Got my toy back from 3RM after installing some upgrades. Thought I'd update with some pics of the newfangled gizmos.

First off are my new-and-improved Achewter-proof sliding swivel-brackets for my seat boxes. The SOLID construction looks like this up close and personal. As Bob Seger says, "Like a ROCK…"



And here they are installed…

Next up is my backup trailer lights… not spares just in case, but rather lights for backing the trailer down a dark ramp at o'dark early.

These are an exceptionally clean, compact installation…



And this is a test drive in the darkness of my messy-a$$ garage…

Next up are some custom sliding side-rigger brackets for my siderigger bow rods. Spring-locking FOLBE side mounts are bolted to the outside and a double dog-bone extension completes the MEGA reach I'll be able to achieve in my trolling spread…. a full 104 inches away from the boat. With wings spread in three ft of viz, my gear will be seen by any salmon within a 31.5 ft swath of my troll path.

This is what it looks like from inside the boat…

Captain's view:


Angler's view:


This is what it'll look like from the water…

Passerby's view:


Waterline view at a 45 degree line angle:


Talk about REACH…

Next up is my new bow-mount auto pilot. Made the decision to abandon the popular TR-1 auto-pilot system in favor of something new (to me). My Yamaha 9.9 gas kicker will still provide 95% plus of the forward thrust, but the RipTide ST will function as a directional bow-thruster to automatically fine tune my course. If salmon opportunities continue to decline, the RipTide will provide additional future versatility when I'm forced to switch to bass and walleye.

3RM built me a custom interchangeable platform to quickly and easily switch between anchor(s) and electric trolling motor mounts.

Here's the CR anchor mount:


And here's the mount for the RipTide:






Gotta tip my hat to a handful of expert "Reach Rats" on Ifish running these bowmounts in the windy upper Columbia (Hanford Reach) who have worked out a lot of the bugs in rigging batteries and extending battery life. And a big thanks to Ifisher Playtime who has adapted the system to his estuary trolling program. To maximize energy efficiency, They've discovered that a beefed up aftermarket rudder makes a HUGE difference. I had 3RM fabricate a custom MEGA rudder for the RipTide's lower unit, and it looks like this...







Here's what she looks like deployed with maximum reach…



And finally a short video clip of the first "dry run"

Looking AWESOME


























(God, please let my son grow up to be an eye cutter....God, please let my son grow up to be an eye cutter....God, please help.....)

Looks excellent.

Are those backup lights bright enough to blind the guy in the other launch lane that won't turn off his headlights?

If so, I need a set of 4 to 6 mounted to the ass end of my trailer.

fp

Those backup lights look freaking awesome!!! And those mounts for the bow rods look sweet too!

Some trucks you can't turn off the headlights

Good looking mods, doc.

The reachin' rod holders have me planning now!

I think you'll enjoy the minn kota. The technology in those ipilots is mind-blowing. Be sure to keep the controller around your neck so it doesn't get lost or dropped overboard.

Best,

Looks good. You should really like the ipilot. Aside from the troll benefits, mine has been very useful in positioning the boat while fighting fish. They're an awesome tool for side drifting too.

Wow..nice add on's.Good luck,
SZ

Looking pretty fantastic, Francis!

Fish on...

Todd

What lights did you use for backup lights? I was getting ready to wire some tractor lights in, but yours are way more compact

Looks awesome Doc

Sweet ride Doc!

Looks great, Doc! Can't wait to see how it fishes in the fall.

Sweet Azz Ride, Doc!

Here's my latest FOLBE application. Additional stabilizing support for the new RipTide when it gets nasty on the water or when trailering LONG distances.

Nice, I use a classic Foolbe for my Net holder on THE Arima.

Boat looks top notch Doc, I wouldnt expect anything less!

Did you go with the 36Volt?