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07-01-2010, 05:39 PM
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#4 |
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Junior
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
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Launching:ffice
 ffice" />I purchased my PA in April, launched LJ 1st time in June three days in a row. I waded out till I was deep enough to mount the drive, paced the sets, jumped in with t-handle paddle. I dropped the rudder, and pushed thru the waves with the Mirage drive only. It was small, biggest day might have been 2ft. I made i through the surf fine all 3 days. I had the front insert in each time, all three times I took on a bit of water. I left a small towl in the bottom of the insert; it absorbed the water vice soaking into my fish bag and other kit. The first 2 days I crossed the bungees hoping for a tighter seal. The 3rd day was the wettest and I close the front hatch normally, I took on less water. I am looking for a thicker seal to prevent the water from coming in next time. Landing: The first two days the surf was very small. Peddled in on the back of a small wave, rudder down, drive in, t-handle paddle in hand. I picked up momentum and pulled in the drive, steered in with the rudder, kept the paddle in hand but didn’t use it. I stood up in knee deep water, no issues. The last day the surf was small but larger. I did the same drill, but lost momentum and turned left. I put my foot down in about waist deep water and stood up, otherwise I would have probably went over. Findings: -The front hatch takes on water. So will the hatch with the cutting board. I will upgrade the seal and look for more improvements. -The half paddle with t-handle is convenient to store and push out of kelp but it wont do you much good landing in surf over 2 ft. -The full paddle would have helped more but I stored the other have inside the boat under the insert. If you keep the paddle out from launch, I would install something to strap it to the boat. I prefer less junk on the boat, but it will cost me a wetter landing. There was a potential for hyper extending the knee too. I guess for larger surf I could get out and push the boat from behind. As far as storage and stability, you could take a tv with you and stay dry all day until you land. -I have the upgrade wheels on the cart, black rubber, air inflated. I blew a tire on the second days launch. Its amazing how heavy everything is completely loaded. I believed it happened as I was pulling the boat in the water at a slight angle and broke the bead. The tire would not hold air after that. |
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