Planer board question

[propkiller1]

I just tried out a new Big Jon duel mast and a set of boards I got on Ebay (Wille sea skis).My problem is that the boards pull out to the sides but run way in back of the boat, and my rod lines get crossed-up. The boards have cavities to fill with water for ballast, and I did not try to add water yet. Would adding ballast help pull these boards out harder and more to the side of the boat and less in back?
How far behind the boat should the boards run? I have the mast mounted 6 inches from the bow tip.
Are these boards any good? I noticed some brands have the boards staggered with the outer one out front. Does this help keep them farther out sideways?

[FreeByrd]

I've never head anyone give a good report on these particular boards. Your complaint is common with these boards.

Amish Outfitters sells a set of redwood boards that are very popular with many Lake Erie trollers - Charter Captain's, Tournament Anglers, and Weekend Warriors use them with success.

Here they are:

www.amishoutfitters.com/planer.htm

Good Luck,
Steve

[Spanky]

We have been running those boards for many years (20?).
No trouble. You do have to run them with water in them.
I will try & look at ours this weekend & send another post.
You could try running them with 1/2 pluged the other half not.
I would try the back without plugs.

[CaptJackB2]

I have also ran the boards for quite some time and I prefer to load the outside board by puling out the platic screws and filling with water this makes the board pull out better ans slightly tips the ski`s!
Jack

[gunrac]

I started with a set of these boards, and was disappointed. I picked up a set of plans and made some real boards. 42x12. Now these babies really pull great. They pulled so hard, that I took another idea from another buddy an hung a ATV winch on my mask. I had around 100 bucks in the boards an 125. in the winch. I have trolled many times in 3 footers with little problem. " If you decide to run a board of this size, make sure you cable support your mast".
Consider your set up when hanging your rod lines. I start with my outside line closest to the cockpit this helps when a fish is on, preventing slack in the line. Just lift straight up an wait for the fish to get behind the boat.I have seen set-ups where guys will put there outside line back to the stern first and set up toward the cockpit, ya it is easier for 1 person to set up but then you must go under a few rods if you get your hit on an inside rod.. I know if I'm going to go hand to hand under rods, it's going to be without a fish hanging on it.
If your rod holders have a wide spread it will take a couple people to run your inside lines out the board line, unless you go hand to hand under your rods. I ended up running my rodholders closer together so that 1 person can do the job their self with ease. I have run as many as 6 lines per side, but usually stay at 4 or 5 + a couple dipseys.
Hope this might help, I may be making an selling some boards this winter.
HAWG ON, SEA YA

[WALLEYE DREW]

I HAVE THESE BOARDS. I USE THEME A LOT. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEM.I HAVE SOME LEAD SHOT THAT I ADD OR SUBTRACTTO GET THESE BOARDS RUN THE WAY I NEED THEM TO ,ON A PERTULATER DAY.

[blade]

Hey, not supposed to advertise on this site. Ie. giving out that website.

[FreeByrd]

>Hey, not supposed to advertise on this site. Ie. giving out
>that website.

blade,
Assuming you are referring to me providing the Amish Outfitters website. I'm not affiliated with Amish Outfitters other than I use the products because they are the best I've found for Lake Erie trolling. The man asked if anyone else had recommendations and I provided one. Common practice that has been perfectly acceptable for years on WC. Also the owner of Amish Outfitters has generously donated products to the raffles at the WC Get Together for several years and hosted a Q&A session at the Get Together.

If you have further concerns I suggest you use the "ALERT" feature to flag the post to the attention of the moderators. Not sure if that feature is available unless you are logged in.

If you would like to contact me that is fine too.

Have a nice day.
Steve Carlson
330 283 2155 wireless
steve199132@yahoo.com

[Sparky]

I still don't get what the complaint was, I thought that we're
supposed to give out information on products we use and like.

[cxtx]

We always used the Patco Redwood fold down boards and after adding a stiffener to them, never had a problem with them pulling or taking a dive on us. My dad just used a piece of 1/8" galvanized stock with a hole on one end and a notch on the other. It was cut to length to span the board in its operating angle from the back hole on one board to the front hole on the other. Just tighten the wingnuts and go. We used them in 4-6 footers with no problems whatsoever. My uncle had a pair of off the shelf ones (can't remember the name now but they used to make a triple planer board) and in anything over 3', they would occassionally take a dive on ya and make a heck of a mess. Actually broke one off one time in 45' of water because it made it all the way to the bottom before we could stop (going with the waves).