Mission Catch 390

[liamhh]

After purchasing my catch about month ago I thought it was about time to add some extras and spend some cash to start fitting her out with some goodies.



Railblazer Starports, with rod holder/sounder mount

Garmin 300c FF/Garmin Etrex GPS

Precision Pak fish bag from Torpedo 7


Anchor and extra tackle storage under catch bag

Roomy centre hatch, holds most tackle needed for the day

360' Night light made from a LED torch and shampoo bottle, credit goes to GetSharkd.

[BrisbaneJamie]

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[solatree]

Nicely done Liam - how did you access the hull for the sounder install and to fix the railblaza mounts ? I thought the Catch 390 had a bulkhead just behind the front hatch which makes access to the hull beneath cockpit area pretty tricky.

[liamhh]

Nicely done Liam - how did you access the hull for the sounder install and to fix the railblaza mounts ? I thought the Catch 390 had a bulkhead just behind the front hatch which makes access to the hull beneath cockpit area pretty tricky.

With a great deal of difficulty.


I used the back hatch for access and a long piece of fencing wire to run the cables and gland nut base nut. Unfortunately due to access the Railblaza mounts are only screwed in witch is less then ideal for the rod holder but they seem pretty solid. I will see how it holds up and if need be I will just replace them with well nuts.

[liamhh]

Video update of the 390 and a general overview of the yak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?nomobile=1&v=ZavONPVtI14

[Barrabundy]

They're a great kayak, if they would only redesign that front grab handle into the same as what they have on the rear they'd be even better. If you've tried to skulk drag it loaded across sand you'll know what I mean. They way they have the handle going to a point means theres not flat area wide enough to fit your hand and it cuts into your fingers..ouch!

[liamhh]

They're a great kayak, if they would only redesign that front grab handle into the same as what they have on the rear they'd be even better. If you've tried to skulk drag it loaded across sand you'll know what I mean. They way they have the handle going to a point means theres not flat area wide enough to fit your hand and it cuts into your fingers..ouch!

Agreed, that's one of the reasons I put the trolley in the front scuppers and pull from the back.

[Gozz]

Nice yak mate.
I saw one at rays yesterday and thought it looked like a very solid kayak.

What's it like for dryness.
I noticed the side grab handles go right through the side, do you get much water coming through.
Do the scuppers let much water in through the floor area.
Thanks mate.

[liamhh]

You stay pretty dry, the only water that comes up through the scuppers is from the two located under the seat if it's a bit rough. I haven't had any water come over the side through the grab handles and I've been out some rough water.

[Gozz]

You stay pretty dry, the only water that comes up through the scuppers is from the two located under the seat if it's a bit rough. I haven't had any water come over the side through the grab handles and I've been out some rough water.

Thanks buddy.

A couple plugs would fix the scupper water coming through nicely.

[scyf76]

Hi Liam,

I'm planning to buy this yak but I have an important question that I'm hoping that you can assist. The problem here in Malaysia is that we don't have a show room whereby we can see or demo the Yak. So once you order it, you are kind of stuck with it. I'm rather big size so I know the weight will hold but may I know the seat width? The reason that I'm asking is because some kayak has very small seat width e.g Ocean Kayak may have a width of 34" but their seat width is only 18" therefore fishing long hrs will be not be possible.

Btw, I saw the Railblaza YouTube ads, I thought silicon is not needed for installation?

Thanks.

[leftieant]

if need be I will just replace them with well nuts.

I've found wellnuts/rawlnuts to be good, but I don't trust them under sudden or large loads. To firm mine up I placed a SS washer at the back of the well nut (after inserted) before tightening, so that the load to the hull is distributed thru the washer first.

Although, if access is an issue, you could struggle.

[Dodge]

I'm rather big size so I know the weight will hold but may I know the seat width? The reason that I'm asking is because some kayak has very small seat width e.g Ocean Kayak may have a width of 34" but their seat width is only 18" therefore fishing long hrs will be not be possible.

Welcome scyf76.

Seadog on this forum weighs about 110kgs and was able to sit in his Catch 390 with no problems, he has now sold the yak but I have some photos of him in the yak if you think this will help .....just ask and I will post them here.

[Rockster]

Hi scyf76 and welcome
It must be hard trying to pick a kayak without having sat in it, it can be hard enough not taking it for a spin on the water. I am 183cm tall (or long) and 1bout 100kg on a good day with scales which don't work properly. I was initially going to get the Catch 390 to start with until I say in it. Width was not a problem but I found my legs were a bit to bent for my liking, but others may not find it a problem. That was the only reason I ended up with the XSTREAM 420 instead. Looking at the specs between the two, the Catch 390 is 12cm wider and it looks like the cockpit is a bit bigger, sometimes I would prefer a bit more room around my calves which I think you would have in the 390. Also a bit extra of width is good for stability. Hopefully others can give you more advice, good luck.
Cheers
Bob

[ArWeTherYet]

Yes anyone over 6' might find it too short for your legs.