Poling platform on a 222?

[Capn Dave]

I'm planning to move my 222 south, to warmer waters.  I'll be within running distance of some good bonefish flats, so I want to put together a simple poling platform I can take in and out.  
Mostly I'm going to stake out and wade, but sometimes I'll need to move the boat around a bit.
I figure I'll put together a simple platform between the gunwales in front of the engine, with a cutout to allow the engine to tilt forward. It's not going to be permanent -- only when I make the run -- so I'm thinking of a couple of pieces of 1/2' ply with ribs for rigidity, sealed with epoxy,  that connect together.
I'm looking at a TFO push pole.  One question is:  20' or 24'?
Anyone done anything like that on a 222?

[slippery73]

Try to pole your boat around before invest the time and money into that. You will only be able to pole it on calm windless days and even with that on your side it will still be a bear to pole,its just to big a boat, tall gunnels, to much draft, etc. It will be a workout to say the least.

[Capn Dave]

Good advice - thanks.
My problem is that I'm 20 miles from the flats, over open water into the trade wind, and a conventional flats boats is going to be rough going. Which is why I'm thinking of taking the 222.  
The fishing is good, and I mostly wade, but I drift downwind a lot, and I don't like getting into the shallow water, and having to fire up the engine and rooster tail off, scaring every fish in the neighborhood.  I was thinking about a trolling motor to move it around, but I don't want to hassle with the extra batteries-- I don't have easy access to power for recharging, and I hate the hassle of lugging batteries around.  I was looking at one of those Torqueedo motors with the small Lithium Manganese battery. They're easy to take ashore. Expensive, though...

[slippery73]

Might just try one of the aluminum extendable push poles, that will work for moving the boat around with your drift. I wouldn't go to the expense of fabricating a poling platform though.

[slvrlng]

Saw this on classic seacraft. Make sure and look at the wooden flats boat with the platform.
http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum/sh ... o=&fpart=1
How about a drift sock? Those work really well!

[Mad Dog]

Had my 222 out in 15 to 20 knot winds the other day.  Two 30" drift socks couldn't slow it down.  I don't see how you could possibly pole that hull around except on a dead calm.  I would anchor the 222 and drop a kayak over the side and work the remote flats.

MD  

[71flatback]

http://holdmypole.com/
This guy sells a shallow water anchor system and pushpoles. My buddy uses this to pole and anchor his gause 26'.

[Capn Dave]

Hey guys - thanks for the feedback.  I didn't know about aluminum extendable poles.  I also like the pole with the anchor bracket -- it may be the good compromise.  I'm still chewing on the electric motor.  The claims on the Torqeedo are pretty impressive -- I've seen one claim that the 801 travel unit (26 lbs including battery and fits in a backpack) has more power than a 4 stroke 2 1/2 hp Honda outboard!  Flat out the battery (which only weighs 6 lbs) will run for an hour, and trolling for as long as six -- that's of course pushing relatively light boats, but a lot of people are using them as auxiliary boats for sailboats, which is what I may do.  It folds up and can be easily stowed.  Here's what Westmarine says about them:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... atives.htm
And you're right MD - I can always take the kayak.  I use it all the time on the small flat near my place.  But getting out to the good flats is the idea...  I'll try to post a pic from photobucket of the last time I was there...
<a href="http://s992.photobucket.com/albums/af48/defanning/?action=view&current=Travistowing.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af48/defanning/Travistowing.jpg" border="0" alt="Anegada tow">[/url]

[Capn Dave]

sorry about that - wrong code...
now the picture's too small, but you get the idea - towing the boat...

but here's mr boneyfish

[Mike Answeeney]

I just got one of those "http://holdmypole.com/" push poles.  works great with my 22-2 if it's not too windy. BTW, i have no polling platform. I walk around the gunnel pushing as needed. These poles have a Nice anchor system as well.  They have a 14 inch spike on the end that works like a power pole.

[Capn Dave]

MIke - thanks for the feedback, that's encouraging.  I like the idea of it as an anchor.  How long is the pole you're using?

[npatterson]

Please help I have a 1986 Aquasport 222 center console that i just purchased. I need the capacity plate information for my boat. It would be the same as yours could you please post a picture of it or just give me the information. I need it for my insurance company.  Thanks

N. Patterson
patters4@cox.net

[Capn Dave]

Sorry- I don't have the plate on my boat.  Long gone.  I'm sure there are others on this board who could help you.  Post a separate message.