InTheBite

Tackle Tips: DIY Outrigger Tune Up

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This image demonstrates a simple fix to tightening a spreader bar stud.

This image demonstrates a simple fix to tightening a spreader bar stud.

By Dale Wills

Coastal Riggings President Brendon Ziemba, along with his brother Preston, have been specializing in outrigger installation, repair and maintenance for 25 years. Before watching Brendon get into his work, I had no idea an outrigger could be broken down into so many different parts. Watching them disassemble, service and reassemble a pair of 3-spreader outriggers was an education. While my intent here is to offer some quality advice on keeping your outriggers tuned, I don’t advise any of you to perform a full service yourself. There are too many intricacies and nuances to remember. Check out the video on our website, and I think you will agree.

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Pay to Play: The Cost of Sportfishing

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boat cost

Owning a boat is undoubtedly expensive and that last check you sign before driving your new boat home is just the tip of the iceberg. Budgets are in the eye of the beholder as operating costs can vary greatly depending on how many days, weeks or months the boat will be in use and also how extensive your travel or tournament participation will be.

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Speed—A Highly Desired Commodity

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testing boat speed on the waterBy Christopher Swanhart

We all strive for it from a very young age, we try to run faster, or skate faster, or have the fastest bike. And in our industry, this trend continues with us as adults. Speed on the water has always been desired. Be it to stay away from danger, or to have a military advantage, there are benefits to going fast. If nothing else, it sure is exhilarating.

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Inspecting the Walker AIRSEP Oil Drain

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Feeling like it’s time to review your Walker AIRSEP oil drain components and placement? Remember to check that the valve is installed vertically and never install a check valve near or into the AIRSEP.

Lazy Ain’t Learning—Lessons from the Mechanic

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By Captain Scott “Fraz” Murie

I’ve participated in many major engine rebuilds over the years. In the process, I’ve developed great relationships with groups of elite mechanics. Working with these guys has taught me how to save thousands of dollars in labor. Recently, I’ve witnessed some super lazy crews just hanging out on the dock doing nothing while the mechanics are in the engine room. They could literally be saving the owner thousands of dollars helping the mechanics.

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Walker AIRSEP: The First Choice for Sportfishing Captains

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The AIRSEP closed crankcase systems made a positive impact on engine room maintenance and the environment when it first came on the scene 30 years ago. The AIRSEP helped to keep bilges cleaner and oil fume free, and helped to lower crankcase pressure to reduce engine oil leaks. The AIRSEP CCV system continues to evolve, and is standard factory equipment on select Caterpillar®, Cummins, and John Deere engines to name a few.

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Double Zero: The Importance of Hiring a Crew

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50th International Billfish Tournament, San Juan, Puerto Rico

By Capt. Scott “Fraz” Murie

Double zero is the term we have used in this business for as long as I can remember. It stands for owner/operator, or boats with no crews. Having a boat without a dedicated crew doesn’t make sense. The owners of these boats may think they are saving money by hiring a wash down and wax crew to keep their boats shiny two days a month. Some owner/operators think that’s all there is to it!

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Covering Your Assets: A Captain’s Guide to the Law of Sportfishing

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sunken boat

By Winslow Taylor

Maybe you’ve worked on boats—put in your time, mated for some folks all the while learning what to and what not to do. The result of your journey? You’ve finally been offered a job to run a boat. Or maybe you are a seasoned vet running an established program throughout the world.

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A Checklist that Never Ends: Time Management is Key

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checklist

It seems that my boat checklist never ends. The checklist is a valuable tool for me which I use religiously. I always keep it handy. If you are like me, and don’t write down what you’re thinking, it most likely will be forgotten. During any given week, my mate and I work off of a checklist that is continuously updated. The list consists of everything, such as supplies needed, metal that needs waxed or repairs that need to be made. One would think that you could run out of things for a checklist, but if you keep a top-notch boat and stay up with all the systems that should not happen.

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