by JP Dalik
The goal for this project was to take a solid center-console fishing platform and “max it out.” To do this the Hughes contracted with Professional Sportfish Services in Brielle N.J. Working together, it was decided that the boat would be rigged with all Northstar and Simrad electronics, along with a host of accessories.
This boat needed to be able to perform in all types of fishing situations. From live-baiting bunkers for striped bass in Sandy Hook Bay to being able to perform the blistering runs to the farthest Northeast Canyons, the boat needed to be functional, good looking and safe.
Safety First
Running a center console more than 200 miles with a crew of four to six requires careful planning. Prime Coat is equipped with a Switlik inflatable life raft with a fully equipped ditch bag, 406 MHz McMurdo EPRIB, Iridium Sat Phone, along with all of the necessary Coast Guard required safety equipment. Handheld devices include a GPS and VHF transceiver. Stowing all of it in an accessible location becomes a challenge when you add more than 500 pounds of ice, bait, tackle and gear; forward seating with storage below was the answer. If an emergency arises, there is no need to fumble with hatches—lift the cushion and all your safety equipment is at hand.
Gearing Up
The heart of the electronics system is two 12-inch Northstar 6100 head units. These units are interfaced and display both radar and sounder information along with Sirius weather and DVD video input. The radar antenna for this application is a 4kW dome, this style offers light weight for T-Top installations also the HD images provide crystal clear target information. The sounder uses Northstars 491 “black box” unit coupled to an Airmar 1kW shoot through the hull transducer. Finishing the system off is a Sirius Satellite upgrade that shows weather and water temperatures. Simply move the cursor over the puddle of water you want to fish and hit “go to.” The course and bearing immediately show up on your screen and your off to the fishing grounds. If you don’t think you need a weather-tracking system on your boat. Here’s a real world example:
On a recent trip, a friend called to inform Buddy that there was a severe storm brewing in the area, possibly heading in his direction. Switching to the Sirius weather overlay, it was determined that the storm was well southeast and that the movement of the storm provided no immediate threat. Without this information the boat might have headed for port, instead the crew continued fishing while accurately monitoring the weather.
This boat needed to be able to perform in all types of fishing situations. From live-baiting bunkers for striped bass in Sandy Hook Bay to being able to perform the blistering runs to the farthest Northeast Canyons, the boat needed to be functional, good looking and safe.
Safety First
Running a center console more than 200 miles with a crew of four to six requires careful planning. Prime Coat is equipped with a Switlik inflatable life raft with a fully equipped ditch bag, 406 MHz McMurdo EPRIB, Iridium Sat Phone, along with all of the necessary Coast Guard required safety equipment. Handheld devices include a GPS and VHF transceiver. Stowing all of it in an accessible location becomes a challenge when you add more than 500 pounds of ice, bait, tackle and gear; forward seating with storage below was the answer. If an emergency arises, there is no need to fumble with hatches—lift the cushion and all your safety equipment is at hand.
Gearing Up
The heart of the electronics system is two 12-inch Northstar 6100 head units. These units are interfaced and display both radar and sounder information along with Sirius weather and DVD video input. The radar antenna for this application is a 4kW dome, this style offers light weight for T-Top installations also the HD images provide crystal clear target information. The sounder uses Northstars 491 “black box” unit coupled to an Airmar 1kW shoot through the hull transducer. Finishing the system off is a Sirius Satellite upgrade that shows weather and water temperatures. Simply move the cursor over the puddle of water you want to fish and hit “go to.” The course and bearing immediately show up on your screen and your off to the fishing grounds. If you don’t think you need a weather-tracking system on your boat. Here’s a real world example:
On a recent trip, a friend called to inform Buddy that there was a severe storm brewing in the area, possibly heading in his direction. Switching to the Sirius weather overlay, it was determined that the storm was well southeast and that the movement of the storm provided no immediate threat. Without this information the boat might have headed for port, instead the crew continued fishing while accurately monitoring the weather.
