By Sid Perry
Some more Wavewalk 500 fall paddling and fishing in Idaho
Short Shaft Outboard Thoughts
By Captain Larry Jarboe
Yesterday, the sun came out and the wind died down enough to try the 2 cycle 2.5 Mercury short shaft outboard (an old rebranded Tohatsu) that I picked up for a hundred bucks. It now has a new carb and an aluminum prop. Essentially, with some minor changes, it is souped up to become the 3.3 hp Merc motor that is still marketed around the world where 2 cycle outboards are not discriminated against.
Notice, I mounted it on my vessel using the smartly designed W700 transom bracket that allows for long or short shaft outboards. Also, I put a concrete block in the bow to help balance the load.
Turning the bracket upside down for the short shaft also means the motor is another 6 inches aft. This is necessary to tighten the motor clamp bolts which are down between the two hulls.
That extra distance aft requires a level of dexterity to reach. After some personally challenging contortions to face astern, I started the motor. Then there were equally challenging physical maneuvers to spin around while underway. That nice lightweight motor (28 lbs.) has no neutral, only forward.
The motor does turn up sufficient torque to make the boat plane smoothly. But, the lowered transom digs into the water during the transition thus throwing water into the face of the engine. That is not good, at all.
Putt putting around was fine. Planing the W700 with the short shaft motor is presently unacceptable. Maybe, a joystick option or more weight in the bow might alleviate the lowered transom grabbing water. Or, a spray shield installed in front of and under the transom bracket. I, personally, want a daily driver with minimal maintenance issues. And, easier reach to start and service the motor.
Yoav, has consistently been recommending the log shaft outboards. I thoroughly concur. The short shaft Mercury would make a good display engine for sales but it runs so well I am putting it up for sale and looking for a 3 hp long shaft as the most ideal power source for my application.
Also, Yoav’s recommendation for Tohatsu small outboards is right on. The Tohatsu engines are probably the most affordable and dependable small outboards on the marine market, today. Mercury, Nissan, and Mariner use the Tohatsu power head and drive that they rebrand with their own logos. If you remember to 1) always use non-ethanol fuel and 2) after each use, flush with freshwater, while 3) running the carburetor dry, and 4) store upright, your engine will last a lifetime.
However, until my short shaft outboard sells, a transom well will not be too difficult to construct. And, some yoga exercises prior to getting underway might not be too terrible. Easier than a Zumba class…
Larry J.
Read much more and see pictures and video in the comments below ⇓
Read much more and see pictures and video in the comments below ⇓
More fishing adventures and outfitting tips with Capn’ Larry »
From 11 to 81
Some coincidences are fun –
A couple of days ago, we shipped a Combat W700 and two paddles to a couple in Virginia. The husband, who’s 81 years old, doesn’t plan to motorize his Wavewalk, at least not for now. “Maybe in the future”, he explained.
And while this tandem kayak is in transit, Captain Larry Jarboe delivered a white W500 to an 11 year old client in Key West. The client’s dad told Larry that his son is an avid kayak fisherman, and plans to outfit his new Wavewalk fishing kayak with an electric trolling motor.
I’m thrilled by both sales. Both are heartwarming, and we’ve just broken our records both for the youngest and for the oldest client to become a Wavewalk owner 🙂
Yoav
Autumn fishing trip in central Idaho
By Sid Perry
I took my Wavewalk 500 on a similar fishing trip last year. This time we already had snow in the mountains.
Duck boat for two hunters – Wavewalk 700
By Chris Henderson
Well I haven’t sent in a report lately because I have been deer hunting and the Wavewalks were not involved. But now it is on to ducks and the Wavewalks are an essential part of our arsenal.
We have long paddles in strong currents and in rough weather and the Wavewalk handles it just fine!
The W700 is particularly good as a duck boat. Two hunters can carry their gear and tandem paddling makes the currents no big deal.
On this trip we were able to use the outgoing tide as well as the current from a river to make the trip back home easy. According to the GPS we were doing 7-8 mph paddling with the current.
I have designed a blind for the boat but have yet to finish building it.
Most of the time the Wavewalks are only used as transportation. We are also able to transport 3 dozen deeks, two hunters, shooting boxes, guns, camo nets, all in the W700!
Enjoying the stability and versatility of the these kayaks.
Here are a few pictures from our latest duck hunt.
