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Big Jon Otter Boats
BSBA 
 		  Home: Dexter , MI   03/21/2008 10:17
Brookie
Posts: 11
 

I would like a response to this question.

Are the big jon otter boats really better than the large wooden planer boards attached to a 6 foot mast? I am going to buy new planer boards this year and looking to use these on Lake Erie and Lake St Clair.

I would also use these boards for musky fishing in the fall on Lake St. Clair.
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
Newton 
 		    03/24/2008 19:14
Alewives
Posts: 4
 

I would like to know this answer as well. Help us if you can, please.
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
Tacklemaster 
 		  Port: Toledo Beach   03/24/2008 20:42
Brown
Posts: 59
 

If your not very handy the Big Jon Otter boats are really nice boards. You will however want to get the double keel setup for the Otter boats otherwise they don't work as well.
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
BSBA 
 		  Home: Dexter , MI   03/25/2008 08:28
Brookie
Posts: 11
 

So, it sounds like if you have $250.00 around to spend on the otter boats, then they would be better than the $40.00- 60.00 wooden boards? WOW, I had no idea what I would be getting into.

PS-Is there a better snubber to use with planer boards? Or just use a standard snubber?
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
t3pt6k 
 		  Port: Grand Haven, MI   03/25/2008 08:44
Admin
Posts: 2409
 

I have only used the Otter Boats on one boat but have used them extensively. I believe that they do track better then the large planer boards given certain rough conditions and on turns. We run the standard otter boats as they come configured and they seem to work just fine.

However the big planer boards have been doing duty for much longer then I have been involved with big lake fishing and it's hard to beat them both from price and utility.

If you are space conscious you may want to look at collapsible planer board that lay flat when not being used.
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
LittleDandy 
 		  Port: LaSalle,MI   03/25/2008 08:53
King
Posts: 328
 

If you're going to use board snubbers, Amish Outfitters makes them. Mine are 4 years old and from the looks of them will go another 4 easily.
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
BSBA 
 		  Home: Dexter , MI   03/25/2008 10:52
Brookie
Posts: 11
 

Thanks for the feedback from everyone. I think I will go for the wood boards. Any advise on snubbers or a spring to take on the rough water?
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
Tacklemaster 
 		  Port: Toledo Beach   03/25/2008 12:29
Brown
Posts: 59
 

Don't bother with a snubber. They don't help and usually make the boards track poorly. If you have metal planar board spools, use weed whacker line in .0065 diameter. Works a lot better then the snubbers, you get a lot more stretch and the board will run a lot truer.

Otherwise Dacron line works just fine with nothing else.
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
BSBA 
 		  Home: Dexter , MI   03/25/2008 14:42
Brookie
Posts: 11
 

I have ordered the Traxstech Dual Reel Adjustable Planer Mast with mono line From what you describe I will not need a snubber using mono planer line. I will pick this up on Friday.

Here are the specs.


Detailed Description
Adjusts from 4 1/2' to 7 1/2'. The T-slot adjustability allows the independent reels to be positioned from the base up allowing the user maximum effectiveness, and ease of use. Redesigned clutch system, utalizing larger stainless steel spring washers and a one handed adjustable tension feature allows you to control the smooth decent and retreival of the boards. Easily slides in and out of the Base Track for traveling and storage. This unit supplied complete with the features listed below:

1 - 6" Backing Plate

1 - 6" Mounting Track(with stainless steel hardware)

1 - Aluminum Adjustable Mast

2 - Lexan Reels with 150' of 200# mono-line & 375# snap-swivel

2 - Lexan Pulleys for the line to roll smoothely out or in.

let me know if there are any further recomendations. I want to make my first experience better than just fumbling around and learning by error. This forum is a pretty cool site. You all have given me great information.
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
Tacklemaster 
 		  Port: Toledo Beach   03/25/2008 15:13
Brown
Posts: 59
 

The mono will work great. I would be careful not reel the mono onto the reels to tight. The mono will expand and contract with the weather and may explode the reels if it's wound on to tight.

Another great little tip is when you let the line out for the first time, take a rag and spray some wd40 on it and rub it on the planar board line. This helps the clips slide down the line really well. Repeat the wd40 every couple of weeks.
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Re:Big Jon Otter Boats
BSBA 
 		  Home: Dexter , MI   03/25/2008 22:35
Brookie
Posts: 11
 

Thank you for the great advice!
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