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Author Topic:   polling platform on 13

JimU posted 01-20-2002 09:27 PM ET (US)
I am working on another project boat-- A 1986 13 that I'm going to repower with a 40-50 merc or Yam. I'm considering a jackplate and have gotten some good advice on the forum.
Another question--Any experience with an over-the-engine poling platform similar to a florida flats boat on such a rig. I'm thinking of using it to fish the louisiana shallow marshes for specks and reds. I would consider this rig to be a special purpose rig as I have two other whalers, both 16-7 rigs. So its not like the 13 ia my only boat. Thoghts and comment appreciated. Thanks JHU
Duncan posted 01-21-2002 01:09 AM ET (US)
Consider a smaller engine. 40hp's are pretty heavy. 50's aren't Coast guard legal on a 13. (but don't let that stop ya ;) ....get some "40hp"decals.
Standing out over the stern on a platform is a whole bunch of weight, but if you're polling, someone's up front fishing so should even it out some.
I've gutted my 13. it is a salvage hull so I didn't feel bad doing it.. It now has:
*carpeted front casting deck (with storage under, removeable seat pedistal and an electric motor mount)

*small center console like a flats boat(standing is a helluva lot more comfy in rough water. Integral front seat for a passenger, storage and battery under).
*rear drivers seat/deck that is carpeted plywood, about 18" deep and is as wide as the boat, screwed into the top of the gunnels. Starting battery and fuel tank secured under. Also removable downrigger
My brother says all it needs is the fuzzy dice! Mine polls ok from the "inboard" Platform.
This is a thought as well....if you put a polling platform over the engine you will pretty much need power tilt for convenience....everytime you pull up to a a flat the engine must be raised. Hereagain, weight for the power tilt unit must be added in to the equation...(you + engine+ power tilt unit+ platform= 3 inches of freeboard in the back) Here comes a wave....
SteveC posted 01-25-2002 11:54 AM ET (US)
I have a 40 HP yamaha without jackplate on my 13 and it seems fast enough to me (40+ mph w/2 people GPS). The yamaha engine is very reliable, mine was old when I got it and have used it for 5 years with an average of about 20 dollars per year in maintenance and repairs. The only problem I could see with the jackplate that has pronounced setpack of the engine is that the back of the boat with a 40 hp can sit pretty low. This would be accentuated by a poler on a platform. I have used a small lawn tractor battery for several years (no problems) and have the gas in front of the middle seat and the back of the boat sits much higher. My experience that reducing weight in the back of the boat and redistributing it towards the front offers big benifits in seaworthyness while standing still and at sub-planing and at lower planing speeds. Although I have never poled a boat, I am pretty sure in that case also it would be an advantage to move as much weight foward as possible to allow better turning by providing greater leverage around the center of drag of the boat.

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Author	Topic: polling platform on 13
JimU	posted 01-20-2002 09:27 PM ET (US) I am working on another project boat-- A 1986 13 that I'm going to repower with a 40-50 merc or Yam. I'm considering a jackplate and have gotten some good advice on the forum. Another question--Any experience with an over-the-engine poling platform similar to a florida flats boat on such a rig. I'm thinking of using it to fish the louisiana shallow marshes for specks and reds. I would consider this rig to be a special purpose rig as I have two other whalers, both 16-7 rigs. So its not like the 13 ia my only boat. Thoghts and comment appreciated. Thanks JHU
Duncan	posted 01-21-2002 01:09 AM ET (US) Consider a smaller engine. 40hp's are pretty heavy. 50's aren't Coast guard legal on a 13. (but don't let that stop ya ;) ....get some "40hp"decals. Standing out over the stern on a platform is a whole bunch of weight, but if you're polling, someone's up front fishing so should even it out some. I've gutted my 13. it is a salvage hull so I didn't feel bad doing it.. It now has: carpeted front casting deck (with storage under, removeable seat pedistal and an electric motor mount) small center console like a flats boat(standing is a helluva lot more comfy in rough water. Integral front seat for a passenger, storage and battery under). *rear drivers seat/deck that is carpeted plywood, about 18" deep and is as wide as the boat, screwed into the top of the gunnels. Starting battery and fuel tank secured under. Also removable downrigger My brother says all it needs is the fuzzy dice! Mine polls ok from the "inboard" Platform. This is a thought as well....if you put a polling platform over the engine you will pretty much need power tilt for convenience....everytime you pull up to a a flat the engine must be raised. Hereagain, weight for the power tilt unit must be added in to the equation...(you + engine+ power tilt unit+ platform= 3 inches of freeboard in the back) Here comes a wave....
SteveC	posted 01-25-2002 11:54 AM ET (US) I have a 40 HP yamaha without jackplate on my 13 and it seems fast enough to me (40+ mph w/2 people GPS). The yamaha engine is very reliable, mine was old when I got it and have used it for 5 years with an average of about 20 dollars per year in maintenance and repairs. The only problem I could see with the jackplate that has pronounced setpack of the engine is that the back of the boat with a 40 hp can sit pretty low. This would be accentuated by a poler on a platform. I have used a small lawn tractor battery for several years (no problems) and have the gas in front of the middle seat and the back of the boat sits much higher. My experience that reducing weight in the back of the boat and redistributing it towards the front offers big benifits in seaworthyness while standing still and at sub-planing and at lower planing speeds. Although I have never poled a boat, I am pretty sure in that case also it would be an advantage to move as much weight foward as possible to allow better turning by providing greater leverage around the center of drag of the boat.