Fishing on a Ranger 25

Island Ranger · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:05 pm Post subject: Fishing on a Ranger 25

Well, after much effort - we finally have Island Ranger set up for Salmon. We went out Saturday during the Whidbey Coho Derby, and Linda caught a small Coho - didn't win, but we were there!

We went out again this morning - at 0 dark thirty. This time, we pulled in a 10+ pounder. All Right!

We settled on using a Honda 9.9, mounted on the swim step and use a tiller extension to steer. It's perfect to sit on the rear bench seat - you can see straight ahead and steer and fish.

The motor is heavy (108 pounds) and I almost killed myself the first time I tried to lift it. So, we added the hoist - and now it is easy to move it up to the rail. I don't like leaving it down on the swim step when underway - the wake from the boat rises up and gets the Honda a bity too wet unless you are fully up on a plane.

Mac

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:31 pm Post subject:

Nice fish mac. I stopped by on wensday afternoon but did not see you just the boat. I got two that morning, 4 and 8 lbs. hope to see out there next time. By the way what did you get your fish on.

Island Ranger · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks Tom,

We were fishing off Scatchet Head -the west side of Possession Bar in 130 ft of water with the downrigger at 75 feet (so ~ 50 ft deep) using a fairly large green/white coyote spoon behind an e-chip green/white flasher, approaching a huge feeding frenzy of birds, ducks and a gzillion dog fish. Yep, we caught some dog fish too!

We've been averaging 1-2 fish each time we head out - during the Derby, we succeeded just north of Browns Bay (tide was wrong for Scatchet)

Mac

captd · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject:

Mac,
Sure looks like you worked it out. Is the davit custom built or an off the shelf deal? Are you posting details in your album? Are you down riggers rail mounted? You must be a retired engineer.
Looks like I will pick up a Pudgy in the next couple days.
Captd (Darrel)

Island Ranger · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject:

Yep - a retired Chem E. How could you tell?

I ordered the swim step from Adventure Marine - A bit pricey at $306, but the only bracket I found rated for a 4 cycle 10 hp motor. It is solidly built. One problem I have - the Weaver davits for the Portland Pudgy are right up against the edge of the swim platform, so I can't use them (can't swing the dinghy up) when the swim step motor mount bracket is attached.

I got the lifting strap from Defender - again rated for 150 pounds. And I ordered the same lifting hoist recommended by other Brats - the Garhauer LD6-1 from Fore and Aft - at $265 it is less expensive than others, is really hefty , mounts very easily - and works like a champ.

And I added a fake upright stanchion to the railing area to support the rail mounted motor mount.

I installed the electric downriggers (Scotties) - the gunwale is just wide enough (if you put the base a specific way), and the railing lifts out to be out of the way. King Canvas (With John Livingston's help) designed the canopy to flip back out of the way for fishing. I added the electric outlets for power. Pretty straight forward 'cause everything is accessable. Let me know if you'd like pics- -I can take a few and post 'em if you want.

Mac

captd · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:29 am Post subject:

Ya Mac, pics would be nice. Does the motor mound go on and off pretty easy to put on the dink when cruising?
Darrel

Island Ranger · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 5:47 pm Post subject:

Hi Darrel,

Finally got to take a few more pictures - posted them in my "fishin" album. The swim step motor mount, the Garhauer hoist, the Scotty downrigger base & electrical outlet, motor lifting strap and canopy folded back to provide fishin room.

The swim step motor mount has to be removed only when I use the Weaver Davits - and only because I put them (the Weavers) so far inboard. It isn't going to be easy to remove -I think there are 8 nuts and bolts, with washers that want to fall in the water when you are leaning under the swim platform with the wrench.... I could just remount the Weavers, but then there would be a gap between the dinghy and the swim platform. Compromises!

Heck...I'm going back to fishin!

Mac