A few new modifications to the Torqeedo steering system.  First of all I purchased an aftermarket anodized aluminum steering bracket which is sold by The Kayak Fishing Store. It was fabricated to replace the stock plastic bracket. There has been issues with the stock bracket breaking when under stress of steering and torque from the motor. The aluminum bracket is much more rigid being made out of metal and most likely will last a life time if properly cared for.

The next upgrade is a stainless steel quick release 3/16″ closed eye spring clip for the steering cables that connect to the steering bracket. This clip enables the attach and detaching of the steering bracket in seconds instead of the previous setup using the pin and split ring.

This modification was easy. Simply take the existing cable ends off by removing the cotter pin and slide the cable out. You will now clamp down the foot brace track so it is aligned with the track (centered). Clip the new spring clip to the steering bracket on the Torqeedo. Slide a 3 inch piece of 1/4″ heat shrink tubing on the cable. Then feed the end of the cable through one side of the cable crimp. You will now feed the cable through the eye on the clip and back through the other side of the crimp. Center the motor and slide the crimp up so there is around 3/8″ – 1/2″ diameter loop. make sure the cable is tight going to the foot brace. Crimp with a pair of heavy duty pliers and repeat the same steps for the opposite side.

Once this step is completed it should look like Figure A below.

Figure B above illustrates the completed modification with the heat shrink tubing.

The links below will direct you to the parts.

Steering Bracket

Spring Clips

Quick Link

There will be other modifications in the future. Please check back to The Plastic Hull for mods and subscribe for instant emails on new posts.

One of the largest tournaments on my schedule is the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Classic Tournament. Located in Brooklyn NYC the event draws around 300 anglers from as far as Toronto. The main fish targeted are Striped Bass Weakfish Blue Fish and added last year Fluke ( Summer Founder).

This year is a new one in the chapter for myself. I am registered in the electric division. A division I never thought I would compete in. It is a challenge to fish the electric division from the mere fact that there is no electricity at the camping area. The only power available is from gas generators.

Unfortunately this year it doesn’t look like the weather is going to cooperate.

Wind and rain for Friday. I have a feeling the committee may officially postpone the start of the tournament till Saturday morning.

Saturday looks good so far!

I am bringing both the Jackson Kayak Big Rig with the Troqeedo and the Jackson Kayak Cuda 14. The Cuda is more manageable with my current kayak cart. Just in case I want to drop in near JFK Airport at Grassy Bay off the Cross Bay Boulevard. Theres a beach there that’s a long haul for the big rig on a cart on sand. The drop in where the tournament headquarters is at Floyd Bennett field is easy due to it being a huge sea plane ramp. Its very Big Rig friendly!

Looking forward to camping and hanging out with fellow fishing buddy’s long term and new. Of course cant forget the food!! If  your going stop by and say hello. Have a bite to eat drink a beer and trade some fishing stories.

As I write this my buddies are there prefishing. Wish I was there right now!!!

The first event for the New Jersey Chapter of Heroes on the Water was held on May 10th 2014 at Picatinny Arsenal Army Base in Rockaway New Jersey.  There was 79 total attendees registered and others that made an appearance.

The morning started out foggy as volunteers arrived and begun setting up unloading gear kayaks rods and setting up breakfast. By 9:00 AM all of the attendees were present. There was a brief introduction and tank you to the base and Civic Duty Partners for providing and cooking lunch for all.  Rod & reel combos were raffled off and given away to a few participating vets.

Everyone then met up at the boat launch area and the group photo was taken then systematically everyone was divided into 2 groups. They were matched up with guides. Launching the vets and guides went smoothly. Before you knew it the entire lake was speckled with 40 or more bright colored plastic boats.

Fishing was phenomenal. I saw one lady veteran catch 3 pickerel in the matter of 10 minutes! It probably couldn’t get any better than that!

It seemed all of the veterans their family’s and the volunteers had a great day!. I don’t think anyone left without catching fish.

Around 12:30 the wind kicked up. everyone headed off the lake for lunch. The motor boat came and helped a few boats in. Lunch was excellent!  By this time i had to pack up and leave to attend a family obligation. It was a good time to go as the sky was clouding up due to incoming thunder storms.