SOLO SKIFF PROGRESS THREAD - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

AlwaysFishing · 02-12-2021, 09:36 AM

I finally had a chance to take my Solo Skiff out for a test run last Sunday. Man this thing is so much fun. Loading and unloading was tough but I think it will get easier the more I do it.
I launched out of the South Shore boat ramp in Long Beach and took it all the way to the oil platform outside of the breakwall. The water was like glass so I had a smooth ride.

Since I bought it used, I changed all the fluids, the fuel filter and spark plug.
The motor oil was nasty but the lower gear unit oil was still clean. I will probably going to change out the prop as well since there are some nicks on the blades. The gas tank and fuel line are still in good conditions.

The riggings I have done so far was putting a Railblaza stern and bow nav lights. added two Hobie 21" rails on each side. Marine Mat is on order. Still waiting for the Hobie plate to install the transducer. Still debating where to mount the Garmin EchoMap Plus 74cv, forward or to the side. Added a tiller extender but it's too long and it prevents me from making big left turns because it hits the seat. I have to swing the seat left to make room for the tiller extension so I can turn left.

Top speed with the Tohatsu 5hp was 14.7mph on smooth water.
Next project will be to copy Mark's winch and ramp set up to make loading and unloading easier on my back.

-Quang

tak100 · 02-12-2021, 10:31 AM

Congrats.

I am located in Long Beach as well. Let me know if you what to ride out together. Looking forward to fishing the mussel farm this summer.

AlwaysFishing · 02-12-2021, 01:34 PM

Thanks Tim. I will definitely ping you in the near future. I can't wait to take it out and do some real fishing. Where have you launched so far?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tak100

Congrats.

I am located in Long Beach as well. Let me know if you what to ride out together. Looking forward to fishing the mussel farm this summer.

tak100 · 02-14-2021, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysFishing

Thanks Tim. I will definitely ping you in the near future. I can't wait to take it out and do some real fishing. Where have you launched so far?

Los Alamitos, Dana Point and Cabrillo so far.

It would be legal to launch out of Huntington Harbor and head out to the oil rigs or mussel farm with the motorized vessels so I hope to do that in the future.

San Diego would be a blast as well.

AlwaysFishing · 02-15-2021, 04:16 PM

Are you using the boat ramp in Cabrillo or are you beach launching? I am looking to launch in Newport and Redondo as well. I guess the only way to launch in Redondo is to use the hoist. Newport boat ramp is so far from the harbor opening that it's going to take forever to get out to open water.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tak100

Los Alamitos, Dana Point and Cabrillo so far.

It would be legal to launch out of Huntington Harbor and head out to the oil rigs or mussel farm with the motorized vessels so I hope to do that in the future.

San Diego would be a blast as well.

FISH11 · 02-16-2021, 01:45 PM

I decided to make a new unedited version of a video I recorded in Oct. 2020. The previous version was edited using GoPro Quick and was not good because that software has one pick highlights and then it edits each according to the music that is added. That is a Horrible method and does not get a good result, no matter how many different songs you pick to change the editing. This was filmed while holding the GoPro in my right hand, so I am not holding on and slowed the speed down to 4-6 mph so as not to get thrown off. The Solo Skiff could go much faster, but it becomes a wetter ride in those conditions and I was just wearing my board shorts and hoodie sweatshirt, as usual. Hope this give you guys a better look at how the Solo Skiff can handle the rough water. Other utube videos I watched that said rough water, where nowhere close to these conditions. It proved to me that the Solo Skiff is incredibly stable and all you need is to hold on and steer into the oncoming waves. That was an incredible 3 mile ride back to the La Jolla Cove point where the weather improved and ended becoming a nice day on the water. Warning, the video has some descriptive profanity, so if you are offended just turn down the volume.

AlwaysFishing · 02-17-2021, 06:21 AM

Now that is rough but you made it look so easy. With my experience, I'd would be going at idle speed all the way in.

tak100 · 02-20-2021, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysFishing

Are you using the boat ramp in Cabrillo or are you beach launching? I am looking to launch in Newport and Redondo as well. I guess the only way to launch in Redondo is to use the hoist. Newport boat ramp is so far from the harbor opening that it's going to take forever to get out to open water.

With my outback I launched from the beach. With the Solo I go from the boat ramp. It is a 15 ride and I get a chance to open up the throttle and have some fun.

Went yesterday 02/19/21. Fished all day from Point Fermen to White's point for mostly nada. I was mostly looking for whales. Back in the harbor on the way home and birds are crashing all over, double hookups of larger macks and right in the middle a young grey whale. Great sunset too. Can't beat So Cal weather.

All of this in a stiff wind which would have made it impossible in my outback.

FISH11 · 02-20-2021, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tak100

With the Solo I go from the boat ramp. It is a 15 ride and I get a chance to open up the throttle and have some fun.

Went yesterday 02/19/21. . Great sunset too. Can't beat So Cal weather.

All of this in a stiff wind which would have made it impossible in my outback.

These highlights to your post, are some of the highlight of why the SOLO SKIFF is INSANE FUN!

AlwaysFishing · 02-24-2021, 09:50 AM

Thanks Tim.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tak100

With my outback I launched from the beach. With the Solo I go from the boat ramp. It is a 15 ride and I get a chance to open up the throttle and have some fun.

Went yesterday 02/19/21. Fished all day from Point Fermen to White's point for mostly nada. I was mostly looking for whales. Back in the harbor on the way home and birds are crashing all over, double hookups of larger macks and right in the middle a young grey whale. Great sunset too. Can't beat So Cal weather.

All of this in a stiff wind which would have made it impossible in my outback.

FISH11 · 02-12-2021, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysFishing

I finally had a chance to take my Solo Skiff out for a test run last Sunday. Man this thing is so much fun. Loading and unloading was tough but I think it will get easier the more I do it.
I launched out of the South Shore boat ramp in Long Beach and took it all the way to the oil platform outside of the breakwall. The water was like glass so I had a smooth ride............

Top speed with the Tohatsu 5hp was 14.7mph on smooth water.
Next project will be to copy Mark's winch and ramp set up to make loading and unloading easier on my back.

-Quang

Congrats on your new (to you) Solo Skiff. They are absolutely a blast and such a useful tool for covering more water than you could possibly cover on a kayak in one day, while only spending $2-$4 in gas. I no longer have to worry about currents and head wind, as I did on my kayaks. I found that the top speed is slightly higher when the water is not flat and smooth, but has small ripples. I guess the hull just skims on top better than when it has to displace water to plane. Tight Lines

AlwaysFishing · 02-12-2021, 01:39 PM

Thank you Mark. It is definitely have those advantages and so much fun too. You should seen the smile on my face..

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISH11

Congrats on your new (to you) Solo Skiff. They are absolutely a blast and such a useful tool for covering more water than you could possibly cover on a kayak in one day, while only spending $2-$4 in gas. I no longer have to worry about currents and head wind, as I did on my kayaks. I found that the top speed is slightly higher when the water is not flat and smooth, but has small ripples. I guess the hull just skims on top better than when it has to displace water to plane. Tight Lines

NICKWORN · 02-12-2021, 02:04 PM

[QUOTE=AlwaysFishing;312804]
Added a tiller extender but it's too long and it prevents me from making big left turns because it hits the seat. I have to swing the seat left to make room for the tiller extension so I can turn left.

I used minnkota extension and had to cut it almost all the way done, but it works like a champ now, no hitting of the seat or turning to turn. Ill take a picture for your to see.

AlwaysFishing · 02-12-2021, 09:59 PM

Awesome, thanks Nick. Wished I asked in here first.

[QUOTE=NICKWORN;312812]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysFishing

Added a tiller extender but it's too long and it prevents me from making big left turns because it hits the seat. I have to swing the seat left to make room for the tiller extension so I can turn left.

I used minnkota extension and had to cut it almost all the way done, but it works like a champ now, no hitting of the seat or turning to turn. Ill take a picture for your to see.

NICKWORN · 02-18-2021, 10:05 AM

[QUOTE=AlwaysFishing;312817]Awesome, thanks Nick. Wished I asked in here first.

I cut the extension on the ass end but still had to cut some of the rubber grip to get that extra 1/2” I needed to not hit my seat.

AlwaysFishing · 02-18-2021, 07:23 PM

Thanks for the pictures Nick.

Quote:

I cut the extension on the ass end but still had to cut some of the rubber grip to get that extra 1/2” I needed to not hit my seat.

AlwaysFishing · 02-18-2021, 07:25 PM

Has anyone use the hoist in Redondo? How much were you charged?
Would like to know if it can be done if the skiff is on the truck bed instead of a trailer.

jruiz · 02-19-2021, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysFishing

Has anyone use the hoist in Redondo? How much were you charged?
Would like to know if it can be done if the skiff is on the truck bed instead of a trailer.

~$20 depending on length. Opens at 6am which is a deal breaker for many. I can't answer the truck bed question.

02-12-2021, 09:36 AM	#1
AlwaysFishing Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: On the water Posts: 198	Got my Solo! I finally had a chance to take my Solo Skiff out for a test run last Sunday. Man this thing is so much fun. Loading and unloading was tough but I think it will get easier the more I do it. I launched out of the South Shore boat ramp in Long Beach and took it all the way to the oil platform outside of the breakwall. The water was like glass so I had a smooth ride. Since I bought it used, I changed all the fluids, the fuel filter and spark plug. The motor oil was nasty but the lower gear unit oil was still clean. I will probably going to change out the prop as well since there are some nicks on the blades. The gas tank and fuel line are still in good conditions. The riggings I have done so far was putting a Railblaza stern and bow nav lights. added two Hobie 21" rails on each side. Marine Mat is on order. Still waiting for the Hobie plate to install the transducer. Still debating where to mount the Garmin EchoMap Plus 74cv, forward or to the side. Added a tiller extender but it's too long and it prevents me from making big left turns because it hits the seat. I have to swing the seat left to make room for the tiller extension so I can turn left. Top speed with the Tohatsu 5hp was 14.7mph on smooth water. Next project will be to copy Mark's winch and ramp set up to make loading and unloading easier on my back. -Quang

02-16-2021, 01:45 PM	#6
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	SOLO SKIFF in really rough water I decided to make a new unedited version of a video I recorded in Oct. 2020. The previous version was edited using GoPro Quick and was not good because that software has one pick highlights and then it edits each according to the music that is added. That is a Horrible method and does not get a good result, no matter how many different songs you pick to change the editing. This was filmed while holding the GoPro in my right hand, so I am not holding on and slowed the speed down to 4-6 mph so as not to get thrown off. The Solo Skiff could go much faster, but it becomes a wetter ride in those conditions and I was just wearing my board shorts and hoodie sweatshirt, as usual. Hope this give you guys a better look at how the Solo Skiff can handle the rough water. Other utube videos I watched that said rough water, where nowhere close to these conditions. It proved to me that the Solo Skiff is incredibly stable and all you need is to hold on and steer into the oncoming waves. That was an incredible 3 mile ride back to the La Jolla Cove point where the weather improved and ended becoming a nice day on the water. Warning, the video has some descriptive profanity, so if you are offended just turn down the volume. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

02-12-2021, 02:04 PM	#13
NICKWORN Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: SANTUCKET Posts: 629	I cut mine [QUOTE=AlwaysFishing;312804] Added a tiller extender but it's too long and it prevents me from making big left turns because it hits the seat. I have to swing the seat left to make room for the tiller extension so I can turn left. I used minnkota extension and had to cut it almost all the way done, but it works like a champ now, no hitting of the seat or turning to turn. Ill take a picture for your to see.

02-18-2021, 07:25 PM	#17
AlwaysFishing Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: On the water Posts: 198	Redondo Hoist Has anyone use the hoist in Redondo? How much were you charged? Would like to know if it can be done if the skiff is on the truck bed instead of a trailer.

02-12-2021, 10:31 AM	#2
tak100 Recruit Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 153	Congrats. I am located in Long Beach as well. Let me know if you what to ride out together. Looking forward to fishing the mussel farm this summer.

02-17-2021, 06:21 AM	#7
AlwaysFishing Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: On the water Posts: 198	Now that is rough but you made it look so easy. With my experience, I'd would be going at idle speed all the way in.