Planer board adjustment?

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bulldog1
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2013/01/16 09:55:59 (permalink)

Planer board adjustment?

Just a question about what adjustment you might suggest. Here is my issue, I have a tough time getting the lines to go far out on the board line. After talking with several folks the consensus seems to be that my boards are tracking too far to the side and not far enough back, thus not giving a good backward angle on the line. Got any suggestions for adjustments that might remedy this? 
 
Was thinking of moving the attachment point forward on the boards...
post edited by bulldog1 - 2013/01/16 09:57:06

Curiosity killed the cat, but for awhile I was a suspect.
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    freshwaterdrumR
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    Re:Planer board adjustment? 2013/01/16 10:06:08 (permalink)
    How high is your mast? I had a similar problem last year, the clips would fly out about half way then it was tough to get them the rest of the way out to the board. I added 2' to my mast height and the clips went straight to the boards.  
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    bulldog1
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    Re:Planer board adjustment? 2013/01/16 10:12:31 (permalink)
    It's a Big Jon 2 section mast that's around 5' or so and it's mounted on top of the cuddy so it should be plenty high. I use my boat hook to grab the line, it's the only way to reach it...

    Curiosity killed the cat, but for awhile I was a suspect.
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    Bogeyjoker
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    Re:Planer board adjustment? 2013/01/16 10:14:34 (permalink)
    I agree with drumR...it doesn't matter how far back the boards are....only the angle and tightness of the tow line.  Since you say the boards are tracking well out to the side, that indicates they are pulling hard enough...but the angle is too shallow.  Four solutions:  Increase mast height, decrease distance you let the boards out,  use heavy releases, and/or change tow line to a slick 500# Powerpro or other slippery line. 

    "Socialism...confuses the distinction between government and society.  As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. "
    Frederic Bastiat
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    Bogeyjoker
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    Re:Planer board adjustment? 2013/01/16 10:18:21 (permalink)
    bulldog1

    It's a Big Jon 2 section mast that's around 5' or so and it's mounted on top of the cuddy so it should be plenty high. I use my boat hook to grab the line, it's the only way to reach it...


    Mine is 6' and is too short IMO...but I like my boards out about 1/4 mile .  Get some downrigger line retrievers or retractable dog leashes to keep on your line to grab it.

    "Socialism...confuses the distinction between government and society.  As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. "
    Frederic Bastiat
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    freshwaterdrumR
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    Re:Planer board adjustment? 2013/01/16 10:26:29 (permalink)
    Bogeyjoker

    bulldog1

    It's a Big Jon 2 section mast that's around 5' or so and it's mounted on top of the cuddy so it should be plenty high. I use my boat hook to grab the line, it's the only way to reach it...


    Mine is 6' and is too short IMO...but I like my boards out about 1/4 mile .  Get some downrigger line retrievers or retractable dog leashes to keep on your line to grab it.

     
    +1
    I use some rope and a carabiner to retrieve my line...best thing I ever did, tie one end to one of my planer board rod holders and clip the carabiner to the line. You just need to let it back out slow after you attach a clip.
    My mast ended up around 6.5 feet and the extra height made a big difference, it also made it sway like crazy so I had to add rachet straps half way up to make it stable.
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    bulldog1
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    Re:Planer board adjustment? 2013/01/16 10:38:11 (permalink)
    Can't imagine it's not high enough, it's gotta be 10-12 feet above the water line, but...  There does seem to be a bit of a bow in the line though. When they are all the way out they track barely behind, almost even with the stern. I'd like to get it figured out, it's just one of those things that I know isn't working right and with the success rate on boards the last couple of years I'd like to get it figured out. I'll try adding some weight to my clips and maybe spraying silicone on the board line...
     
    At least I finally figured out how to tune my stick baits last year...

    Curiosity killed the cat, but for awhile I was a suspect.
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    Bogeyjoker
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    Re:Planer board adjustment? 2013/01/16 11:29:54 (permalink)
    My boards are typically even with my front rod holder, just behind the corkpit.  For $30-40 you can replace your towline with 500# Spectra...150-200' each side.  It doesn't take much bow in the towline to make the lines to bottom out on the saggy part of the towline, especially if your boards are out a ways.

    "Socialism...confuses the distinction between government and society.  As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. "
    Frederic Bastiat
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    kingnuke32
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    Re:Planer board adjustment? 2013/01/17 18:09:26 (permalink)
    What kind of clips you using? I use the Scotty's with aluminum carabiners with the Amish outfitters spectra. Your boards seem to be lagging if the are even with your stern as well. The aluminum carabiners on the spectra Really slide down great.

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