I need Ideas!!! Car Topper What would you add if you could

[jonesy007]

Hi all I am in the process of having a boat built. The builder and I were having a few ales the other night and I started talking about car toppers and how flexi some are. This I understand is due to trying to keep the weight down. He said I reckon I could build a solid one and still make it light enough to lift.

Which got me thinking and drawing plans for my next boat design.

I would like your ideas as to what would you like to see standard on a car topper. Most have only one seat and that is it. I am thinking size wise around the 3m mark and rated to a 15 hp.

I am playing with some ideas. Like a plug and play bait tank light weight a couple of plugs and then you have a live bait tank on your car topper. Stuff like this.

Any Grey Nomads out their with ideas would be a great help.

Cheers
Matt

[Windknot]

I think the secret in having and using a cartopper is to keep it simple and lightweight. I wouldn't go for a 15hp motor personally, instead I'd for for something like a 6hp or an 8hp, something with a built-in fuel tank preferrably as it's one less thing to carry around. Smaller motors are much more compact and light to carry and fit onto the boat. You've got to remember that everything, other than the boat, will most likely be carried inside your car.

I'd have a good look at the Quintrex 3.4 metre Cartopper boat, if I was looking for a good, solid, and light weight cartopper.

A couple of good quality clamp-on fold-down seats would make a long day on the water that much more comfortable. A portable fishfinder would be quick and easy to set up. It would be just a matter of chucking it into the boat and then attaching the suction cap transducer and off your go.

A couple of Scotty rod holders would be very handy too.

[Bobby Bass]

I think a electric with a quick release bracket is a must, makes fishing so much easier. A live well is not really needed, a esky with a airator will do if you need to keep fish alive. A good small portable sounder is good too if you fish deeper water and want to know the temp.

I have had about 8 or 9 outboards and they are all heavy except the really small ones. Even a 6hp is a fair weight if you are doing it by yourself. Mercury only do a four stroke 15hp now by the look of it and it's over 50kg (too heavy), Tohatsu is a good outboard and is two stroke and 15hp is 41kg (pretty heavy) 9.8(b) hp is 26kg (hmmm best) 8hp is 26kg (good) and the 6 is 25kg (good). Have a look at some others, I would say the most HP from a 25kg motor is best. Anything heavier will be a pain in the ass.

Thats means you will have 2 batteries, a esky, sounder, outboard, fuel, safety gear and electric in your car. Anymore will be too much any less and you will find some types of estuary fishing a bit tuff.

Cheers
Chris

[breaminator]

Best lightweight outboard is the Tohatsu 9.8 2stroke
I finally got my folding boat on the water.
Yes it flexes, but it was designed to.
It flies with the 9.8 tohie

[bonyetty]

Originally Posted by breaminator

Best lightweight outboard is the Tohatsu 9.8 2stroke
I finally got my folding boat on the water.
Yes it flexes, but it was designed to.
It flies with the 9.8 tohie

That's sick! Where from, how much, I want one!

[breaminator]

Thanks
You will have to wait for a used one.
Here's their old website. http://www.flatoutboats.com.au/
Fascinating boats, look like a windsurfer on your roof
Awesome design.
I hear they may be getting made again with a more modern looking design
I'm going to get some clamp on rod holders for it as well.