Float bags

[Once and Future]

Joe - where did you carve out a hand hold? I never got efficient with these because, to me, the latching mechanism required a third hand.

I gave sent Geoff an email with the feedback he requested, but he did not answer me, so maybe he didn't see it.

On old style float bags, I attach to wire by holding float in one hand, and the other hand closes and locks the latch in one motion because one handle does both operations. These new float bags are superior quality, but the latch and the lock are two separate levers. And I never mastered it. So I wonder if I need a tip, or am just clumsy.

Also, another nitpick, is that the little locking "crank" ends up pointing down where it can snag passing debris, rather than laying back like the old style.

For those unfamiliar, the new floats have a "U" shaped lever that folds the hinge shut, rather than an "L" shaped handle like the old ones. This U shaped lever drops over a little crank handle, which you then rotate 90 degrees to lock the hinge down. And, unless I was doing something wrong, the wire has to cross the latch in a very precise place to be captured properly. Anybody else struggle?

[joeman79]

Just below the latch maybe inch or 2 below I carved out a Slot big enough to get my hand through for just what your talking about. You need a thin bladed knife as u have to get below mechanism or block unseen from outside of foam. I will look through my pics and see if I can post a pic. Makes it 10 times easier by having your hand to maneuver float with control. On port side I put my right hand in slot and starboard my left hand with board hanging down and latch up. Don't know if that makes any sense to you or not.

[Once and Future]

I kind of follow you, but need a picture to go and do likewise.

[lone eagle]

My deckhand asked what the slot was for and I had no answer. I know now and look forward to next year to try it out......hate losing floats, Thanks

[joeman79]

I'd send a pic but Boats in Thorne Bay I'm in Kansas So I will try and draw it out and take picture and post.

[joeman79]

I'd send a pic but Boats in Thorne Bay I'm in Kansas So I will try and draw it out and take picture and post.

[joeman79]

I don't know if this helps or not. Cut out is about the size of an IPhone 5 so I suppose about 3 1/2 x 6. Might want to stick an Ice pic in below latch to find bottom of installed hardware. The. Just took super sharp thin filet knife and carved out but u could use some type of coarse grinding wheel I am sure. Makes putting bags on and off much easier.
Picture is upside down don't know how to correct.

[joeman79]

Here is a pick a buddy sent me of his

[Once and Future]

For once, a picture makes me more confused. Your friend seems to have modified an old-style float. I thought you had come up with a modification to make the new style floats work easier. It now appears that the modification works on both types. But the old style float doesn't have any hardware in the foam in the way of your slot, does it?

[joeman79]

Your right the old style floatbags do not have the hardware underneath the latch. But the hardware is only about an inch inch and a half below the top of the float bag so you can carve the handle in the same way you do on the old-style you just have to be below it. I dropped the floatbag one time before I made the cut out and it makes it so much easier to handle putting on and off the wire.

[Lulu]

Tunaddict, I've tried to connect with you via the PM route. Maybe you'll see this post. I'm ready to buy a pair or two of your floats. Please respond. thank you.

[Jambrosier]

Are you still making float bags this year. I'd like to buy a set ifyou are.

[joeman79]

I left a message on Don's phone

[Lulu]

joeman79, please leave a personnel message which helps connect me with whomever builds the floats. It's getting close to troll season

[Portigee]

I would like to order a set. The ones used for 50 pound leads

Thanks. Dave Silva
P.O. Box 602 Wrangell
Hm. 907-874-4602
Cell. 907-305-0142

[Big Chinook]

Does anyone know if they are still making them?

[Flyer]

I'm late to the party.... are you still making these floats? I'd like a set.

[Flyer]

I'm late to the party.... are you still making these floats? I'd like a set.

[MBF]

Are you still making these? I could use some! Let me know
Thanks