Spearfishing/freediving off Seadoo

[yajblackburn]

So after recently getting a 1994 Seadoo Sp, I started thinking right away on how to modify it for freediving. The first challenge was to figure out where to put the gun, fin, float etc. After research I found people with large box type configurations to the rear of the ski. I didn't think this would work properly as it would get in the way of reboarding from the rear. So my next idea was a tow sled of some sorts. I found a bright orange winter sled at the local thrift store for dirt cheap, figured what the heck. It so happens my dive float fits perfectly in the sled. The only things I'm worried about are the sled filling with water and the sled flipping over. The gun is connected to the float, so if it falls over it shouldn't be a problem. So I put bungees over the float, gun and fins to hold it down tight, I haven't tested this yet so I honestly don't know how it will work....plan on testing this week.
The second thing was installing a fish finder. I tried to research on how and where to install it but came up with minimal results, so I thought I would just try it on my own. Luckily I was able to take some pics to hopefully help out others who might have the same issue. As for the readout I used big suction cups attached to the base to stick to the small area next to the kill switch/starter button. This method works well as it can be removed very easy and no holes are drilled anywhere. As for the transducer, I was able to fabricate a bracket to mount to the jet pump housing. It's not hindering any movement what so ever, but I haven't tested the function. Seems it would work fine, but "seems" and "actuall" are two different things......

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Hi, If you want a better water sled then get yourself an empty hull and tow that. Some are free or maybe $25 or so.

 

[yajblackburn]

I actually had an extra hull and thought about it. I want something that is small and very mobile. The sled seems like it will be a great idea as I can carry it around fully loaded no problem. I've seen people modify sleds of some sorts to tow equipment. Everyting will be put to the test on Monday as it will be near 80 degrees here.

 

[yajblackburn]

Got to test out the fish finder and it works great! No problems with the location of the transducer, I thought it would pick up some sort of turbulance being near the jet pump but no problems! The only thing I noticed was at full trottle it had a little trouble reading, it works great at almost every speed except at full throttle. The display mounted witht the suction cups also works well. Got to take it through some choppy water and it held on fine. Next is to test out the tow sled....

 

[LouDoo]

I've got to admit you've got more Kohanas than me, I wouldn't take anything less than a 3 seater out on the ocean much less spearfish or free dive.

Lou

 

[yajblackburn]

I've been freediving for years and have dove off of several kayaks, I just wanted something to get around faster in. I feel pretty comfortable diving off the ski. Blackfish season just opened up here in RI so I will be diving off of it in the next couple of weeks, can't wait to shoot some moster white chins!

 

[yajblackburn]

So I tried the whole tow sled thing. Actually went to a store and bought a one person inflatable raft, figured it would work better than a winter sled. It didn't work at all. I tried towing it at all different lengths with no sucess. There is just too much turbulance behind the ski and the raft bounces around and comes very close to flipping over. So my brain got to thinking. I was thinking of a way to mount the gun to the ski itself. I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and saw the fishing pole holders that can be mounted to a rail for $4.99 each. Figured what the hey so I bought em. They mounted pretty easy and seem to hold the gun pretty firmly, still working on a way to secure it to the brackets even better...maybe some bungees. I mounted them as far out of the water as I could so the flow of water wont screw with them. They are removable, so that part I like. I took some pics, haven't water tested it yet though. If it doesn't work, Beuchat makes a pretty sweet backpack that can hold long blade fins, speargun and more.....so that will be the backup.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Maybe to need to convert an old stand up hull to a "side car" that would be badazzzzzzz....

I like those gun mounts...now only if there were 50mm

 

[griz400]

you need to find you a "hydrotrailer" http://hydro-trailer.com/ im sure you can find a good used one

 

[yajblackburn]

I've seen those Hydrotrailer things and they seem like a great idea. I looked into them and don't know if a 4ft speargun will fit inside. Also, the price scares me. I have seen them used for around $200 but honestly I would rather spend half that on a backpack that could fit everything. I also toyed with some other ideas on holding the gun and fins to the ski. This concept of having straps run under the seat works nicely. It holds both the fins and the gun pretty darn secure and it super easy to install and remove. I will probably use this method for a while until bordem gets the best of me.

 

[crisso]

Mate.Have a look at what the Australian Surf Living Saving Assoc. to rescue poeple.They stay flat.Hold the weight of an adult above the water and the are used in very rough water.Might be what you are after.They just follow the ski.

 

[yajblackburn]

I'm always thinking about ways to carry equipment on the ski. I really like this method becasue since there is no metal involved (besides the 3/4" stainless bolt to hold them together), there will be no rusting. This method is really quick to make, very adjustable and very portable.