Sundolphin Sportsman upgrades

The Rooster · July 01, 2019, 09:40:08 PM

Hope you all are enjoying this thread so far!! More modifications and updates to come!!

ghostnuke · July 31, 2019, 10:30:15 AM

Love this, looking at getting a similar boat. Can you describe your idea for a rolling cart for launching?

mrstangblb · July 31, 2019, 02:07:39 PM

I cut a piece of long plywood to go on top of a kayak C-Tug cart that I had for a year or so, and I cut slits for the strap of a tie down to go through. I thread that strap through the boat handles, cinch it down and carry it where I need it to go.

The Rooster · August 01, 2019, 06:13:20 AM

Quote from: ghostnuke on July 31, 2019, 10:30:15 AM
Love this, looking at getting a similar boat. Can you describe your idea for a rolling cart for launching?

Since my boat is relatively heavy I feel that keeping the center of gravity low would be best. I intend to build a shallow H shaped frame to span the boat width. Wheels will be on the bottom legs of the H and a strap will run across the boat on the top arms of the H to hold it secure. Set the cart on the ground and place the boat between the arms. Find the balance point so that you can push down on it from one end to balance it on the wheels and allow it to be pushed. I would like to do this with all the gear, motor, and battery on board so I can make just one trip to the water before returning to the truck to stow the cart there until after I'm done fishing.

Of course this is all theory for now, and could go through many design changes before I settle on a build. I have an idea of using pneumatic wheels to allow rolling over sand and rocks, and potentially using the cart with a rope to allow launching without needing to lift the boat and place it in the water, but this would depend on the shoreline always being a certain depth and angle, as well as the terrain itself, so it may not be doable.

FlatsNBay · September 13, 2019, 04:47:59 PM

Have you watched the how to videos on YouTube about making a cart? There's a lot of great ideas and it looks easy enough. I would go with a carpeted 2x4 with either bicycle wheels or large Harbor freight type of wheels. A couple of eye bolts and a strap and you'd be good to go!

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The Rooster · September 14, 2019, 10:26:13 PM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on September 13, 2019, 04:47:59 PM
Have you watched the how to videos on YouTube about making a cart? There's a lot of great ideas and it looks easy enough. I would go with a carpeted 2x4 with either bicycle wheels or large Harbor freight type of wheels. A couple of eye bolts and a strap and you'd be good to go!

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I have not seen any videos on making the carts. It does seem that using larger wheels would make it move easier.

MacHammer · October 08, 2019, 01:03:44 PM

I love all the work you have done on this boat and the attention to detail you've shared. Thank you.

I owned one of these in 1988 and fished in it for over 3 years and NEVER thought to modify it. I simply used it as it was and loved every minute of it.

Now, though...I'm seriously considering getting another. Watching your upgrade videos and those of other serious SunDolphin modders has just about sold me on heading over to BassPro!

Well done.

Mac Hammer
Chandler, AZ

The Rooster · October 14, 2019, 11:13:42 AM

Thank you, I hope it helps you out. I fished mine for two seasons with no mods other than changing the seats for the folding type. By then I knew what worked and what didn't and this year I pulled out all the stops. I have plans to continue modifying it and adding accessories.

MacHammer · October 15, 2019, 12:56:26 PM

Please keep posting your upgrades! I like what you've done so far and hope to learn more!

MacHammer · October 28, 2019, 12:46:45 PM

Well, I've gone and done it!

The new raw material for upcoming upgrades!

Mac Hammer

mrstangblb · October 28, 2019, 01:47:51 PM

Quote from: MacHammer on October 28, 2019, 12:46:45 PM
Well, I've gone and done it!

The new raw material for upcoming upgrades!

Mac Hammer

All right! How much did you get it for?

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MacHammer · October 28, 2019, 06:42:31 PM

I paid $700 for the boat and the trolling motor. It's 4 years old and has only been used twice. He kept it in his garage and when he moved it, he moved it on carpet. Not a scratch on it!

I know I could have bought new for that price, but not without a motor and not without paying tax or shipping.

Taking it out this weekend with my son for the first time. Can't wait.

mrstangblb · October 28, 2019, 08:05:37 PM

Quote from: MacHammer on October 28, 2019, 06:42:31 PM
I paid $700 for the boat and the trolling motor. It's 4 years old and has only been used twice. He kept it in his garage and when he moved it, he moved it on carpet. Not a scratch on it!

I know I could have bought new for that price, but not without a motor and not without paying tax or shipping.

Taking it out this weekend with my son for the first time. Can't wait.

That's awesome - hope and pray you both have a great time!

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Lipripper · October 29, 2019, 11:46:26 AM

Nice looking boat and may you catch lots of fish from her and will be looking for them reports with

FlatsNBay · October 30, 2019, 09:51:18 AM

Looks like a great little boat. Congrats!

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