Sea Nymph Deep Vee

CONTENTS

A familiar site to countless boaters, and fishermen, is the Candy Cane stacks of Trenton DTE Energy Plant.

It's a Perfect Night for Handlining on the Trenton Channel.

Sea Nymph Model 16R40 MFG. Date 1979

Length 16 feet 6 inches

Beam 72 inches

This is the boat I currently use while handline fishing for Walleye. The wide beam and deep hull provides sufficient stability needed for the Detroit River channels. Everything on the trailer is original except the winch and dolly.

The outboard motor is a 2011 electric start Mercury 20 HP. Long Shaft. It recently replaced its same make and model 1979 counterpart.

Two minor modifications have been made to the boat and trailer. A Guide-On pair was fabricated using 1 1/2" x 1/8" square steel tube, and covered with PVC. These were designed to conform to the angle of the boat, and greatly assist its removal from the water at the end of the day. Also added to the boat is a 1 1/4 " square aluminum fold down (or easily removable) accessory and grab bar, an added security while moving about in two foot rollers.

Several other modifications are planned for the 2011-2012 winter season. These modifications will provide a greatly improved equipment storage system, and perhaps a GPS controlled trolling system.

The Holsclaw Bros. manufactured this trailer in October of 1978. It employs a pair of coil springs, and shock absorbers for suspension. This company once manufactured top of the line trailers. Unfortunately they are no longer in the business.

Aluminum Accessory/Grab Bar.

A&S Hand Line Reel.

Schaller Hand Reel from late1960's.

One pound, and one and a half pound, stainless steel hand line weights. Each of these were easily fabricated from 12 inch long round bar stock, 5/8" diameter and 3/4" diameter respectively.

Compared to the average jig or sinker used by fishermen, hand line weights are massive. In general, they weigh from one, to just over two pounds. That is a lot of lead to leave on the bottom of lakes and rivers if lost due to snags. There are alternatives to using lead weights and sinkers.

The cost of fabricating these weights in stainless is approximately $6.00 for a one and a half pound and $4.00 for a one pound hand line weight. That’s nearly double the retail price of a hand line weight made from lead.

A Simple Remote Steering System by Ron Welch

Like most individuals, I am always looking for ideas that will provide me with a way to make improvements in a personal endeavor.

I recently read an article regarding a Remote Steering idea that allows the operator of a boat to control steering by foot. Ron Welch, a member of the Downriver Walleye Federation, wrote it. Ron has been hand lining for well over a half century.

Ron’s steering article may be found here. Unfortunately, images that were later added to his article for clarity have been lost. However, this simple steering system is very easy to assemble based upon his drawing.

It is for all of those times that I have needed to remove my hand from the tiller, while underway or trolling, that inspired me to build this little add on. The cost for all of the materials from Ace Hardware and Home depot combined is about $60.00. Some, or most of the materials may be found hiding in a favorite junk drawer.

I have assembled Ron’s steering system based upon his diagram, and included some images. Considering it’s simplicity, it works well. If you would like to contribute additional information on how to improve upon Ron's remote steering idea, please drop me a note.

A more contemporary alternative to this simple mechanism is Panther Marine’s electric steering system that uses a cable and electric foot control with a base price of $419.00. This seems to be a popular choice for handliners. For an additional cost, the Panther unit is expandable to accommodate remote and GPS control. There are also other compatible units available.

Materials:

I needed 10 feet of 3/16" plastic coated cable

(1) Swivel pulley

(1) Stainless steel mtg. Bracket

(2) 5/16" eyebolts (for mounting pulley and surgical tubing to transom)

(2) S hooks

(1) 3/8" eyebolt, nuts and lock washer for mounting to the tiller steering mounting bracket.

(3-4) Cable nuts

Notes:

Warning! Do not use this remote foot control for any other purpose than trolling. Attempting to use this adaptation at higher speeds could result in the operator and passenger(s) being catapulted from the boat.

One roll of 3/8" diameter surgical (latex) tubing purchased at Home Depot, and may be found in the plumbing department.

Two 11/16" bolts secure the mounting bracket that secures the tiller to my outboard motor(1st image). These two bolts secure your tiller or steering gear to your outboard. I removed my tiller and mounted the stainless bracket as shown on the tiller assembly, and the outboard frame.

The mounting bracket can be purchased to fit your own particular outboard motor (depending upon availability) or can be fabricated. Mine was fabricated from a 3/16" thick piece of stainless steel plate, but 1/8" would work for this application.

Install latex tubing around the eyebolt as you would a hand slingshot. A constrictor knot, tied with polyester string used in cable lacing, and a wire tie were added for security. See last image of surgical tubing for detail on securing the tubing ends. Notice that it is pulled through a small piece of tubing cut from the end of the roll. This must be done twice through the same small piece when you double the tubing back upon itself through the eyebolt. You will need to use rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner for a temporary lubricant, and a pair of snap ring pliers to expand the small piece of latex.

Go Fishing, It Creates New Memories!