Posted: July 07 2011 at 14:51 | IP Logged

There should be a pin with a ring under the front of your seat that you can pull out and then slide the seat forward. The new seat will attach to the plastic base from the old seat.

Check the  Craigcat.com website under accessories and you will see the optional seat and prices.

Posted: July 07 2011 at 15:01 | IP Logged

The seats remove in under 10 seconds!  Simply pull the pin located in front of the seats mounted on the deck and slide them forward.  That's it.  They are off.

I have the factory Craigcat upholstered seats that I ordered fron Craigcat.  I paid around $275 for them a couple of years ago.  They are very comfy (thick foam) and match my blue top with the same blue and white pattern.  You could also buy just about any comfy marine seat and mount it to the wood slider that the original seats were mounted to and use that.

A great place for cheap marine seats is Cabellas.  Just find a pair of fishing boat seats if you like them.  They just need to be made for marine applications and not too heavy.

I don't think anything else will look quite as good as the upgraded Craigcat seats however because the Craigcat logo/name is emroidered on them and the color match is perfect.  They are marine grade vinyl and very comfy too.

Then again, you could get a very nice and comfy marine grade seat from Cabellas like the one in this link for $49.00.  You can even choose your color pattern.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Boat-Seats/Fold-Down- Boat-Seats%7C/pc/104794380/c/104705280/sc/104341680/Cabelas- Angler-Series-Boat-Seats-Low-Back/734562.uts?destination=%2F catalog%2Fbrowse%2Fboating-boat-seats-fold-down-boat-seats%2 F_%2FN-1100614%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104341680%3FWTz_l%3DUnknown %253Bcat104705280&WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat104705280%3Bcat1043 41680

Posted: July 07 2011 at 15:05 | IP Logged

Just about any seat will work, although you will  have to modify the way it attaches. Most seats attach with a pedestal. Arm rests may not work because of the width and steering lever.

I am from Boca Raton. I have found that the CC can handle very rough water, as in the inlets, but you might not enjoy the ride.

Posted: July 07 2011 at 15:15 | IP Logged

Here is a complete waterproof stereo package that would work great on the Craigcat.  On sale now too!

Clicky clicky

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1089571 &type=product&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=Amazon&WT .z_mc_id1=1089571&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=DC08F4D5-F3 D2-DF11-82EF-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA

Posted: July 07 2011 at 16:25 | IP Logged

Well, I usually end up regretting it when I try to cheap out, but since this is a budget boat of sorts I decided on these seats (in blue trim):

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=738104& amp; amp; amp;destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D73456 3%26type%3Dproduct%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26searchPath%3D%252Fc atalog%252Fsearch.cmd%253Fform_state%253DsearchForm%2526N%25 3D0%2526fsch%253Dtrue%2526Ntk%253DAllProducts%2526Ntt%253Dbo at%252Bseats%2526WTz_l%253DHeader%25253BSearch-All%252BProdu cts%2526x%253D14%2526y%253D4%26Ntt%3Dboat%2Bseats%26WTz_l%3D Header%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&WTz_l=YMAL%3BIK-017296

I had some Cabela's bucks to use up anyway, and the CC seats, though nice I'm sure, are just too pricey.

And although I may end up with a Power Tech Stainless prop eventually, I've ordered the Comprop composite four-blade. Top speed isn't real important to me, but low and mid-range performance is. I hope this prop provides that.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i= 31538&pdesc=Comprop_4_Blade_Propeller_Solid_Hub_/_Co mposite_10_dia_x_13_pitch_Right_Hand

I'll put up some pix when I get them installed.

Posted: July 07 2011 at 22:38 | IP Logged

SWSportsman, those seats you picked will work out great.  The only fault would be if they were significantly heavier than the upgraded CC seats but they don't look much different and will probably be just as comfortable if not even more so since they might be a bit taller.

The comprop propeller you picked is the exact one I am currently running.  In comparison to the stock 3 blade factory aluminum prop that comes stock with the engine, you will notice these differences:

The comprop will get you on plane noticeably faster.  The midrange power will be significantly improved as well but these "pro's" come at a cost of about 2-3 mph at the extreme top end/speed.

I could tickle 30 mph with the stock aluminum 3 blade but only get 27-28 mph with the 4 blade composite prop.  The 4th blade however will get you on plane quicker (noticeably quicker) as well as significantly improve your mid range power.  It is only the extreme top speed that gets lopped off a little. 

If you do a lot of starting and stopping due to exploring/sightseeing or whatever, the stock 3 blade aluminum is a poor choice of prop since it takes so long to plane out the boat every time.

If top speed is not that important then the Comprop for $60 bucks is certainly your best choice.  It is also the safest choice for your engine because if you really do bang the lower unit on something, (hidden underwater obstacle) I'd rather have a plastic fin bust off instead of busting up your lower gears.

If you are wanting to milk every possible ounce of speed and performance out of your CC then the $200 Powertech S.S prop is the way to go. (Along with a tinytach and the use of Amsoil TC-3 instead of Wallyworld TC-3 2 stroke oil).

BTW, many people realize that a S.S prop does NOT flex as much as an aluminum one does (which is a good thing re. acceleration) but lots of people don't realize that a composite prop flexes LESS than an aluminum one does.  This translates into better performance/acceleration but is still able to bust off if things get really rough in hidden underwater obstacles.

I hate to say this but the stock factory 3 blade aluminum prop just can't compare to the performance of the composite prop or the S.S prop.  It only has two advantages:  1.) It is free if you already own and are using it.  2.) It CAN get you going 2-3 mph faster extreme top speed but remember it will take some time to get you on plane with two adults.  If you start and stop rfequently, the slow planing time of the stock 3 blade will get old sooner than later.

Everything I am telling you/everyone is from 1st hand experience.  I have tried all the props mentioned and have given very accurate results.  The correct prop to use will be based on what you do with your boat and what your criteria is.  Everyone is different.

All things considered, I am very happy with the Comprop but the option of going just a few mph faster does appeal to me.  It just would be a stupid decision to use a $200 prop in very shallow water for obvious reasons.  Besides, once you go over 25 mph, your eyes start to tear without glasses and the scenery passes by very quickly.  20-25 mph is a good cruising/sightseeing speed and the comprop will easily get you that.

Posted: July 08 2011 at 11:51 | IP Logged

Yes, 1st hole only.  If you have the older 25 hp 2 stroke motor (probably the best engine ever built due to its power to weight ratio), you only want to put the motor in the first hole and leave it there forever!  Anything higher could make your boat *porpoise* or bounce around like a bronco as you will be trimmed up too much.

Of course this assumes you DO NOT have power trim and tilt (which is really not needed on this boat other than the convienience of lifting the motor automatically just before you reach the beach).

Also, I can't stress enough how much of a difference leaning forward makes until the boat planes out.  What you are really doing is acting as a human trim control by doing this as you are redistributing the weight as the boat is getting on plane.  Every time we (Mrs Hunky and I) start from a stop or slow forward movement, we both lean forward as much as we possibly can while I give the throttle full power.  Once the boat planes out, we lean back and enjoy the ride.  Doing this makes a HUGE difference in your planing time.  It only takes us a few seconds to get the boat on plane with two large adults this way.

These little boats are a ton of fun but they are also extremely weight sensitive.  Try not to carry any extra weight including storage items because the extra load can affect your initial planing time dramatically.  Just think of these things more like motorized surfboards with seats rather than a boat bacause in reality, that's what it is..

Posted: July 11 2011 at 09:26 | IP Logged

I would like to see some more photos of owner's 'Cats, especially those with accessories and/or modifications.

C'mon, it's easy and free with Photobucket!

Posted: July 11 2011 at 15:37 | IP Logged

Son borrowed my camera and has not returned it. I could not comment on the placement of the motor until I take it out again with my GPS. The setting was on the second hole when I got it and I moved it out to the third hole to get the nose up and plane faster. I really do not know if it helped or hindered the speed so I have to experiment and start with the first hole. I will post the results when I get it. Everyone might get different results due to weight distribution.

Posted: July 12 2011 at 13:33 | IP Logged

SWSportsman, yes the Comprops are poured into a mold as a liquid and then pulled from the mold when dry.  For the money, they simply cannot be beat.  (For the money!), but you may want to do a little fine tuning if any course edges etc.

Mine arrived just as you described but I didn't file anything just to see how it worked straight from the mfg.  I must say, I was very impressed with the performance.  Since then, I never went back to the stock 3-blade aluminum prop as the performance was so disappointing.  I would LOVE to rip around with the S.S Powertech prop though.

oceanview21, welcome to the forum.  It sounds fron what you described is that your "box" is not square but slightly shifted.  What I mean is that if you have a square box with 4 corners, if you squeeze the top left and bottom right corner you will start to get more of a diamond shape.  No longer having true 90* corners.  The Craigcat boat can be very similar to a box as it has a few connection points (the thru-bolts....nylon, aluminum, stainless, whatever).  If your angles are not at a true 90*, you could possibly be riding on a slight diamond shape instead of a true square.  This would cause exactly what you are describing.  (Ever see a crooked truck drive down the road?).  Most likely a bent frame and no longer on a perfect square box.

Solution, check ALL of your thru bolts and make sure your pontoons are EXACTLY the same length front to back when they are tightend.  You want to create a uniform box shape.

Posted: July 12 2011 at 14:03 | IP Logged

Yaaaaaayyyy.....UPS man just brought my new seats!! I've got a lot of work (fun) ahead of me this weekend.

I like the way Cabela's under-promises and over-delivers! I ordered the seats on Thursday the 7th (on-line) and their estimated delivery date was July 15th. They arrived today, the 11th. Love it.

BTW, the bimini top strap on my boat must have been the original. It was faded and frayed and popped the first time I tried to erect the top. Stopped by West Marine (Worst Marine, as they are called around here) and they wanted an astounding $29.99 for one pair! Instead I ordered a pair from Gander Mountain for $7.99 (shipped free) and guess what? They appear to be the same "Made in China" straps. I try to support local stores as much as possible, but that's way out of whack.

I suspect 2 of these straps might be a lifetime supply for an old codger like me.

Posted: July 12 2011 at 16:31 | IP Logged

I've never seen one docked in the water. I've tied mine up temporarily on the lake shore.

Jet-Dock is a modular system that possibly could be configured to work:

http://www.jetdock.com/?gclid=CLHcmKzR_KkCFRAq7AodphJuXw

I don't think you could drive one up on the floats though, since your prop is nearly amidships. I wouldn't want to do a lot of winching on my superstructure either...doesn't seem that stout.

A lift might work if you extended the bolsters:

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=86990& amp;pdesc=DockSide_Lil_Lifter_Manual_Lakeside_Hoist_7_Lift_1 000_Lbs&str=pwc+lift&merchID=4005

Posted: July 13 2011 at 09:07 | IP Logged

I am planning a road trip in the fall to the West Coast of Florida and try boating on the Gulf. The water there is much cleaner and calmer than the Atlantic and I am limited to intercoastal waterways on the East coast. The closest lake to me is very large but scenery is not pretty and too many gators. The West Coast has a lot of smaller offshore islands with nice clean beaches.

I am glad you got your problem solved and enjoying the cat.

Posted: July 13 2011 at 09:56 | IP Logged

West Coast of Florida is perfect for the CC !!  I'm not sure where you are planning to go but I lived in Ft Walton Bch up in the panhandle for 9 years.  The crystal clear gulf waters on the Emerald Coast from Destin to Pensacola are beautiful. 

The Intracoastal Waterway from Ft Walton to Pensacola (45 miles) would be a beautiful trip.  Only a thin Barrier Island on the gulf side of the waterway with white sand beaches and great scenery all the way. 

Many times the Gulf was calm enough for a CC but the Choctawhatchee Bay (6 miles X 28 miles in size) and the many bayous and coves in the area are a paradise for a small boat.  If it weren't for my job and other obligations up here in Carolina, I'd be living there today!!

Posted: July 13 2011 at 10:31 | IP Logged

CarolinaKitty, where do you live & boat? I'm on Lake Murray near Leesville SC.

Are there facilities on the ICW from Ft. Walton to Pensacola? I'd be a little worried about fuel because I'm not sure how much my CC burns at different speeds yet.

I'm considering a vacation in that area and may take the 'Cat.

Posted: July 13 2011 at 15:13 | IP Logged

I'm jealous of you guys that can go boating in Floridas Intercoastal waterways and west coat ocean.  I've been there on vacation years ago and it is beautiful.

  I think the Craigcat is in a better proportion when used in smaller waterways or smaller bodies of water.  When I'm in a large open area (shore way at a distance), you can feel small and even at full throttle it can seem like  your barely moving.   When I'm on the Colorado River which is not overly wide, the scenery is much closer and you can really fly around at full throttle if you want to.  You can also experience and interact with the scenery at a much more relaxed and enjoyable pace too.  In any event, I prefer to use my boat in calmer, clearer and smaller bodies of water.  Ideal setting would be a narrower water way in which the shore is not WAY out of sight.

The boat handles smaller, mild chop very well but anything larger at full speed could get pretty rough....or worse.  Coastal cruising in calm clear water be it a lake or ocean along with clean, safe (depth) rivers are ideal.   I've taken my boat out in a large lake last year in which the water was chocolate brown.  It felt creepy.  When standing knee deep in the dark chocolate water at shore waiting for my wife to get the trailer, I could only think of the large fish with teeth (Northern Pike) that live in the lake.  Of course as I moved towards the boat ramp a large piece of seeweed grabed onto my calf in a pulling/tugging motion as I tried to walk forward.  I could only envision being bitten by sharp teeth next!

Of course it was only seeweed and my mind playing the role of the Barracuda type fish eating me but I find myself only boating in clean ,clear calm waters.  Everything is so much more enjoyable this way.

Posted: July 13 2011 at 15:22 | IP Logged

Next Summer I would like to spend some time in the Florida keys. The water is warm and clear and there are  underwater state parks with coral reefs that are ideal for diving or snorkeling. The corel reefs are not too far from the shoreline and the CC will be great for that. In the Florida keys you can go on the ocean side or the gulf side but the nice reefs are on the ocean side.

http://www.floridakeys.com/lowerkeys/looekey.htm

Posted: July 13 2011 at 15:34 | IP Logged

The ICW between Ft Walton Beach and Pensacola FL has many public and private launches.  There is fuel available along the way too.  Navarre Beach is about half way and is a good place to stop.  There are many islands in the middle of the ICW on this route and you can beach the boat and have the island all to yourself. 

When I'm taking a long trip, I always take along a couple of gallons or so of extra fuel onboard stored behing the seating area.  This is because on my first CC excursion, I ran out of gas and had to paddle the final 400 yards to the ramp.  I found out that the CC is not a pleasure to paddle expecially against the river current.  However, later I found that the CC supplied gas can has a small divider on the bottom and if you tilt it on end towards the fuel pick up you get about another quart or so of fuel.  Sometimes this little bit of gas may get you out of a tight spot. 

Don't believe the 1 gallon per hour advertisement.  Check it out for yourself.  My average is abut 1.5 to 2 gallons per hour.

SWSportsman:  I live in Kingstree and boat on Lake Marion, Black River, and the ICW from Georgetown to Mrytle Beach.  There is a dock on the ICW right behind the Bass Pro Shop Mrytle Beach location.  You can tie up and go shop.  What more could you ask for.

CarolinaKitty

Posted: July 14 2011 at 11:38 | IP Logged

Off topic so contact me at my e-mail enfjwb@yahoo.com.

Carolina kitty

Posted: July 15 2011 at 13:39 | IP Logged

Try this site

http://www.psepmarineparts.biz/store/mercury_prop_nuts_and_t ab_washers.htm

Posted: July 16 2011 at 23:17 | IP Logged

I think a bit of extra gas is a good idea since I've run out a few times myself.  I usually run near full throttle and use approx 2 1/2 galls/hour this way.

I'd be tempted to use a smaller auxiliary tank up front where the cooler goes.  This may balance out your load a little better.  Especially when starting from a dead stop.  You could even use a small square fuel cell (approx size of an apple pie in a box) that will hold a few gallons and put the cooler on top of it.  A white fuel cell and you won't even notice it.

Off road/jeep supply stores/sites have these auxiliary fuel cells.  You could even put a 2 1/2 gall  $6.00 Home Depot Blitz tank inside of a small cooler if you really want to go stealth!