New Super Fat Cat from Santa - tricking has began

[EPCJMC]

[size 3][black]Here are some pictures of the ticking of my Super Fat Cat from Santa. I have been Tubing for six years with my older tube being a Creek Company Original U-boat. I cannot believe the difference in quality difference between the two. I did not know what I was missing until the Super Fat Cat came along.[/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]The pictures that follow are some of the ideas that I have used in the past (the Shakespeare Antenna mount modified a bit). Picture 031 is a close up of the mount. This consists of the Shakespeare mount you can get at just about any fishing store, with the threads cut off of the end that the actual antenna screws on. I have bored a hole into the center of this to accommodate the setscrew that is hand tightened. Had to use a Dremmel to get the head of the bolt to fit into the back of the mount. I use the holder from the Fishin Buddy to attach to this. I do transfer this piece back on to the regular mount that came with the Fishin Buddy when I use ice fishing or another boat. The back plate seen behind the Shakespeare mount is a piece of plastic cutting board cut to the size. The piece of cutting board is 3/8" think and the bolt heads are counter sunk in to the cutting board so they are flush with the back to not allow rubbing on the tube nylon. I also constructed my own strap for mounting around the tube. This consists of 2" webbing material with a cinch buckle you can pull to tighten or loosen around the tube. I also have a 2" plastic buckle for quick release. Sure makes putting on the tube simple (picture 28 shows both best). The interesting thing about the mount is that I can make the Fishin Buddy "stand" at virtually any angle to cheat with the 9 degree side angle it has. It is also easy to place the Fishin Buddy parallel to the water with the lower end resting on the front tube cone for entering / exiting the water (picture 36). [/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]The rod holder is made of a Berkley preformed rod holder given as a gift. I have modified it by cutting slots in to accommodate the reels and hold the rods more securely. The slots are interchangeable for another rod, net, etc. Picture 27 shows the slots best, and you can also see the way I used the bungee cord to secure the net - probably overkill since the net floats (picture 28).[/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]The rod holder as it was from the store did not match the roundness of the tube very well. I needed a way to get the holder to remain straight up and down (or close to). I came up with a way to "push" out the top of the rod holder (but not the bottom) and also mount my on off switch for the trolling motor. I will talk about at bit more below. This switch is imbedded in end caps of PVC mounted on a 45 degree angle (picture 39). This switch is a simple on / off switch as I am not certain I need to change speeds at this point. The wire runs out the back of the PVC tube and back to the motor (picture 40). This is uncharted territory for me so there may be major changes once the ice clears and I try it out. [/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]I also received the green beverage holder as a gift – I wonder what sort of adult beverage will go in there? [/black][/size]
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[size 3][black]The other side of the tube mainly has my anchor attached to one of the D-rings, and[/black][/size]
[size 3][black]an additional rod holder that can accommodate my Flyrod, and acts as my active rod holder. This is another store purchased rod holder called a Float N Tote (picture 37), another gift. This is a nice rod holder in that it can accommodate all types of rods that will fit down into it.[/black][/size]
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[font "Times New Roman"][size 3][black]This brings me to pictures 41 and 42. Reluctantly, due to a bad knee, I feel I need to add a trolling motor to the tube. I have accomplished this with the addition of a Float Power by BW Sports. This consists a round tube that attaches to the SFC with straps. The motor drops down through the donut hole and attaches to a fiberglass “box” that acts as both the battery holder and the motor mount. Everything I read on the Float Power makes me think this will work fine. I am more convinced since receiving the words of wisdom from Flygoddess, she tells me she much the same setup. [/black][/size][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][black][size 3]I hope you find this helpful. Thanks for listening.[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][black][size 3]Have a blessed day![/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Times New Roman"][black][size 3]-Eric[/size][/black][/font]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Lookin' good so far. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You really need to read your posts before you hit the "Post" button. I edited your words. I am sure you did not mean to use the word "ass". I changed it to "add".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Also, for the benefit of our "bandwidth challenged" members, it would be appreciated if you did not use such large file pics. Try to keep them under 300 KB if possible. The big ones take forever to load for those who have dialup.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Looking forward to the additional info. [/#0000ff][#0000ff]As with all new designs, we find out if they work or not the first time we hit the water. It is amazing how many good ideas turn out to be WHOOPS. But, it is fun to keep messin' with the modifications and coming up with new ideas.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Thanks for sharing and good luck.[/#0000ff]
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[flygoddess]

Nice! I haven't seen that set-up for many years. In fact my SFC was green also.
I got to ask what #39 is all about. Is it just an on/off for the motor, cause if it is, I came up with and on/off and all forward and backward gears and I still think it will fit in the nifty piece of PVC you have. I just chose a box. Plus you can down size the motor by taking the head completely off.




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[Saberfish]

[black][size 3]Good job of tricking out your craft.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]Very interesting use of the antenna (erecting) ratchet. What does it do, when you can take the fish finder out of it's holder to avoid rubbing bottom? [/size]
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[size 3]Maybe I just can't see how it's used.[/size]
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[EPCJMC]

WOW -

Nice set up - and I especially like the use of the variable motor control. I may use that once I actually get in the water and give what I have a try. I also like the idea of the shortened motor. How difficult was it to get that set-up completed? Can you send me a PM with some additional info? I searched the archives and did not find information on your set up - is it there and I missed it?
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