New DLX owner

[dhilliard]

After trying to post in the shout box, I believe maybe I should have been here. I just retired, moved to Kerr Lake near Henderson, and indulged myself in a new fishing boat, a 198 DLX. I've been wanting a skiff for years and decided now is the time. Some questions I've got for y'all concern installation of rod holders (for fishing and storage) what kind, where, and how. Also, I'm not as spry as I used to be so a step to the Front deck would be nice (DLV model has such, I believe) so I'd be interested to hear if any of you have made such a modification. And, lastly (for right now) installation of manual downriggers, the clamp on kind, specifically, where to mount these. Of course, I'm always interested in where the fish are and what they're bitin'.

[gb1075]

Glad to have you here, this is a really good site for solid info about carolina skiffs. I just bought a 198 dlv a month and a half ago and yes, the step up to the front deck is a good idea. I have to use them all the time. I'm sure some of the guys here can help you with a good step idea for the dlx. As for the rod holders, I had my dealer install an inexpensive pair on both sides of the console. I am also going to add a couple of more to the rear deck too. Don't have any experience with downriggers,

gb

[Harry]

Welcome aboard dhillard & congratulations on your retirement !!!

Good luck with your new Skiff and enjoy your time on the water.
There's a ton of good info here on setting up your skiff to best suit your needs. Click on the "search tab" and from there you can type in anything you'd like to try and find

Example I typed in "rod holders " and it took me to this link http://carolinaskiffowner.com/index.php?topic=183.0

Go ahead and click on that blue link here and you'll see some photo's of the rod holders I installed on my 198 DLV . I also installed a 3 rack holder set on both sides of my console.

Hope this helps, Thanks for joining our team, and good luck with your new boat !!!!

Harry

[mudduck]

I have the dlv also, and also could not step up to the front deck. Had an alum. ladder build and installed centered on the deck. Best thing I ever did. It is nice for standing up and looking for bait etc.

[dhilliard]

Thanks for the ladder idea. Could you be a little bit more specific on the particulars of the ladder you had built...is it at right angle with front deck, straight up from the floor of the boat, or inclined into the front deck? Hand rail? Number of steps? Sounds like a good solution as I have the same problem.

[Willie]

never thought of that one. thanks......... 010

[emsiegel]

i saw a fishing guide who put a step in the middle between the two door hatches. the step wasa about half way up the front deck.
He also had a removable rail put in with it, he kept it off most of the time but used it some