Took the tunny for a trial paddle in Middle Harbour this morning. Late start.
First impression when I got on it was unbelievably solid. With a substantially narrower beam than my Cobra I expected it to feel very twitchy. I expected to fall off. But no. Not at any time did I feel as if I might. While MH doesn't provide the conditions for a proper shakedown, there wasn't any wake or circumstance in which I felt unsteady. Even when I snagged a rope and had to use pliers to remove the firmly embedded hook it just sat there patiently, like a well trained steed.
It glides very well but I found paddling with my old paddle an issue. The blades went too deep and I occasionally clipped the rod in the rod holders. This indicates that the paddle, at 220cm, is too long for this craft. A shorter paddle is definitely in order.
Other major impression is the need for a backrest. My stomach muscles aren't strong enough to maintain good posture without a backrest. I found that leaning forward slightly made paddling easier but feel that the comfort of a backrest is necessary for one of my age and fitness.
The hatches are easily accessed on the water and getting a rod out of the front hatch wasn't a problem. Unfortunately, the maximum rod size appears to be around 6'6" - my Nitro Viper didn't fit and will have to be dismantled when going through the surf.
Tried sitting sideways and there were no issues. Will be a nice way to fish in warm weather.
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5 comments:
Yes...... very nice Dave.Both Mark,Paul and myself use a 215cm blade.You should be fine with that.
If has not already been done take every fitting off the Tunny and reseal it (my one had a few issues due to lack of silicone).
A crack of dawn seat should suit that ski.Copy the deck fixing points from a Prolwer 4.2 or similar.You may have to use blind rivets for the front anchor points due to lack of internal hull access.The rear points can be reached from the rod holders.
Hang on and enjoy the paddle Dave....you won't look back.
Phil
Thanks Phil. All rivets and bolts have silicone on them and its dry inside so no worries there.
For seats, I like the Cobra kidney belt style and they are very solid so will go for that - will go and see Grant on the weekend
Dave she is a beautiful piece of gear mate a should serve you well at your regular haunts
Dave
Lovely new toy mate
Look forward to the piccies of you trying to jam a 1m kingy into the hatch :)
cheers
Gatesy
Dave - looks great, so when is the first venture out to Longy so you can get stuck into some more fish. Did you find it moves a little quicker?
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