choice would be an outboard on a lifting bracket mounted on the stern, with a TR-1 Gold autopilot to steer it - and mounted out of the way of my dinghy mounts(cut out the swim step?)

Mac
 
Is the trolling value expensive? Hard to install? Sounds like a good alternative.

It is going to be a bit mentaly diffcult to only have 1 engine. Coming from the C Dory with a main and kicker, always felt like I could get home or least to help if a engine went down, though that never happened. In Alaska we are often in remote locations with few other boats around.

Dave
 
Not sure of the price - Andrew may know. I'm guessing under $2k.

I too struggled with a single engine - no fall back. But, so far, the reliability of a diesel has been great. I do get worried as more and more electronic controls are added. Last week, when out on a whale watching trip in Maui, the tour boat lost one engine when water splashed on the electronics and it blew a fuse which he didn't have on board....

Mac
 
Mac,

Where did you get the bracket that you attached to the swim platform for your outboard? Do you remember the model and about how much it cost?

Doug
 
Yep -

I bought it from Adventure Marine http://www.adventuremarine.net/, model 10000 and cost $306 at the time. I see that it is now $325. I also bought the backing plate - but they shipped the wrong one, and I decided I really didn't need it.

Are you planning to hoist the motor from the bracket? I discovered I couldn't do it unless I was tied securely to a dock, and even then it was hazardous to my health. so I bought a hoist & lifting strap that worked really well. I never did like the weight on the stern rail however, and added a stanchion base to help hold the load.

Mac
 
Andrew Custis":3cia5vu9 said:
Darrell,

Remember that you have this boat loaded to the max. I got a report that it is so loaded you cant even see the white water line on the aft =).

I will have to pull the paper work out on Capt D's boat but I believe we ran that at over 16-17 kts with 5-6 heavy people on board. I think with a normal load you can run this boat at 17 kts but would be tough to hit 20.

As for the trolling valve, we have had a couple installed on the Cummins. It is available by calling Cummins NW. They give you all the information you need. I would suggest asking for Pat McCullough. 425-235-3400
Click to expand...

Andrew,
Not that bad. The water line shows all the way around. the pudgy is a wind catcher. We been cruising long enough for my wine reserve to be getting low. But a full load of fuel, water, dingy, carpet, Ice cooler full of beer, and various other living aboard necessities takes its toll. The other day I tweaked it up to 16 miles an hour. When we head for the Bahamas I will have her down to fighting weight.
Now Frank and Cathys boat ( The Ainokea) sets 6 inchs higher out of the water than the Lucky Fin. Same boat but very little load, no dink.
I am happy with the speed I am getting. The trip down river and now down the ICW to the keys 7 knots is just right. Two gals of fuel an hour. I can live with that.

captd
 
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