NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Zone => Kayaks => RTM => Topic started by: tiny on December 30, 2011, 02:55:21 PM

Title: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: tiny on December 30, 2011, 02:55:21 PM
I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO

I wanted the rigging to be simple- not too much clutter and provide a maximum usage of space. 

One of the most important things to me was to keep the cock-pit area as open as possible.  I installed both my fish-finder and transducer deployment arm as portable units not wanting to drill any holes, I attached them to the tracks on each side. 

The center hatch of the cock-pit is large enough to carry all the essentials- two piece rod and tackle fit comfortably.

Emergency paddle and bilge pump along with rods and gear fit easily in the bow hatch area.

In the rear of the boat, I have various configurations that i like to use.   The rear case can be used for gear storage, fish storage or for camping gear but is ideal in surf launches to protect my gear.

I can also remove the case leaving the tank well completely open or throw in my plano box to carry my rods, or install pvc frame for carrying my crab traps.

90% of the rigging on this kayak were inspired by posts from other NCKA Members- so thanks and see you OTW.


Tiny
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Sailfish on December 30, 2011, 02:59:29 PM
Sweet setup but I don't see any pool noodles  :smt003  Thanks for the post Tiny.
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: BigJim on December 30, 2011, 03:02:30 PM
Beautiful!!!!!!!

 :smt007 :smt007 :smt007 :smt007

Very clean...sexy looking kayak bro!!

Happy New Year tiny...hope to see you out OTW soon!

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Weimarian on December 30, 2011, 03:41:50 PM
Gonna need a boat trailer to launch it? :smt044 :smt044 :smt044 Was One heavy yak un-rigged... What's it weigh now?? :smt005 Looks great. Really like the color on it....  :smt006
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: tiny on December 30, 2011, 04:28:51 PM
Sweet setup but I don't see any pool noodles  :smt003  Thanks for the post Tiny.
      Sonny .The Abaco has built in floatation.
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Sailfish on December 30, 2011, 04:34:42 PM
Sweet setup but I don't see any pool noodles  :smt003  Thanks for the post Tiny.
      Sonny .The Abaco has built in floatation.

Awesome!  See you OTW next year  :smt002
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Bird on December 30, 2011, 09:23:30 PM
 Nice work Tiny!
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: ravensblack on December 30, 2011, 09:27:27 PM
Lookin' good Tiny. Cant wait to see it in person  :smt006
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Chadrock on December 30, 2011, 10:40:13 PM
That looks sweet dude! Looks like I am going to have to play catch-up now. :smt003
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: MANBEARPIG on December 30, 2011, 10:49:14 PM
Dang tiny, you got street parking in the city for that thing? $5 an hour? Looks sweet dude, good job!
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: fisheducator on December 30, 2011, 10:54:57 PM
Sweeeeeet ride Tiny, well done  :smt001
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: ex-kayaker on December 31, 2011, 07:40:55 AM
Damn tiny, great job.  If rigging really was pimping you'd be the Fillmore Slim of yimping

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: barefoot1 on December 31, 2011, 07:45:14 AM
Sweet ride Tiny!  I'm glad you included the emergency paddle.  Hope to fish with you soon.  I just relocated to Elk Grove.----Jeff
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: FISHADOW on December 31, 2011, 08:43:02 AM
Damn tiny looks like a sweet set up. Im picturing how comfortable A man could get on that thing. Cool colors,cooler set up.

awesome, all rigged and ready to launch out of El Salvidor  :smt044 :smt005

thanks for sharing  :smt006  :smt002
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Tote on December 31, 2011, 08:51:21 AM
Nice job Tiny. I really like the hatch insert on that yak.
A couple of questions. I notice your bilge pump is attached to your extra paddle. What keeps your paddle from sliding to the rear of the hull? Wouldn't that make the bilge pump hard to access in an emergency?
I love the idea of built in floatation. Peace of mind preinstalled.  :smt003
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: tiny on December 31, 2011, 09:15:33 AM
Nice job Tiny. I really like the hatch insert on that yak.
A couple of questions. I notice your bilge pump is attached to your extra paddle. What keeps your paddle from sliding to the rear of the hull? Wouldn't that make the bilge pump hard to access in an emergency?
I love the idea of built in floatation. Peace of mind preinstalled.  :smt003
Thanks Mike.The paddle is wedged in between the floatation foam and scupper post.There is really no way for the paddle to slide through there.Have a good New Years.See you up at Doran one of these days.Go Niners.Sorry Bro.I had to.
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: sharky on December 31, 2011, 10:15:42 AM
Nice looking rig! Are there any of these in the bay area to demo yet?
How wide is that boat?
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Bigfoot on December 31, 2011, 11:21:28 AM
 :headbang: Nice work. Soon, Very soon!!!!
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: LoletaEric on December 31, 2011, 11:25:33 AM
Great looking boat, Tiny.  Nice work.   :smt001
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: piski on December 31, 2011, 11:31:44 AM
EXCELLENT work, Tiny.
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Jedmo on December 31, 2011, 03:33:25 PM
That's one mean looking kayak you have there Tiny. Nice job on the rigging bro.
I can't wait to see it in person.

Jedmo
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: RacinRob on December 31, 2011, 08:37:13 PM
Lookin good. Happy New Year Tiny. See you OTW soon.
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Spike on December 31, 2011, 08:47:02 PM
Thanks Tiny, I'm learning ALOT!!!
Kayak Weights and Demos-
The Abaco is listed at 60#, the K-Largo at 66#.  Those are shipping weights that include stock accessories.                                                                                                                             RTM boats are at least a few pounds heavier than their counterparts and that’s a very good quality for most consumers.  While lightweight fishing kayaks are necessary for a minority of kayak anglers with physical, loading and storage issues, The K-Largo and Abaco models are not for them.  The unique wheel kit for these 2 models, integrated into the keel, is outstanding and takes a lot of weight off the boat in portage.  The wheels are easy to install, break down in seconds and small enough to throw onboard.
Getting back to kayak weight, when I was researching this whole thing, I spoke to the owner of a high volume Gulf shop who told me that “somewhere along the road, as the boats got lighter, anglers got the impression that light was better and that just ain't the case”.  In a lot of models, “light” too often means “thin” and that effects the UV protection as well as wear from dragging and the overall life of the boat.  I was advised by one of the owners that RTM uses materials (plastic and UV inhibitors) that cost up to 40% more than the materials used by many kayak manudfacturers.  That’s proven in how well the colors have stayed fast after 3 years in the sun and under the trees.
   
Free Demos –For now, Bodega Bay and Valley Ford are the best places to demo the boats anytime by appointment or anytime I’m crabbing at Doran.  Contact me directly for more info on Valley Ford and the Esteros.  We’re about 80 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge.   If you are coming from afar to the coast, bring crab traps and/or spend an hour or so getting a feel for the boats.  Winter fishing at Bodega Bay-A light outfit with squid strips and small hooks (fished a few feet off the bottom) should start producing some flatfish around here soon.  I also fish the sabiki for sardines for the grill.  There is lots of bait around Bodega Bay right now, the ospreys are hunting actively and looking fat.

Demo Days-I will be setting up a demo day at Ocean Cove when they re-open in April, probably a few weeks after the abalone opener.  The demo day is free and we’ll host a BBQ. Ocean Cove has a 7 or $8 dollar day use fee per car.  If there is a strong demand for demos sooner, we can arrange a demo event at Bodega Bay, the Estero or Russian River.

Kayak Rentals-If you are new to kayak fishing, an NCKA member and considering your first kayak, discounted rentals are $50 each for the day and I’ll supply a few crab traps if you want.  Both tandems and solo models are on hand and I have most of the fishing line to demo.  Come summer, we’ll have a handful of dealers across the state and I’m working hard to get mostly demo dealers in place.  In the meantime, the full rental cost on Factory Warehouse Demo/rentals will be credited to a kayak purchase within 6 months.

That said, thanks for your time.  Michelle and I want to wish everyone a Happy and Extremely Fishy New Year!!!.  Please check out www.KeepAmericaFishing.org (http://www.KeepAmericaFishing.org), take action if you haven’t already and we look forward to fishing with many more of you in 2012.
Continued Good Fishing from,
Spike and Michelle
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Sin Coast on January 05, 2012, 12:20:03 PM
Dude that thing looks slick! But I noticed something's missing Tiny...I need to get you a big 9ers decal!
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: BigJim on January 05, 2012, 12:27:48 PM
Dude that thing looks slick! But I noticed something's missing Tiny...I need to get you a big 9ers decal!

Nah...a big Saints one would look better!

 :smt002

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Chadrock on January 05, 2012, 12:34:38 PM
Dude that thing looks slick! But I noticed something's missing Tiny...I need to get you a big 9ers decal!

Nah...a big Saints one would look better!

 :smt002

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim

UH OH!
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Squidder K on January 05, 2012, 03:30:41 PM
Sweet ride, you got that pimped out big time.  All you need now is a wheel Z with with spinner rims to complete it...lol!
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Paddleboy84 on January 05, 2012, 04:31:19 PM
Tiny,

The boat looks awesome! I love the colors you choose. Seems very feature rich. I love all the options for storage. Hope to see you at Crabfest.

Dan
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: rockfish on January 05, 2012, 08:16:08 PM
OMG, when I saw the boat I nearly jizzed!!!
I need one that color!!!


This may be a phase, but I also desire the new Jeep unlimited in "Dozer"....

OMG, the color, and it looks rather quick too.
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: rockfish on January 05, 2012, 08:35:04 PM
found one!
in the UK, for L 885 (nearly usd$ 1,400)  I'd buy it except the shipping is kinda killin me  ;)

I'll be at one of these demo days for sure!
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Salty. on January 05, 2012, 10:19:33 PM
Gotta agree that color combo is sweet & that cover for the tankwell is nice too!
Title: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: 9erfan on January 06, 2012, 07:43:24 AM
Dude that thing looks slick! But I noticed something's missing Tiny...I need to get you a big 9ers decal!

Nah...a big Saints one would look better!

 :smt002

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
what the....
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: BigJim on January 06, 2012, 08:53:14 AM
Dude that thing looks slick! But I noticed something's missing Tiny...I need to get you a big 9ers decal!

Nah...a big Saints one would look better!

 :smt002

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
what the....

LMAO!!!!!!

Geaux Saints!!!!!!!!

Will be on my laptop tomorrow night ready to buy tickets to go see us play the Niners once we beat the Lions!

I feel another Black and Gold Superbowl coming on!!   :smt003 :smt004 :smt003

Saints to me look like they are playing as good as in 2009 and we are on a roll right now and have won our last eight in a row! AND we were undefeated at home this season!

Wish I could make it home for the game tomorrow, but no can do... :smt012

Sorry for the threadjack Tiny!!

 :smt008

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim

Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Bushy on January 06, 2012, 09:37:10 AM
Nice job Tiny!  Very clean!

Allen

Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: Sin Coast on January 06, 2012, 10:07:47 AM
Go ahead and give Tiny a Saints sticker....I bet he knows what to do with it!  :violent5:   :smt044
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: tiny on January 06, 2012, 07:12:53 PM
Thanks for all the great replies guys.Pat I am searching for the right Niner stickers right now.If anyone out there has any of the old school black oval with white lettering NCKA stickers .Please let me know if you could spare a couple.I want one for each side of my yak.Thanks again all.See you guys at Doran
Title: Re: I FINALLY GOT OFF MY ARSE AND RIGGED MY RTM ABACO
Post by: lucky13 on January 10, 2012, 09:08:35 AM
Great job Tiny! I like that storage enclosure and the tracks a lot. The design is nicely thought out. I had a RTM Tempo and still miss it.

ernest