Is a engine pod the answer

[Reef_fisher]

:-/I have a Brooker 4.5 centre console, I live in Innisfail and get to the Reef whenever I can. My boat is only just big enough for this trip (30ks out). I would like, can not afford, a bigger rig. My boat is set up just the way I like it. I have looked into getting an engine pod, but have been told that the cost would outway any extra stability in the ruff stuff. These pod extentions were of only 0.5 of a metre in length and went all the way accross the transom. Is it possible to get an engine pod longer but only wide enough for the engine. All I really want is more length in the boat. This boat has handled 2m seas (yeah stayed out to long) but knees and back stuffed for two days after 30ks of it. I can use existing controls etc for job so just need pod. Any help on this or other ideas greatly appreciated.

[Owen]

The pod will effectively lengthen your boat, so should help stability somewhat.
Mainly gives a bit more fishing room though.
I'd go for the full width one if I were to go for any at all.
My quintrex has the narrow pod on it, but the next model of the same boat went full width.

HArd to say... what are they quoting price wise?

cheers,
Owen

[Reef_fisher]

Price $1500 pod only. That is for 0.5m full width no extras (Ladders etc) Rest of work I do myself. Similar prices x Cairns. I don't feel 0.5m will give me any real benefit other than to get rid of the cables etc in back of boat. The handling is more important.

[jackster]

i dont think it will acheive what you want, i would bite the bullet and put the 1500 towards a longer boat
...30k is a long way when a squall kicks up

[Noelm]

yep have to agree with jack412 just "adding" a bit to a boat does not suddenely make it a bigger safer boat, it is sort of like adding a bow sprit and now you have a boat another half metre longer! I guess best bet is live with what you have untill time and cash allows bigger!

[wayneoro]

hunk of something sticking out your bow hardly conpairs with 2 professionally made pods av 100ltr ea welded to ea side of the motor as a hull extension this will give same benifits as a cat am about to put on my 16ft i personally can't see benifits of full pod except space there are lots of good reasons to double pod cost of this is round $750 4mil 3 is fine