Length: 14', Beam at gunwale: 29", Beam at 4" waterline: 30.25" Depth: at bow 18", at center 12.5" , at stern 18" Approx. weight: 44 lbs. (Royalex), 39lbs (Royalite, R-84). Estimated capacity: 375 lbs.
The following pictures will give examples of how I rigged the Mohawk Solo 14 canoes for fly fishing. Keep in mind, I have only had to drill a minimal collection of holes to get the complete boat (Amazing, Aye?!).
A comprehensive review of the Mohawks will be forthcoming. All I can say now, with the Mohawk Canoes/Spring Creek Pontoon System, you will find there is no finer inshore fly fishing craft that will paddle better than any sit-on-top kayak you may use or have already paddled. Enjoy!
The "Green Machine"
The"No-See-Um"
Rigged Mohawk Flats Fishing Battle Ships-The How, What and Why
The following is a compilation on how I rigged my Mohawk Solo 14's. Each improvement is broken down into groups with images that may help you in rigging your own canoe for fly fishing, camping and overall paddling enjoyment. Keep in mind, when I rig a boat, I want each item to be simple but also serve in a multi role fashion. Each item has been carefully thought out, ways of failure explored and usefulness verified out on the water.
Scroll this text box (this is image and content intensive). Images can be scrolled as many subjects/groups have several images to explain how I did things and why.
UTILITY IS KEY!
Foot Pegs
The first consideration was the need to have something for my feet to brace against whist paddling with a double bladed paddle. The foot braces I have used for this application have been carefully researched. I did not want anything with sharp edges that would snag/destroy loose fly line in the cockpit. The Wilderness Systems/Harmony Glide Lock is the best I could come up with.
Pontoon System
The pontoon system from Spring Creek Outfitters is one of the best stabilization systems I have found after tireless research on the intenet. It is simple, light weight, strong and ease of use is ensured with a little practice. I have modified the Universal Receiver in which the system plugs into a bit.
Once properly adjusted, the system offers TOTAL stability, almost like walking around in your own livingroom. You have a tangent of 360 degrees to shoot at the fish!
The Receiver has been cut to match the contour of the gunnel which makes for a neater appearance and less chance of skinning the shins during late night trips to the cat hole on camping trips.
The Seat
The seat used in our Mohawk Solo 14's has been very well researched. I wanted a seat that is simple, light weight but durable. One that would not impede the use of an under seat storage bag nor would have straps that would eliminate the use of the stock seat frame for rod storage. This seat I have found secures with only two(2) screws and is in my belief, the best seat in the house. I present to you- The Cush Gear Comfort Back Rest.
Dressing The Thwart
The Thwart on a canoe is more than the purpose of structural integrity, it can be utilized for utility purposes, such as shown here. The reason for the rigging-The half hitched line on each side offers protection to the thwart. The said line can be utilized in an emergency (each at 30 feet). It also looks pretty cool too!
Bow & Stern Painters
The bow and stern painters (utility lines) are affixed to the decks through holes molded into them. The line is run through then a figure eight knot is tied to keep the rope from slipping through. A small loop is tied into the other end so additional ropes can be attached as needed or to utilize the anchor pin during a beaching/lunch break situation.
Anchors-A- Weigh
I use three types of anchors on all my paddle craft. The first and most used is a Stick-It Anchor pin. The second and another most often used is a 10 lb. mushroom anchor. The last is a ten pound folding grapple anchor which is used at night while fishing in the passes and around structure for Snook in swift moving currents during the out going tides.
In the images you will also see details of the anchor trolley that requires no holes to be drilled. It is a nice simple set up that is very effective.
Lacing it In-The Hull Lacing and Why
The lacing in both the bow and stern areas of the canoes serve many purposes. First, they are to keep contents in the canoe in the event of a capsize, helping to keep everything with the boat and to keep water out. Next, they make handy lashing points for various types of equipment and last, they also help to firm up the hull. They can also be used in an emergency to use as lashing for various First Aid and shelter purposes.
These are installed via holes drilled through the hull using the method described on the Mohawk Canoes website HERE.
Up on Deck
The images below show the rope,toggle and slip knot arrangement that holds the bow bag underneath the deck. This also features the painters which are wrapped loosely around and held in place with a velcro strap. The stern has the same set up. You will see more wait the bag installed in the next section.
Gear Storage
The gear storage is pretty simple and straight forward. I purchased canoe bags from Cabelas that hold various types of fishing and safety related gear. The thwart bag holds all of my flies, tippet material and tools. The underseat bag holds camera, cell phone, VHF radio, tow rope, rain gear, snacks and sunscreen. The bow bag holds emergency shelter, flares, signal mirror, fire starting gear and extra cordage. The stearn bag holds First Aid items plus extra Carabiners and pulleys (I do plan to take these on some mild rapids).
