Great video answered my questions. I am halfway thru using Mike C's approach, so, I now am changing to you design. Much cleaner keeps the boat much cleaner looking. And easier getting in and out. Making the changes is not much work. Yea the manufacturer says don't exceed 2.5 pound of air but doesn't provide a gauge to check. Go figure. I like the idea of a short run for the battery power. Less power drop. All looks really good. Thanks
love the skeg or keel or whatever it is called, goona have to give her a try. I'm hoping that I can figure a way to attach it with some sort of quick release. I'm going to have to tear down after each trip.
WOW, well I am about half way thru Mike C's design and now at a stand still. I have had concerns about getting on the boat as you stated.I really like what you have accomplished with your boat. You say your seat more forward. Would that be how it is mounted on the cross bars or the whole thing moved more forward.I really like the idea of having a platform to stand, that's really great. So now I start all over..LOL. But that is good, no great. I have as yet to get mind on the lake, but looking forward to doing that. Thanks for you work and great videos.
Replace the word keel with skeg. Nice job. Your skeg doest need to be so long. It can go deeper and skinnier. It might be easier to connect a skinnier but deeper skeg to the basket in the back and be removable when you land. 4 to 6 inches. Im not sure how it will work but ive head you can put one on the shaft of the motor. That would be more rudder like but it would help with wind drift. Thanks for posting.
I REALLY liked that idea about the keel. Seems as though it could be "rotated" or "activated" down into the water and then retracted for storage...possibly a dual or triple keel could be built similar to what's found on surf boards. Nifty little idea, though!
Hey man. Thanks for the DIY videos. Love your ideas. If I were to these type of modifications. Do you know if would be able to fit in my car after it's broken down for the day? I don't have a trailer or a place to store one if I did. Where did you get the solar panel for you battery? That is my favorite idea you have come up with. Thanks a head of time.
I think you probably have the best set up by far in my opinion. I need to find a trailer like you have. Once I start to modify mine. Unless I can figure way to do a plug and play for the electric. I'm probably going to add a solar panel soon along with a light and depth finder. I was curious where and how much the panel was. Along with what type of box you have for the marine battery. I think I'm gonna go with the lower end Hummingbird for the depth finder. Most lakes I fish aren't more than 60ft deep. I'm running a 55 lb thrust motor on mine. Not sure if I would need a separate battery for the depth finder. As the one I have has 155 APH now. Any suggestions you have would be great. Thanks again for your videos. They're a big help on getting ideas and adding to the ideas you have.
Hello Andrew Sorry I haven’t responded, I’ve been busy around the holidays and haven’t checked UA-cam in awhile. I purchased the solar panel at northern tools for like $20 and the battery box is a minn Kota that I got at academy and I think it was around $50. I also used a second small 12v battery that I also got at northern tools for $20 to use for the fish finder. If you connect the fish finder to your trolling motor battery you can get some interference when the motor is running. Good luck with your setup and post some of your ideas when your done.
Hi Andrew, how do you find the 55 lb thrust motor? I am looking to buy the traxxis but I am not sure which one to get for this rig, 30, 45 or 55. any thoughts?
I have another method for controlling drift and that is a boat drift sock. It is more for when you are not moving, although " never tried It" moving slowing, but is more for when anchored . I have used one on my 22 ft Lund fishing boat, works great. can be a hazel at times. But for my XT I don't have a boat trailer and use a small utility trailer. The down fin can not work in my case.
Actually I had a scrap piece of carbon fiber laying around and was able to use that. Carbon fiber might be hard to find but I would think aluminum would work just as well
I like this design! Although I have a few questions. Obviously you've seen Mike C's design for a front end transom mount on the Colorado xt. I am currently running with his design since the beginning of summer of 2017. One thing I was looking into was some sort of standing/casting platform rather than standing on my seat constantly. Since building your platform, have you noticed a large transfer of weight to the front of the boat when your standing to cast? Have you run Mike C's front end transom mount as well as your standing platform at the same time or is it even possible with the design? Lastly, I know its a bit of a nuisance, but any chance you can build another platform mount with a step by step tutorial on how to part out and assemble successfully on the first try? Thanks for the idea as well as the initial video. Tight lines!
Dana Barley Hello Dana thanks for checking out my video. I also built Nate Ds front mount but my personal preference was the motor in the back so it left the front end more open and easier to get in and out of. With my seat moved forward and with it raised it seems pretty neutral to go from sitting to standing. Have you seen Jeff H. Video with his front mount and and standing platform? Here’s a link to it. ua-cam.com/video/IUocq5qAflY/v-deo.html Looks like it might be one to try if you like your motor on the front. I don’t have anymore of the pvc connectors at the moment to shoot another video but may do so in the future. Keep me up-to-date on how your boat comes along, it’s good to see other people’s opinions and ideas on these boat.
Can you show how the back end of the platform is mounted. I have run this many times and can not see how it is attached, I think I know but want to be correct. Thanks
Edgar Vilmanyi Hello Edgar I’m not sure I’ve never tried getting on it in deep water. I think it’s stable enough to probably do so but with the standing platform that I made I think it would be hard to do. I think I’ll try to do that the next time I’m out on it. Wish me luck
Would you suggest using the extension pedestal on your seat if you're only going to use oars? I've heard that raising the seat can make rowing uncomfortable.
I'm disabled and in my 50s and have just purchased this to get out on the water with my friend who like to kayak .is there any way one could make a conopy for this little boat?
Kelly Bell Hartley I haven’t seen one but I’m sure one could be made. The frame is strong and I think you could make one from pvc pipe and attach it to the frame. I just use a big brimmed hat.
Spencer Rushin Hey Spencer I think it does make a difference but wind will still effect it. I have thought about adding a Bullnose Clamp On Rudder to the trolling motor and see if that combo would work even better.
Awesome! My question is what have you found to be the easiest way to put wheels on? Especially when done fishing and coming out of the water? Thanks.. Scott Hall
Scott Hall Hello Scott I either take off the motor and battery so it’s easier to lift up or if you don’t mind getting wet just try putting them on in the water. Either way it can be kind of a pain.
Love the keel idea and the platform….nice work
Great video answered my questions. I am halfway thru using Mike C's approach, so, I now am changing to you design. Much cleaner keeps the boat much cleaner looking. And easier getting in and out. Making the changes is not much work. Yea the manufacturer says don't exceed 2.5 pound of air but doesn't provide a gauge to check. Go figure. I like the idea of a short run for the battery power. Less power drop. All looks really good.
Thanks
love the skeg or keel or whatever it is called, goona have to give her a try. I'm hoping that I can figure a way to attach it with some sort of quick release. I'm going to have to tear down after each trip.
WOW, well I am about half way thru Mike C's design and now at a stand still. I have had concerns about getting on the boat as you stated.I really like what you have accomplished with your boat. You say your seat more forward. Would that be how it is mounted on the cross bars or the whole thing moved more forward.I really like the idea of having a platform to stand, that's really great. So now I start all over..LOL. But that is good, no great. I have as yet to get mind on the lake, but looking forward to doing that. Thanks for you work and great videos.
Replace the word keel with skeg. Nice job. Your skeg doest need to be so long. It can go deeper and skinnier. It might be easier to connect a skinnier but deeper skeg to the basket in the back and be removable when you land. 4 to 6 inches. Im not sure how it will work but ive head you can put one on the shaft of the motor. That would be more rudder like but it would help with wind drift. Thanks for posting.
Hey, I would like to see more on the keel. I currently have to keep my oars in the water to keep straight.
I REALLY liked that idea about the keel. Seems as though it could be "rotated" or "activated" down into the water and then retracted for storage...possibly a dual or triple keel could be built similar to what's found on surf boards. Nifty little idea, though!
Hey man. Thanks for the DIY videos. Love your ideas. If I were to these type of modifications. Do you know if would be able to fit in my car after it's broken down for the day? I don't have a trailer or a place to store one if I did. Where did you get the solar panel for you battery? That is my favorite idea you have come up with.
Thanks a head of time.
It’s a 7inch extension. But only use the extension if your using a trolling motor. The seat will be to tall to use your oars.
hell yeah good job man
Nice job man
I think you probably have the best set up by far in my opinion. I need to find a trailer like you have. Once I start to modify mine. Unless I can figure way to do a plug and play for the electric.
I'm probably going to add a solar panel soon along with a light and depth finder. I was curious where and how much the panel was. Along with what type of box you have for the marine battery. I think I'm gonna go with the lower end Hummingbird for the depth finder. Most lakes I fish aren't more than 60ft deep. I'm running a 55 lb thrust motor on mine. Not sure if I would need a separate battery for the depth finder. As the one I have has 155 APH now. Any suggestions you have would be great. Thanks again for your videos. They're a big help on getting ideas and adding to the ideas you have.
Hello Andrew
Sorry I haven’t responded, I’ve been busy around the holidays and haven’t checked UA-cam in awhile.
I purchased the solar panel at northern tools for like $20 and the battery box is a minn Kota that I got at academy and I think it was around $50. I also used a second small 12v battery that I also got at northern tools for $20 to use for the fish finder. If you connect the fish finder to your trolling motor battery you can get some interference when the motor is running. Good luck with your setup and post some of your ideas when your done.
Hi Andrew, how do you find the 55 lb thrust motor? I am looking to buy the traxxis but I am not sure which one to get for this rig, 30, 45 or 55. any thoughts?
I have another method for controlling drift and that is a boat drift sock. It is more for when you are not moving, although " never tried It" moving slowing, but is more for when anchored . I have used one on my 22 ft Lund fishing boat, works great. can be a hazel at times. But for my XT I don't have a boat trailer and use a small utility trailer. The down fin can not work in my case.
Cool vid. I like the kiel. Where'd you get it?
Actually I had a scrap piece of carbon fiber laying around and was able to use that. Carbon fiber might be hard to find but I would think aluminum would work just as well
I got those wheels and tires at tractor supply.
Sorry, I'm not running Mike C's front transom mount. I've built myself Nate D's 2nd version of the front end transom mount.
I like this design! Although I have a few questions. Obviously you've seen Mike C's design for a front end transom mount on the Colorado xt. I am currently running with his design since the beginning of summer of 2017. One thing I was looking into was some sort of standing/casting platform rather than standing on my seat constantly. Since building your platform, have you noticed a large transfer of weight to the front of the boat when your standing to cast? Have you run Mike C's front end transom mount as well as your standing platform at the same time or is it even possible with the design? Lastly, I know its a bit of a nuisance, but any chance you can build another platform mount with a step by step tutorial on how to part out and assemble successfully on the first try? Thanks for the idea as well as the initial video. Tight lines!
Dana Barley
Hello Dana thanks for checking out my video. I also built Nate Ds front mount but my personal preference was the motor in the back so it left the front end more open and easier to get in and out of. With my seat moved forward and with it raised it seems pretty neutral to go from sitting to standing. Have you seen Jeff H. Video with his front mount and and standing platform? Here’s a link to it.
ua-cam.com/video/IUocq5qAflY/v-deo.html
Looks like it might be one to try if you like your motor on the front.
I don’t have anymore of the pvc connectors at the moment to shoot another video but may do so in the future.
Keep me up-to-date on how your boat comes along, it’s good to see other people’s opinions and ideas on these boat.
Can you show how the back end of the platform is mounted. I have run this many times and can not see how it is attached, I think I know but want to be correct. Thanks
Ray Williamson
Hey Ray I just posted another video that shows the mounts a little better. Hope it helps.
Where did you get those wheels? mine only came with a single wheel and it is a pain in the Arse to balance and move around.
Hi, thanks for the video... Can i use this for spearfishing? It is easy to get in or out from deep water?
Edgar Vilmanyi
Hello Edgar I’m not sure I’ve never tried getting on it in deep water. I think it’s stable enough to probably do so but with the standing platform that I made I think it would be hard to do. I think I’ll try to do that the next time I’m out on it. Wish me luck
Would you suggest using the extension pedestal on your seat if you're only going to use oars? I've heard that raising the seat can make rowing uncomfortable.
apocalypse486
I would not use the extension if you are only using oars. It can be done but it’s very awkward.
I'm disabled and in my 50s and have just purchased this to get out on the water with my friend who like to kayak
.is there any way one could make a conopy for this little boat?
Kelly Bell Hartley
I haven’t seen one but I’m sure one could be made. The frame is strong and I think you could make one from pvc pipe and attach it to the frame. I just use a big brimmed hat.
What size seat extention did you use?
Is the keel still working well in wind or have you found something better works ???
Spencer Rushin
Hey Spencer
I think it does make a difference but wind will still effect it. I have thought about adding a Bullnose Clamp On Rudder to the trolling motor and see if that combo would work even better.
Awesome! My question is what have you found to be the easiest way to put wheels on? Especially when done fishing and coming out of the water? Thanks.. Scott Hall
Scott Hall
Hello Scott
I either take off the motor and battery so it’s easier to lift up or if you don’t mind getting wet just try putting them on in the water. Either way it can be kind of a pain.
tim29913 me and my dad have an idea. If it works I'll send you a pic. Email me at nnuclear77@gmail.com. Thanks.. Scott Hall
Scott Hall
It’s tim29913@gmail.com
Looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with. Good luck
tim29913 Sounds great.. We are definitely brainstorming.. Lol I'll be in touch when we get it done.. Take care.. Scott