Sunday, August 1, 2010

Should I Buy A Power Pole For Boats?

The power pole for boats is a relatively new anchoring system appropriate for small to medium recreational craft in shallow water. The system has gained traction among those within the sport fishing community that need to position a vessel with precision. The power pole can be deployed repeatedly, precisely, quietly and quickly without frightening the fish.

Like most successful products, its basic idea is simple. The system is modeled on the ancient pole method of shallow, quiet water boating in rivers, lakes and lagoons. Under this method, the boater propels the craft with a long, handheld pole. Visualize picture postcard images of, say, Cambridge University in England with boaters lazily gliding on the River Cam, one person standing in a small punt with a long pole. The modern power pole system is not concerned with propulsion; it focuses exclusively on what happens at the destination. Once those Cambridge punters reach their chosen spot of water, they often thrust the pole in the riverbed and secure the boat to the pole. That is the essence of the power-pole system.

The power-pole system uses patented technology and robust hydraulics for ease of deployment and solid holding strength at anchor. It is available in a range of models allowing different sized boats to be anchored at depths of up to six or eight feet. The power-pole can securely anchor boats up to about twenty-six feet in length or 3,600 pounds in weight in winds blowing up to thirty miles per hour.

The power-pole anchor can be dropped or weighed in a matter of seconds. The anchor will grab and hold fast in most bottom surfaces.

Shortcomings sometimes cited for the power pole include its high cost; the tendency for a boat to spin around at anchor even in a slow current or gentle breeze, since the power pole is fixed to the stern; it is not safe to use in exposed waters; and it is large and unattractive. Also, producers typically recommend a boat with a power-pole at anchor not be left unattended.

Anglers that have used the power-pole believe it provides several subtle sporting benefits because boat drift can be fine-tuned. By repeatedly deploying and retrieving the anchor to reposition the boat downwind fishing, sight fishing and lure control in windy conditions are all improved. Power poles for boats are typically supplied with an extended warranty and in a variety of colors. They can be self-installed or mounted by the dealer, as required.

Anglers that use the power-pole claim it expands their sporting flexibility in subtle ways. For example, the system allows very effective downwind fishing since they can fine-tune the drift of the boat by repeatedly dropping and weighing anchor. The power-pole also improves sight fishing; the angler maintains better visual contact with the fish. Similarly, the lure can be controlled better during windy conditions as well as a more sensitive feel over the line.

Anglers report the power-pole provides them with a number of subtle sporting benefits. First, the power-pole allows them to fish downwind almost as effectively as they can upwind. This is because the drift speed of the boat can be controlled with great precision by dropping and weighing anchor every seventy feet or so. Second, it makes sight fishing easier since fish are tracked more closely and without noise. Finally, during windy conditions, the angler is able to better control the lure and establish sensitive rapport with his line.

Producers of the power pole for boats usually provide an extended product warranty. They are produced in a limited variety of colors. The distributor most often completes installation. However, some boaters prefer to self-install.

If $1,600 for a POWER POLE ANCHOR seems expensive then take a look at an alternative. Check out Dig IN SHALLOW WATER FISHING ANCHORS.

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