05-04-2010, 02:27 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I tried out my tube taxi last week...using a second Fat Cat as the motorized part of my system. Worked great but a lot of extra bulk and fuss. I have been looking at different ideas on the Internet and looking over CPierce's recent motor frame.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Several things came out of all that. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]1. It is both possible and feasible to put a small motor directly on a tube that is large enough to handle the frame, motor and a battery.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]2. I don't need a big trolling setup...just an "auxilliary power" source for short movements to different spots, contending with breezes, occasional slow bottom-bouncing or trolling and boogying back to the vehicle after a long day or to fight against the wind. No need for a mega battery. Just something that will handle an average day of light use.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]3. Such a rig will help save time and energy. That is something us fat old guys need to think about. Bummer to have a heart attack just because you let yourself get too far from the vehicle before the inevitable wind comes up...from the wrong direction.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have some refinements to make and I need to check the output and capacity of the new 33 AH motor I am picking up today. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Will post a more complete report along with the dimensions of the component parts and details of how I put it all together.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here's some initial pics of the first model. I didn't get to try it myself. BFT tuber Dr. Veha begged and groveled at my feet yesterday and convinced me that I should sell it to him...since he is PVC challenged. [/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Several things came out of all that. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]1. It is both possible and feasible to put a small motor directly on a tube that is large enough to handle the frame, motor and a battery.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]2. I don't need a big trolling setup...just an "auxilliary power" source for short movements to different spots, contending with breezes, occasional slow bottom-bouncing or trolling and boogying back to the vehicle after a long day or to fight against the wind. No need for a mega battery. Just something that will handle an average day of light use.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]3. Such a rig will help save time and energy. That is something us fat old guys need to think about. Bummer to have a heart attack just because you let yourself get too far from the vehicle before the inevitable wind comes up...from the wrong direction.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have some refinements to make and I need to check the output and capacity of the new 33 AH motor I am picking up today. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Will post a more complete report along with the dimensions of the component parts and details of how I put it all together.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here's some initial pics of the first model. I didn't get to try it myself. BFT tuber Dr. Veha begged and groveled at my feet yesterday and convinced me that I should sell it to him...since he is PVC challenged. [/#0000ff]
[signature]