Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
Appropriate comments, as I expected from you. Thanks.Arminius, I have to ask... I thought you might be kidding about it, but... did you really call MinnKota to ask them if an item that is "meant to out in the weather" was "OK to be out in the weather"?
There's nothing wrong with the Deckhand, per se. But it's meant for much lighter boats than yours.
In addition to the comments about anchoring from the back of the boat being bad seamanship...
-- How do you propose to keep the fishing line-width anchor rode from getting worn through when it rubs up against the drive or the prop?
-- How often do you think you'll be dealing with that little nylon rope getting wrapped around the drive?
-- Do you really want to create a large tripping hazzard on the swim platform? Especially since the place in the water that someone might fall into is occupied by a big black hunk of sharp metal?
-- What's wrong with using a lightweight, but appropriately sized anchor up at the bow?
-- You mentioned a problem with the anchor rode being a pain. You're not wrapping it around your hand/elbow are you? Just let it fall naturally into the designated anchor locker and it will come right back out nicely and easily.
That said... I like Henry's idea!
I thought I might think about a new boat. 20-22' with a V-8 or V-6 OB sounds good but there aren't any in US on 1st pass! Campion or Crownline out of Canada with the latter looking superior. No fishing please! In the US, the souped up 4.3 has replaced the 5.0 but there is no substitute for cu in. An OB needs 6 cyl, especially w/o the torque of the 2-stroke.Here is a solution that will solve all your issues. It will require modifying the fuel system.
Step 1. Remove fuel cap and hold,
Step 2. While fuel cap is in hand, slide new to you Sea Ray Sundancer under fuel cap,
Step 3. Install old fuel cap on new to you Sea Ray Sundancer.
And just like that the larger boat you are trying to make will be all done.
I don't mean to be "that guy" because you've already done it, so this is mostly for anyone else reading this later.Installed the Minn-Kota Deckhand 40 on the port side of the swim platform, nestled in against the hull. It should not impact the side of a tall slip and that is the point of the photo looking down the side. The wiring is not complete as yet. I bypassed the internal CB as I have another with an "off" position to put alongside the battery.
Happy with the install, I used pricey West Marine View attachment 104895 View attachment 104896 View attachment 104897 View attachment 104898 View attachment 104899 SS blade style toggles and headless 1/4" SS all-thread bolts to create lugs emerging from deck. Held the toggle in, inserted the all thread, added flange type nuts big enough not to fall through the 1/2" holes I'd drilled in deck. Then I filled the holes with 5200 marine caulk. I screwed the all-thread into the toggles and left the 1/2" emerging from the deck. Set up overnight and removed the nuts to place the lower winch base in position. The winch slides into it.
Don't need the supplied remote. Push the button and the 20# mushroom falls to the ground and locks. Rock button upward and the line quickly reels in. Great project so far.