Trolling a Tom Cat at 1 mph

thataway · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 12:11 pm Post subject:

The Tohatsu/Nissan only steers from the handle. It has a clutch (neutral)--360 degree rotation--so you even get a "stern thruster" in the deal...!

I agree that the dinghy motor is the simplist and cheapest--and that is what we use. The second feature of this is, that since the prop is between the tunnels, you can run the boat in just an inch or two of water deeper than the hulls.

I am not so sure about the linkage--this again gets complex. The main motors have enough rudder effect at a knot or to to allow rough steering. If you have to make radical movements, then fire up the mains, or use the PVC to steer the small outboard.

Doryman · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 12:19 pm Post subject:

Joe,

Yes, I have an aft steering station on the TC. I also have an autopilot which I really want to keep operational with the small engine.

I don't believe it will be necessary to tie the Tohatsu to both Yamahas. Those are already tied together. I just need to tie the Tohatsu to one of them and hopefully that will work. I've asked EZ-Steer for more info. Why were you suggesting linking the small engine to both large engines?

For emergencies I can probably overpower the 3.5 with the two 150s until I get out of harm's way (e.g., combat trolling, etc.)

On my Hewescraft, I also experimented with a tiller extension. The problem with it was that the angle of swing was limited by running into the big motor and/or the hull (the longer the extension, the greater the arc of movement required.) However, the KISS principle dictates that an extension may be the best solution. We will see.

Warren

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 1:05 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 1:13 pm Post subject:

The link between the engines is the liquid tie bar--hydraulic. To me once you start putting mechanical tie bars in, it gets very complicated!

Doryman · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 7:49 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 9:59 pm Post subject:

Agree that you would not involve the liquid tie bar in the link to the 3.5. The EZ steer I believe clamps around the lower legs of the outboards--and thus you have a relitatively complicated linkage--especially with the articulartion which allows the kicker to be raised.

I would envision a linkage on the front--just a plane turnbuckle and rod type of link. Just put a couple of pins and a bar--something like that.
I would try and keep it as simple as possiable.

Also with the two large motors, almost acting as flanking rudders, I suspect that the boat might steer fairly well, with the trolling motor just locked dead center. I would try this first and see. Just make the bracket out of plywood and a couple of bolts--give it a try and see how it works.

Doryman · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 2:47 am Post subject:

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 9:06 am Post subject:

Warren,

The TC steers pretty good just by the engine legs, w/o engines "on".

Drift socks are great, just head upwind over potential fishing spots and drift back over them. Very stealthy approach. Good for walleyes.

I think some sort of "dam" or "drag" is far better than having to mess with a third motor.

Backtrolling will REALLY slow you down, and you could hang a rod out the helm window or thru the opening front window.

John

Doryman · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 12:25 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 1:08 pm Post subject:

Warren-

Do you have a windlass?

Get a strong 5 gallon or larger as necessary bucket and substitute it for the anchor. (may have to weigh the bottom a bit to get it to deploy.)

Drag it between the hulls like a drogue.

It can be retrieved in an emergency with the windlass to clear the water with a fish on or move the boat quickly.

Idea

Worth a thought?

Joe.

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject:

Warren... of course, the prey could preclude a window or bow rod position. you can backtroll with rods on the cockpit location also.

We have alot of under 10 pound species up here. John

thataway · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 5:13 pm Post subject:

As I was sitting on the CD 25 working and thinking (very dangerous)--I realized that even a push pull type of steering cable a couple of feet long would be adequate to "steer" the 3.5 hp--of course then you have to set up mounting brackets for the push/pull cable......so back to the simple linkage.

Doesn't everyone fish out the window? Flip those fish back in the cockpit when you hook up...

drjohn71a · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 5:39 pm Post subject:

OK, you guys.... I have had to do alot of single handling over the years and backtrolling with rods either out the front deck window or the side windows were about the only way I could fish alone. If something big hit, I could step out to the front deck and fight it there. Otherwise a net thru the window worked fine.

You know, it takes a real man to be able to flip those fish back to the cockpit of a houseboat!
John

Doryman · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 11:18 pm Post subject:

Doryman · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 11:21 pm Post subject: