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 Post subject: AKA side deck
PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:50 pm 
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Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:00 am
Posts: 66
Location: Jupiter Florida
Hey guys. I wanted to share with you some pictures and a description of the side deck I made for my AI. Let me preface this by saying that it is not for standing on nor is it for carrying heavy tools. I put it on because I am a bit clumsy after a stroke and I need more space while I'm fishing. This deck allows me to have more room to put things like measuring tape, cutting board, the grips, small tackle boxes etc, while I'm fishing. It is made of vinyl coated mesh material I purchased on the Internet from http://www.ahh.biz/fabric_catagories/me ... etting.htm. It cost about $12 before shipping and only required 1 yard. The size of my finished product is 53" x 33" and is held on by bungee balls. I have used it for a month now without any problems and I am loving it. I'm taking it down to the Outer Banks next week so it'll be tested in heavy water.
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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 6:15 pm 
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Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 10:46 pm
Posts: 3017
Location: Escondido
Hi Glen,

That looks really slick!

Is this installed after you pop out the amas or can you collapse them with this on? How much weight do you think it will support?

Beautiful job!! 8)


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 Post subject: Side Deck
PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 6:57 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:00 am
Posts: 66
Location: Jupiter Florida
I haven't tried to fold the amas with the deck on although I'm sure it would fold up without any problems. I usually install it before I go out into the water. Also, I don't know how much it would hold. I'm going to test it next week. I took it apart this morning, trimmed it so that it was tight, and had a seamstress sew a new permanent border around it.
I'll keep you informed as I tested.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:58 am 
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Joined: Mon Jul 02, 2007 7:10 pm
Posts: 58
Location: Rio Vista, CA
Looks great Glen!

I love how AI owners are customizing there boats for their own particular needs.

I've already stolen Gwizs' design for a spray shield. You may be next. :wink:


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 8:37 am 
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Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2004 6:56 am
Posts: 822
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Hey Glenn,
Great job--looks really professional! I've never used bungee balls, but this looks like a perfect place to try them. One question--what are the fittings called that the bungees go thru, and are they just pressed together to hold them in place. Looks like they have some sort of spring gizmo in them. Another great thing about your install, as RR sugested, is that you can probably fold the amas without having to take the fabric off. Anything that saves time when getting underway is a huge plus IMHO.
Best,
Dick

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 3:28 am 
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Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 4:48 pm
Posts: 129
Location: Virginia Beach, Va.
Quote:
what are the fittings called that the bungees go thru
They are tarp grabbers, they are in 2 pieces and press together through the material, one has a spike and the other a hole. I get them from Northern tool in a 12 pack for about $7.

They work very well and I have yet to have any pull out on the vinyl that I use for the sprayshield. I have tried to pry them apart in hopes of reusing them when experimenting with placement but haven't had any success even with a gorilla bar and vice grips.

Bunj balls also work well but on the light duty ones you do need to double the knot to keep it from pulling through and they will get stretched out, I switched to the heavy dutys but they can be hard to put on and take off.

gwiz


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 Post subject: sea trial of side deck
PostPosted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 6:26 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:00 am
Posts: 66
Location: Jupiter Florida
Okay, here's the skinny. I spent a week down at the Outer Banks, sailing and fishing in the sound.
The new deck worked great. This is what I found: The deck has to be put on after the amais are extended. I extended the side that put the mesh deck on before putting the AI in the water. This irked at good since I have the Hobie trailer. The reason is that when the ama is folded in the distance between the akas change. The deck held up in heavy water. The mesh is far enough over the water that waves don't really come up that high too often. I usually kept my fishing net, measuring tape, lip grip and other assorted tools on the mesh without any problems.
The way that I have it equipped now, the AI is a lean, clean fishing machine. It is stable for bottom fishing, and it is great for trolling. I found myself using my GPS quite a bit while trolling to maintain constant speed. I'm going to order a hydra light and start night fishing for catfish. I also found the perfect solution for keeping my fish alive. it's called a Shoal Bait Pen and I am ordering the shrimp bait pen which I believe will be perfect for storing my fish. I received Ren758's new tote yesterday and will take it out tomorrow. It is sure a perfect fit for the AI. It has more room than the cooler I had back their yet it is not as tall and doesn't get in the way of my sail lines. He did a great job, and I highly recommend this to to anyone who has an AI.
sail_boat fishing sail_boat


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