Poling platform height questions

[D Hanny]

Well, I've been reading up on poling platforms 'cause I'm aiming to turn a Bass Tracker boat into a flats-type boat.

I read some very common-sense considerations in an old thread on the Hull Truth's site here, but I'd like some advice of my own from those who use them.

1.) Is the poling platform's height critical to the overall handling of the boat when poling?

and,

2.) does a 50" platform considerably add to the fish finding and casting ability, vs. a 32" platform (which I currently have - just bought it, but can exchange it) for the guy who is on the platform?

and, while I'm at it,

3.) I see a trend towards putting poling platforms as far back as possible - even to the extent of extending the platform behind the rear of the boat... I take it this is for additional handling when poling? Is my 32" platform that goes almost straight up (it does angle back, and the platform extends over the rear of what it does angle back to) a pretty old-school design?

The boat is a '85 Bass Tracker Tournament Pro-17, a wide-enough, and flat-enough, hull to work for what I want to do I guess... will I really regret the cool looking, but low, platform over picking out another one? I have 29 days to return the one I have for a full refund.

Best,

Dave

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Poling platform height questions

my opinion is that the 50" platform will not be ideal on that boat. both to climb onto, and due to less stability. i would stick with what you got.

 

[D Hanny]

Re: Poling platform height questions

Thank you, but how much bigger of a boat would use a 50"?

Mine is already kinda big for a flats boat from some that I've seen.

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Poling platform height questions

thats a tough question, im not really sure.

i know that my friend has a 17' hewes and the platform is a little over 30". works great, and i just couldnt imagine it being 50", seems very tall.

 

[1fishbone]

Re: Poling platform height questions

Be sure to compare apples with apples.
A flats boat is usually (Hewes, Carolina, etc) fiberglass...much heavier than aluminum.
The beam width (widest width) on these boat are almost the same as the bottom width.
Un-like your Tracker, the sides flare out, beam is about 60" at the bottom and about 89" at the top of the gunnel.

1.) Is the poling platform's height critical to the overall handling of the boat when poling?

No
Platforms are for sight fishing and polling (sneaking) up on fish.

2.) does a 50" platform considerably add to the fish finding and casting ability, vs. a 32" platform (which I currently have - just bought it, but can exchange it) for the guy who is on the platform?

Yes Higher up you can see farther, no, casting higher up is going to be a challenge....see answer to #1!!
The guy poling usually doesn't fish...he poles the boat!

3.) I see a trend towards putting poling platforms as far back as possible - even to the extent of extending the platform behind the rear of the boat... I take it this is for additional handling when poling? Is my 32" platform that goes almost straight up (it does angle back, and the platform extends over the rear of what it does angle back to) a pretty old-school design?

Maybe I think it's to overcome un-stability...platforms make a boat 'rocky' 'tippy'
old-school design? Yes, poling platforms have been on boats for eons...

Stick with the one you have...and be careful.