Scanner Sleds

[munitionfishin]

ANY OF YOU GUYS EVER USE THOSE TOW BEHIND, UP-DOWN PLANER BOARDS? IF SO ARE THEY WORTH IT AND HOW DEEP CAN YOU REALLY GET ON THEM.... THANKS

[fernandezh]

I used one of them a couple of years ago in Crete. I remember getting to about 20 feet deep with the one I was using. The depth is really dependant on the length of the rope and the speed of the boat. Longer the tow-rope, the deeper you can go.

I hope that helps.

Hector

[Divin' fool]

I use them all the time (esp in the keys and when the vis is good on deeper stuff). You can buy them.... they are pretty pricey, but I made a set for about $5. Get a piece of 1/2 plywood (marine if you can afford it) 3'x3'. Cut it diagonially from corner to corner (you will have two triangles). Cut the 3" off each corner (so there are no sharp edges). Cut a 2" hole in the center (this helps with drag). I then sand the pieces down as fine as I can. Coat with 4 or 5 coats of polyurithane. Then get some 3/4" electrical conduit, use a vise and cut/bend to make two handles. Attach the handles with SS fastners. I then get 75'of bulk poly ski rope (it floats). Attach the end so that it can slide freely (use a bowline hitch and wire ties). I also add a clip so that I can easily attach to the boat stern eyes. Done deal. I'll post a pic of them soon.

You can find some great small rock using them (stuff you usually pass over). I use them when I freedive. If the vis is good you can see the 35'-40' bottom from about 20' down or less.

[munitionfishin]

COOL.... 20 FT IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKIN FOR JUST SOMETHING I CAN SCAN THE BOTTOM WITH WHEN I GO TO BIMINI IN JUNE. THANKS HECTOR

[munitionfishin]

PICS WOULD BE EXCELLENT... BUT JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY WHY NOT USE STARBOARD INSTEAD OF PLYWOOD, IWAS THINKING ABOUT MAKIN ONE MYSELF>

[Divin' fool]

Starboard would be great if it floats. The sleds got to float or they won't come to the top when stopped or when you let it go.