So a week back or so I posted asking about in line planers. After doing a lot of thinking and reading and the receipt of my bonus I sprang for a Big Jon mast and Otter boats. So my first impression is that the boats are kinda delicate, how durable are these things? My impression was that they were hard plastic but there a high density foam. I guess you can't just toss them in the bottom of the boat? Also was wondering if there's any set-up tricks. Trying not to re-invent the wheel. First thing I might do is replace the wing nuts with some Nyloks so I don't have to worry about sinking a keel. Going to make my own releases this weekend. Any helpful hits will be much appreciated, hoping to get out after some stockies this weekend. Thanks!

I thought the same thing when I got mine. Having made my own out of cedar in the past I threw those around like they were still at the lumberyard. The boats are pretty durable though. I do take mine apart if I am traveling with them and a lot of gear. Other than that they hold up fine.

The nyloc nuts are a great idea. They arent as delicate as you think. Follow the instructions to the T on the rope that goes on the boat.This is a good starting point. Do not tigten to the pint where you cant change anything. Once you are happy, try doing a modification here and there to see if you and get it to pull better.
The company has some tips to help make it better. My buddy has 2 of the keels on a boat and it seems to be even better. We fish copper line off it on lake Ontario.

You will love your set up.

The Otter Boats are pretty durable, mine have held uo for years.

We found by following someones suggestion on ths web site years ago if you want them to run more parrelel to the boat instea of trailing back a bit, move the rear hole about 1" to make the keel bite the water at a sharper angle. Many people come on my boat and ask how do I get my Otter Boats to run more or less further forward than theirs, the 1" trick makes a huge difference, try it.

Big John

I'm assuming you meaning 1 inch to the rear? Do you stick with just the know approach on the strings tail end? What do you use for releases? I'm going to make up my own Lauvrick style this weekend, also think of checking out the clothes pin and rubber band approach.

The rear hole, move it to the inside (I think) so the keel has more of a bite. We use regular yellow offshore release, work fine and are adjustable. We are not one in favor of re-inventing the wheel, many good releases out there, we have tried quite a few and stuck with the yellow adjustable offshores and shower curtain clips.

I'm not sure what your question is when you ask, "Do you stick with just the know approach on the strings tail end ?" But we used the set up recomended in the directions for the rope, I think it's critical for proper results ?

Big John

Forget the knot and tie in a piece of dog chain for total adjustability. Mark your planer board line every 10 feet with a permanent marker, this will make it easier to set up the same way every time you go out. If your running a 16.5' boat like mine it's easiest to run the planer board line from the mast to a shower curtain hook attached to the bimminy pole then to the otter boat. 40 feet of line is the most I can run and still get the releases to slide easley to the planer board .. Cabelas sells planer board releases that work great 6 to a pack I think 2 packs should do you Mike

Sorry, Know=knot

the offshore release, the YELLOW ONES. they are perfect fot LL salmon.

use your imagination with the clips and may take some trial and error. I have a lot of store bought ones and I still prefer my homemade ones. My leadcore pops out nicely for our local salmon. Champlain is a different story though.

I've been looking for those clothes pins, where did you find them?

I'll be in the yard working on the boat and other things sunday if your in the Henniker area feel free to stop in and I'll show you the set up Mike

Cabelas Item # IK-010786 This is what I use for releases They work great, they were shown to me by a charter captain at Moosehead

Soft Touch by Whitmor



Sears has them

Sears

Soft Touch Clothespins

Professor Resource comes through again.
Cal