ORLANDO — The auto world isn’t the only industry sporting hybrid vehicles in 2009.The New Product Showcase floor and other exhibitors at ICAST 2009 are showcasing the kind of cross-fertilized, out-of-the-box thinking behind the new generation of fishing platforms — economical small waters craft that draw from multiple limbs of the boating family tree. Each leverages design and propulsion technologies in an innovative way.
|
Bassmaster
Befitting the hybrid trend, electric motors factor into the thinking of many of thnew hybrids and other new and improved small waters craft.The Carolina Twin Troller X-10, featured at the Carolina Electric Boats booth, boasts three patent and a pending patent in its next generation electric bass boat. The 10-foot craft features the Twin Troller propulsion system — a pair of 36-pound-thrust MotorGuide inboard electric motors and a foot-control system that enables backward, forward, and even 360-degree rotation with remarkable ease. The patented molded polyethylene hull is virtually unsinkable, according to Frank Jones, company president.Freedom Hawk Kayak’s Freedom 12 is a 12-foot stand-up fishing kayak with “patented integral and retractable outriggers.” Fly fishermen and bass fishermen spend a lot of time on their feet, and the Freedom 12 facilitates stand-up techniques like sightfishing, long casting and flipping. The retractable outriggers, which can be extended when the angler takes to his — or her — feet, provide stability during fishing. They retract into the streamlined kayak contour for efficient hydrodynamics when the angler is on the move. The New Product Showcase model included a MotorGuide Thruster 30-pound-thrust electric motor. The craft comes, too, with a push pole. Extremely low draft allows access to the skinniest waters.Another electrically powered kayak is the Elec-Trek from Dragonfly Boatworks, LLC. It boasts a sleek Star Wars-style design for speed and efficiency. The low-profile electric motor is encased in the stern. The partially recessed propeller enables craft to penetrate ultra-skinny water. No-nonsense push-button latches enable access to hull storage chambers.Shakespeare arrived at ICAST with six angler-fitted kayaks ranging from the 8-foot Angler 80 to the 14.5-foot Angler 145, an entry in the New Product Showcase competition.
The Viking ProFish 45 from Viking Kayak US LLC offers speed and efficiency with both paddle propulsion or a boost from the Torqeedo rear-mount electric motor, powered by an encased, compact battery located behind the kayaker’s seat. Features include a side-mount vertical stake pole for silent and simple mooring in water up to 4 feet.
Panther Martin’s Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Fishing Boat is a compact craft you can take almost anywhere. Weighing only 42 pounds, the Sea Eagle sets up in four minutes and packs into a small bag; yet it can cover distances and handle larger water as well. The rear plate mount will handle up to a 3-horsepower outboard motor or electric.