I have followed the Microskiff forum for years but never really posted. I used to post years ago on the Florida Sportsman forums but they just are not what they used to be. Writing posts about my fishing pursuits is somewhat therapeutic and I find that I remember much more from the day’s events.
I purchased my East Cape Caimen one year ago after owning a Gladesmen for five years. I am happy I made the switch. The Caimen is a 2010 hull with a 2008 Yamaha 50hp 2-stroke tiller and had been taken care of really well.
Having been in a tiller Gladesmen for years I wanted a console of some sort but told myself I will experience the Caimen as a tiller skiff for at least a year before making the conversion.
The year was drawing near and I was getting bored of the tiller so I put a deposit down on side console conversion with East Cape and got on the wait list (approximately two months out).
I chose Bay Star hydraulic steering, Gemlux wheel, no fancy gauges and to leave the trim tab, navigation light, and bilge switches where they were.
There was a tiny tachometer on the tiller so East Cape pulled it off and I had them ghost mount it under the side console.
They did have to mount a support bar from console to the deck which took away my starboard fly rod storage so I am still trying to figure that situation out.
If anyone is interested in purchasing the old tiller arm for the 2008 50hp Yamaha engine, message me. I have it sitting in my barn at home and have not listed it on classifieds yet!
All the best,
Joe
I purchased my East Cape Caimen one year ago after owning a Gladesmen for five years. I am happy I made the switch. The Caimen is a 2010 hull with a 2008 Yamaha 50hp 2-stroke tiller and had been taken care of really well.
Having been in a tiller Gladesmen for years I wanted a console of some sort but told myself I will experience the Caimen as a tiller skiff for at least a year before making the conversion.
The year was drawing near and I was getting bored of the tiller so I put a deposit down on side console conversion with East Cape and got on the wait list (approximately two months out).
I chose Bay Star hydraulic steering, Gemlux wheel, no fancy gauges and to leave the trim tab, navigation light, and bilge switches where they were.
There was a tiny tachometer on the tiller so East Cape pulled it off and I had them ghost mount it under the side console.
They did have to mount a support bar from console to the deck which took away my starboard fly rod storage so I am still trying to figure that situation out.
If anyone is interested in purchasing the old tiller arm for the 2008 50hp Yamaha engine, message me. I have it sitting in my barn at home and have not listed it on classifieds yet!
All the best,
Joe