Macski Explorer

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Gone2Fish

New member
Hi Guys,

I have just bought an Explorer + paddles for a steal. I do most of my fishing at Swartkops River and I realise this unit is not really ideal for sea fishing? I was wondering, if I upgraded this ski (with buoyancy foam etc) if I would be able to launch and fish safely around the PE area? If so, what would you recommend I do to the ski and where would you recommend I launch from ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers
 
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Fredster

Senior Member
Wassup Gone2fish, welcome.

I used an explorer for 3 or 4 years; while it brings stability and versatility to the table, it also has compromises, which you've recognised. I stuffed 6 pool noodles (3 a side) into the voids on the side of the boat, for bouyancy. this is done through the rear hatch - there is a gap on top of the bulkhead. if you acknowledge that this is a fair weather craft and doesn't quite have the surf launch and rough sea capability of a regular ski, and choose your days and exercise judgement accordingly, ensuring you go out within your own and the boat's limitations, you'll be fine. (all the other rules apply - paddle in a group, wear pfd, paddle leash, safety stuff etc apply).

The pier, next to (rhs) of macarthur bath or even Millers are normally quite do-able launch spots.

you do have to time the waves well tho, otherwise you get bogged down in a boat / bathtub full of water that takes just toooo long to drain....remember you're usually launching with rods up too.

if you paddle 2up, put heavier guy at the back, beware of overloading the boat; - 2 up into the wind and chop, the boat submarines and just stays full of water, remember that your fish hatch opening is below gunnell height....

one up, you need to move back and forth between the intermediate seat and the rear seat to unpack rear hatch or reach rods sometimes.

having said that, stay within the boats (and your own) capabilities, exercise good judgement and you'll have an absolute ball i'm sure - enjoy, mate.

regards Fredsta 

  
 
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skallabrak

New member
The explorer is fine to fish the shallow reefs in the bay, but remember to take babysteps. Being caught out on the wildside with a offshore breeze will definetely test your nerves and even more so your fitness. Get used to paddling 1km+ in swell whilst exploring the bay and then upgrade.

Nice place to launch is to the right of hobie beach pier. Get in contact with Fish-on , Beeracuda, Danie Burger, Fredster, Rog (Ricky) . All of them nice guys and will be more than willing to help
 
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Gone2Fish

New member
Thanks Guys, appreciate the heads-up. I think for now I'll first find my feet on the river itself and build up on stamina/fitness/know-how (I'm not the youngest ballie around :)I will also first need to invest in some safety gear (as mentioned) Any ideas where to go shopping at reaonable/best prices? And thanks again Skallabrak/Fredster
for your good advice.
 
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Fredster

Senior Member
Sure thing bru.
Regarding the PFD, get a proper one suited to paddling. Try Commercial Marine in the harbour, Paddle Shop in brassell st North end, or Coega leisure in newton Park.

you can make paddle (and rod)leashes cheaper than you can buy them, if you want to, see how to on a thread on this forum, or just buy one.

a cell phone in waterproof pouch is also a good idea.

no harm in tagging along when we in the bay, but also maybe a good idea to go paddling without rods etc, to practice launching in the surf and coming in, without going way far out, just to get used to how the boat handles and get accustomed to things at sea.

good luck & hope to see you on the water. As for being a ballie, wtf so what, i'm also pre-tv generation..;-) keep it real..Tight lines, Fredsta
 
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