A boat in SE Alaska--Freedom at last! (work, art)

[Alaskagrl]

Well, I finally saved enough to buy a skiff to use on POW! First ride felt like pure freedom. I didn't feel like buying a full-on cabin boat; my co-workers call them "holes in the ocean in which to throw all your money."

Man, --can't wait until I start landing some kings/halibut. And it's easy on gas--probably the MOST important thing right now. I can go deer hunting--wow, possibilities are endless! I need to stop gushing.

Of course, now the weather report says crappy all weekend--oh well. At least it's sitting there in the slip, waiting for the next nice afternoon!

Anybody got some tips on putting in a small auto-bilge? It's the wiring I'm slightly confused on...I figured out how to mount it and all. Just not sure on the connection to battery deal...And how about Indain-anchoring? never done that before...

[Wrennie]

Awesome!! Congratulations!!
My kid put a bilge on his Smoker Craft, I'll ask him for you.

[akck]

I believe Indian anchoring is where you attach a second line to your anchor that will reach shore. Make sure your regular anchor line is long enough to hit bottom, place the anchor on the edge of the boat and shove the boat towards the spot where you want to anchor it. When it gets there, jerk the shore line so the anchor falls in the water and hopefully sets. When you want to retrieve the boat, pull in the shore line and hopefully drag in the anchor and boat to shore.

[akck]

Oh, and make sure there's enough free main anchor line to account for the tidal differences. You don't want to find your boat submerged because the anchor decided to hold fast on a rising tide.

[Alaskagrl]

Good point! I got it figured out now, I think...just need to be careful to account for tide change and try to get anchor in a good bottom. Thanks for the advice!

[akck]

Originally Posted by Alaskagrl

Good point! I got it figured out now, I think...just need to be careful to account for tide change and try to get anchor in a good bottom. Thanks for the advice!

I usually use a two-man raft to get to and from the boat when we camp on the beach. One time I thought I anchored in deep enough water. The next morning we could walk up and almost touch the boat without getting wet, so it works both ways.

[DannyL]

can I go for a ride?

[Barkingowl]

Could you post a pic or two? Congratulations!

[Truesdale]

Here is a link to a good article on installing an automatic bilge pump:

[http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/14.htm] .

There is excellent information in it. If you do nothing else, make sure you follow the instructions about the fuse. If you can’t figure it out, we will be on POW the end of the month and I will give you a hand for a ride (if I don’t have to drive a hundred miles)!

[Arcticthaw]

Keep in mind how much power your motor produces to charge the battery. Get a rechargable spot light with a 12 volt cord, in case you need to see at night. Seal everything from the salt air.

Have lots of fun, and remember to wear your pfd always. I love my float coat. Blocks the wind and keeps me warm.