Trotline roller guide

[Bill]

I need to build a roller guide for a trotline.  I have a Carolina Skiff and would like to build one that slips over the side of the boat so I can take it off when done.  Anyone designed anything like this?

[Crabpop]

Bill, take a look at this URL:

http://www.blue-crab.org/trotline.htm

About two-thirds of the way down, look for "prop stick."
I would imagine that something could be rigged that could use clamps to fasten it vice having to drill.  As the URL points out, you can use a brass roller, or even a wooden rolling pin.  Good luck.

Crabpop

[woolybugger]

Bill,
I have a carolina skiff with a center console.  I attach my arm to both the console and gunnel top.  It is made out of PVC pipe which is glued and riveted together.  It works extremely well and is easy to put on and off.  I will post a couple of photos to give you an idea of what it looks like.  Let me know if you have any questions.
JOHN

[Bill]

That looks perfect.  How is attached at the gunnel?

[woolybugger]

Bill,
The way I attached it to the gunnel  is with a PVC cap piece with two ss bolts through the top and washers and lock nuts underneath.  I placed a PVC T piece  with a small piece of pipe coming down to the gunnel.  This keeps it  from twisting.  Attached is a photo showing how it attaches to the gunnel.  I'll also post how I lock the whole arm to the center console so it doesn't pop out while running the line.
John

[woolybugger]

Here is the console photo.  I drilled a hole through the cap piece and  pipe just large enough for the spring clip to fit through to lock everything in place.  This takes very little time to set up and take down.  let me know how you make out.
John

[Bill]

John,

A very ingenious design.  I'm off to the hardware store tomorrow.  Thanks very much for all the help.

[woolybugger]

Bill,
No problem.  My Uncle who has been crabbing for over 50 years came up with most of it. A couple of things I forgot to mention.  The pipe is 1 1/2" Pvc.  As you can notice on the photo you have to shim the cap on the center console due to the angle of the console.  Any questions let me know.
JOHN

[De crabber]

John ,Is that a honda i see on your boat? How do u like it? Im thinking about one    . What Size for 19 ft ? Thanks Mark

[woolybugger]

Mark,
That is a honda on the back.  It is a 35 hp which I don't believe they make anymore.  It has been a fantastic motor, quiet, low maintenance and super fuel economy.  The 35 hp pushes the 19 foot skiff fast enough for me for what I use it for (mainly crabbing and some fishing).  A Honda 50 would work well also.  Take care.

John

[De crabber]

John,Do u think a 90 is to much for a 19ft DLX  Carolina Skiff..Mark

[woolybugger]

Mark,
If you are going to be fishing in the open bay the 90 would be just fine.  If you are just using the boat for crabbing you can get away with a smaller motor. Try not to take a sharp turn at fast speed because the rear of the boat will slide.  I believe the DLX is designed better to handle this than the older Carolinas.  If you have arear deck on your skiff it will be easy to rig with PVC to crab alone.  I will post photos as soon as the weather gets a little nicer.

John

[woolybugger]

Mark,
How is the line puller from Toy's working out??
John

[De crabber]

John i thank u for all the info u dont know how much it helps .Im new to a carolina Skiff i hope i made a good investment..I crab alot in indian river and some at easton point and oxford.I would like to do some fishing in De bay also thats why im thinking about a honda 90 .They r expensive but all ive heard is good about them im hoping it will last a long time..Ill have to get a rear deck for the skiff to mount that roller on..Thanks Again Mark

[De crabber]

John , I havent used the puller from toys yet.I tried it with my nylon line and snoods and it did ok but slipped alot but im hoping thats because the line was dry..Mark

[ran_c]

John i thank u for all the info u dont know how much it helps .Im new to a carolina Skiff i hope i made a good investment..I crab alot in indian river and some at easton point and oxford.I would like to do some fishing in De bay also thats why im thinking about a honda 90 .They r expensive but all ive heard is good about them im hoping it will last a long time..Ill have to get a rear deck for the skiff to mount that roller on..Thanks Again Mark

if i remember correctly a 90 honda weighs somewhere in the 400 pound range. that is alot of weight at the rear. my 115 yamaha 4 stroke weighs 350 and its on a 24' carolina and its a little heavy too. i would go with the 50 if you are not gonna load it down with alot of stuff.

[De crabber]

ran c .. I got the 90 honda saturday .I took the skiff out and it seemed to be fine..I hope its ok i do alot of trote lining and that s what i got the boat for..How do u like yours? Thanks Mark

[ran_c]

i have owned 5 carolina skiffs and they are great boats. the first one i had back in 1991 tore up in 6 months and they gave me a new one. then it lasted 1 year and did the same. by the time they gave me another the 93 models were out with dramatic improvements. still have the 93 model 21 with a 100 four stroke yamaha. have a 2002 24 with a 115 4 stroke yamaha and a 1989 16 with a 40 2 stoke yamaha. the honda's are great motors but no matter what color you paint it it still has a mercury lower unit...and i'll paddle before i run a mercury. and the mercury 4 strokes have honda powerheads. only thing i would maybe do to your boat is beef up the transom. if you don't it will crack the gelcoat where the transom meets the floor and leak water into the foam under the floor and add weight.