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[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]
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Cpierce sure started something good going here.
I know back when I had my first H3, Larry Tullis tried to describe how to put a motor on and he even said, the back can hold a battery with no worries.
Cindy...there goes the neighborhood ....LOL[  ]
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[cool][#0000ff]Sorry. That is a design I came up with about 5 years ago but never bought the motor to put on it. I decided to go with a tube taxi first and then thought why not try the motor on my old design frame.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are many different frames and ideas that other tubers have had over the years. Several bassers down in Arizona used a variation of my idea.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Cynthia DID help bring the idea back to the forefront of my codgertation. Thanks girl.[/#0000ff]
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Very nice! I like the feet. Did you trim them with a saw or are they shaped with heat?
That design will be much easier to build - no angles to figure!!!
The other idea I had was to use a battery box and bring the pvc arms up and back off of it. I might still do that, but I need to go to town to get one yet. If that works, I think I can make it so that it will fit both my Renegade and the Fish Cat 4. I will have to play with it.
Is that a Minn Kota 30?
I am interested in seeing the pictures of the trial runs -- Yours and Dr. Veha's. Hopefully I will be able to get out this weekend also for an actual fishing trial.
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What are some of the other designs that others are using? I haven't every seen any on a tube before. I would really like to see some other ways to do this.
Actually I hadn't been as interested in motorizing until I started realizing some of my limitations. Lifting isn't a problem, but sometimes my breathing is a bit impaired, so it is nice to insure that I don't just "go with the wind"!
Cindy
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My bad. By the way...isn't the ferrari a line on Pontoon boats by Outcast.
Might need to change that to Porsche...[ ]
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I like the design. I have a piece of fiber decking that I got real cheap out of the Home Depot scrap bin that I am thinking will work great for the transom. I like all the ideas coming forth. Now I am going to have to play this weekend (w-f) while it is raining and see what i can come up with.[  ] Yes Cindy you did start something and I like it!!!!!.[:p]
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Thought I would add -- You might even make the foot a flat panel that slides under and extends into the back for the battery to sit on.
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Try getting a battery tray and attaching it like you say to the PVC. Then you can put a battery box in that using bungee to attach it. Just a thought!
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[cool][#0000ff]My motor is an Endura 30.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The feet are schedule 20 PVC, heated and then flattened and then rounded on the tips with a dremel sanding drum.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You can use anything that will fit under the seat. Using a plate for the battery is fine too. I just have a plastic box for mine. I will have more pictures in a couple of days.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The other thing about running the PVC bars horizontally, at the level of the top of the tube, is that you can actually build a small deck on top of those for additional storage...or a big Rubbermaid container or whatever. Might even hold the BBQ and entertainment center. The main concern is the free operation of the trolling motor and being able to tilt it forward when needed.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]By the way, did you notice that I made an extension handle of lightweight schedule 20 PVC? The extension handle I bought was too heavy. It would pull the control to one side and start the propeller going. Not good. I made the PVC control handle in a zig zag. When on 0 the handle rests on my right shoulder. When on 5 it rests on my left shoulder. Anywhere in between is on either side of my neck. I started by cutting about 6 inches down on one side of a piece of 1" schedule 20 PVC. After heating it until softened I forced it down over the end of the motor control handle and pressed the top side flat...form fitting. It is easy to slide on and off and stays firmly in place with a hose clamp.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have not collected any pictures of other installs. But I have seen them using everything from baling wire to 2X4 frames. Only a few with PVC or conduit. The concept is always the same...get a piece of wood or metal back at the point of the tube to mount the motor and put a battery behind the seat. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Now that I have made the mental commitment to POWER I will be running a lot of experiments.[/#0000ff]
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Nice pat. Now you are going to have us lined up around the block for this little gem(me first). That is so cool. Using your own weight to help hold the thing down is so simple. Finally my pot gut can be used for something useful. He He. You do know I gotta have one don't ya?
lee
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Good ideas all.
I saw the handle. I am not sure that I would like it that close to me.
I have thought about just a straight "half length" extension out of pvc, not enough to get in the way of tilt, but enough to make my "twist and reach" easier on the Renegade.
I am not sure, but I think the Fish Cat is a little shorter length wise in the back than the Fat Cat. On the Fish Cat I can reach my handle without a problem up over my shoulder.
My little motor only has three speeds, and so far I mainly just use #1. I am thinking of putting in a small power switch off of the battery cable as someone did before on this forum. I am not sure who it was though. I know that FlyGoddess put on a complete remote rheostat, so that the controls are up front. I'll have to look up those posts.
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[cool][#0000ff]I am going to take a shorter and straighter piece of extension out on the first trip too...just to compare. All you need is something to be able to reach behind you easily to operate. All tubes and motors will be slightly different, and the size and body shape of each person...and their seating preferences...will be different too. You need to personalize it for the individual operator.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am also installing a "kill switch" inline on the negative (black) wire of the motor. That will allow me to shut down quickly if I want to...and then resume at the previous speed when ready. It is also a good idea to have the kill switch engaged while getting set up and taking down...when the battery is hooked up. Saves getting chopped up with a prop or getting lines or rigging tangled in the motor when you don't want it to be running. That will be part of the final pictorial. I am using the "Big Foot" switch which is available on Bass Pro Shops and other sites. I got mine cheaper through Amazon.com.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][url "http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_16071_200002004_200000000_200002000_200-2-4"]LINK TO BIG FOOT[/url][/#0000ff]
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Nice reasonably priced switch. All put together, water proof, and ready to go -- hmmmmmmm
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The handle looks like a problem to me as well. I have the larger motor and I can't pull my handle out, but it can be kicked up.
When I come to shore, I first lift the motor up then tilt it toward me, so the prop is clear totally. BUT I have to turn the head as it will either hit me in the head or be on top the battery and I do have a little more room.
Personally, I don't think you will need any extension.
Kill Switch??? I think a bit over kill. You can stop the prop with your hand, but your boat.
You got to remember I have been using a motor for close to 20 years, so I have personally experienced allot of different situations.
I don't use the motor all the time either EXCEPT on windy days to hold position. That can drain a battery unexpectedly.
On days I though I had hardly used my battery, I found myself rowing to shore.
The battery is going to add more weight/drag specially on a tube. It will be more difficult kicking around with the battery.
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[cool][#0000ff]I too have been using electric motors a long time...since they were stone. I have engineered auxilliary power systems on everything from houseboats to bass boats to tube taxis. This ain't my first rodeo.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am well aware of the potential problems and have tried to engineer my system to address them. But, that is what the shakedown cruise is for. It the Fat Cat can handle my weight...plus rods, sonar, batteries and motor...then it will handle anybody. I have already gone afloat many times with extra gear...like tube carts, etc. No problem. I am betting I will do fine.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]PS...the kill switch is not a safety issue but a convenience issue. I want to be able to shut the motor down (to fight a fish) without having to reach back behind me. Also, I want the motor to be dead before I am ready for it to come to life. I lost some blood last week because the heavy handle on the extension turned it on while my hand was in the way. I was illegal because I was chumming with blood most of the day.[/#0000ff]
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TubeDude, You are a lucky man to have gotten out of Utah Lake alive. There are freshwater sharks in there. You don't want to have ended up like this guy --
Oh, I guess they finished him off. [shocked]
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Tubes are a different breed for sure. The post was more for the others out there, as I am sure you have been there and done that.
Healing up? I am ready to journey the Escape, but looks like Idaho this weekend.
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[quote TubeDude][cool] [#0000ff]Sorry. That is a design I came up with about 5 years ago but never bought the motor to put on it. I decided to go with a tube taxi first and then thought why not try the motor on my old design frame.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are many different frames and ideas that other tubers have had over the years. Several bassers down in Arizona used a variation of my idea.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Cynthia DID help bring the idea back to the forefront of my codgertation. Thanks girl.[/#0000ff][/quote]
I'm putting the waders on, cause it's getting really deep here.
Edit- Almost forgot[ ][ ][cool]
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[cool][#0000ff]Yes indeedy. Those man eaters sometimes come right out of the water to attack human prey. As seen in this picture they often eat the face first.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Then there are the deadly saber-toothed catfish. Those babies are really nasty.[/#0000ff]
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