It’s been a solid year since we put our latest boat on the water last December, there have been numerous voyages with clients, family and friends all enjoying the fit out during that time. What strikes me the most is how little I have done to change it, all the hard work and planning over the years showing just what is needed, or in a few cases, not needed onboard. The boys at FC Boats have done a great job on all the custom items, in particular the casting deck. Their ability to turn an idea into a functional item and work within restrictions and other curve balls showcase just how dedicated they are to their craft, the fact that no major work has been needed after purchase highlights this point. As expected with lots of custom work a few required tweaks here and there are always going to show up in the first few runs, thankfully these were facilitated within a tight timeframe.
Since I hate unboxing reviews here’s a quick take on how things have performed over the year to this point.
Mercury 115 CT – this has been a solid workhorse, easily passing 200 hours of service without fault. Often pushing along some bigger loads with more gear and anglers I doubt I’ve heard it complain, it probably just growls a little more.
Minn Kota Talon – I was more than impressed from the minute this was added and have used it far more than I originally thought. Often clients don’t even know it’s deployed, neither do the fish. Being able to pull up to a dead stop at the push of a button is invaluable, especially for novice salt fly anglers trying to work out distance perception on moving targets.
Minn Kota – really glad I went and slightly overspec’d this as we charge around the flats often and the current when fishing markers makes it work that bit harder than most other users in a day. Battery usage has never gone below half the supply voltage and recharge time is negligible between trips.
Humminbird Solix12 – Coming from a background of visually spotting fish these units have lit up my underwater surroundings. Infact they’re so good we put the original one on the bow and added a new Solix12 G2 with MEGA+ imaging to the console then networked them together. Having the bow mounted screen now gives me an extra vantage point and recently highlighted how allowing clients to visualise what they have on offer gives them the extra motivation to keep casting.
The “One Boat Network” that Humminbird is now rolling out is phenomenal, having the ability to control multiple facets of electronics from the screen is huge. Whether I want to operate the Minn Kota from the virtual remote (even steering it with your toes from the bow screen) , deploy/retrieve the Talon, plus the whole host of other compatible components that can be added into the mix.
U-Dek – A year on and it’s still looking good, despite the constant foot traffic its holding up really well. This is probably because its so easy to clean and can take a bit of punishment day in, day out.
JBL stereo – We had wired the boat for sound and only just recently completed this part It’s not only good for cruising and beach parties but will get some serious use alongside the Ocean Led underwater lights to help raise those inquisitive reef dwelling Kingfish to the surface.
FC Boats – this hull is a proven winner, it’s remarkably dry for an open boat, rides exceptionally well in all manor of sea states and has the stability to rival any alloy pontoon boat in the NZ market – with an 8 degree heel test and a survey tolerance of 15 it breezes through MNZ requirements.
Click here to read the original King Tide on water article.
If you would like to be a part of the fishing this Summer now is the time to get out there and into the action, simply drop us a line to secure your spot before Christmas. lucas@kingtidesaltfly.com
Saltwater Fly Fishing guide. Tauranga, Bay of Plenty 