170 Poling Platform

[alandry100]

I am considering putting a poling platform on my 1979 170. I know it will not be a pure poling skiff and I'm pretty sure it won't track will but plan to use it more as a sighting position and to modify drifts on certain flats here in Maine.

Wondering if anyone has any experience with this and where I should have one made?

A

[boatnamesue]

I have no experience w/poling an AS, but do w/other hulls.  I can confirm the 170 hull will not drift inline w/tide...it has no keel.  So the hull spins perpendicular to tide, and can even spin 180° on axis w/strong tide.

Essential, it will be a pain to pole cause every push you make the transom will kick out to the opposite side.  The hull wasn't designed for poling, drift fishing, etc.  But considering you stated mounting the platform for the primary purpose of vantage and sitting, why not install a half tower?

[alandry100]

I have noticed that it does not track well - now I use a 8' fiberglass tree stake as an anchor and also to move around a bit. If I keep the engine down it tracks better.

I fly fish a lot and am worried a T-top will interfere - or destroy rods.