Hooked on fishin
09-13-2000, 07:23 PM
Hey, I need some feed back. I am going to buy a 21 foot sled. There are alot of questions I need to answer before its ordered. So I'm looking for input from others that have answers from prior experience. First is engine, 350 or 351. Second, I'm thinking about a fish plat form on the back. It looks like it would be a great way to fish but how would it handle trolling, fighting 10 sturgeon or in semi rough water trying to fish. What about pump, single stage, three stage, sounds like hamilton is the best. Then there is deadrise, 12 or 16. I fish the Columbia about 99% so I'm thinking 16 but could I fish the Clackamas for springers. Any input would be great. Are there other questions I havent thought of.
tight lines
Tom
Salmonator
09-13-2000, 08:36 PM
I think the Vortec 350 has a slightly higher HP rating than the 351 Redline. DEFINATELY go with the throttle body injection as opposed to a carburetor. My only regret after purchasing my thunderjet was that I didn't go with the 16 V. The Columbia, ocean and bays are 90 percent of what I use the boat for and the 12 will beat the crap out of you on the choppy days. I think the delta V pads at the rear of most inboard sleds will still let you run pretty shallow even at 16 degrees. Couldn't tell you about the high decks, but I would imagine that the higher center of gravity will make the boat rock a little more and it might be a pain to get to a pole quickly if you're sitting up front out of the rain. Also might be a little more difficult netting a hot fish from the high deck. Maybe somebody who has one can fill you in. I like the Kodiak three stage, it's a little noisier than a mixed flow pump but it will get you out of a hole quicker when your boat is loaded down with people/gear... Sal