I'm fairly new to surf fishing. I just started driving on the beach last year in my Wrangler which was fine but is seriously limited on space. I realize everyone has their own favorites which might vary by location, but can I get some advice on what the best vehicle for fishing on the beach is?
Best Vehicle
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The best 4wd system for sand is the new "Rubicon" which is Wrangler sized.
If it's more space you require, Liberty is the next logical step. Bigger? How about Suburban?
I bought a Quigley converted van, a Ford E-350 diesel powered ambulance with 4wd. My ride is not a contender for the best handling on sand, but it IS a "motel room on wheels".
Ammodyte <@)(((((((((((((((((((><<
(The angler formerly known as "Flounder")
If it's more space you require, Liberty is the next logical step. Bigger? How about Suburban?
I bought a Quigley converted van, a Ford E-350 diesel powered ambulance with 4wd. My ride is not a contender for the best handling on sand, but it IS a "motel room on wheels".
Ammodyte <@)(((((((((((((((((((><<
(The angler formerly known as "Flounder")
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Flounder, interesting signature
Have you gone off the deep end?
Have you gone off the deep end?
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Keep it
Wanna get rid of the jeep, eh? Speaking as a current jeep enthusiast, I'd recommend keeping your toy and adding a roof rack (the ski kind). A yakima for example holds 4 of my surf sticks no problem; it locks too. You need a hard top for that. Also a front or back cooler system addition may help with some space. They have racks that go right into a hitch receiver. Take out the back seat and carpet if you haven't done so. What more could you ask for in a truck that you can absolutely abuse non-stop? Besides, it makes life easy to go around the guys who park their hummers and 'burbans in the tracks in montauk.
Wanna get rid of the jeep, eh? Speaking as a current jeep enthusiast, I'd recommend keeping your toy and adding a roof rack (the ski kind). A yakima for example holds 4 of my surf sticks no problem; it locks too. You need a hard top for that. Also a front or back cooler system addition may help with some space. They have racks that go right into a hitch receiver. Take out the back seat and carpet if you haven't done so. What more could you ask for in a truck that you can absolutely abuse non-stop? Besides, it makes life easy to go around the guys who park their hummers and 'burbans in the tracks in montauk.
"GOT JEEP?"
I love my V-8 97 Grand Chero. Before that my Jeep Wagoneer was perfect but underpowered with the 258 six cyl.
BTW a Rubicon is an outfitted Wrangler with locking diffs and an updated 4x system Including 31" tires. You know, all the stuff you'd do to yours anyway!
If I could offer any advice I'd look for something with a live front axle...meaning solid tube front axle. This would include the older blazer/Jimmy like Matty has above, Older ford Trucks / bronco's and of course Dodges. From about 87 up there is not much of a choice unless you go to a larger Jeep or the heavy duty 3/4 or 1 ton Fords and Dodges.(Even the new Dodge is going IFS!) All Jeeps are solid front axle until that Liberty thing came along. As for the Chero or Grand Chero the 4.0 six can't be beat for power/Torque. The Grand can be gotten with the 318 (5.2) V-8 until 98 then it got smaller (4.7) but with a bit more power.
Only reason I suggest a solid front axle is because I work on IFS Chevys and others and they are a bear to work on when (not if) the front end needs work. If your not doing the work you will PAY someone to do it. One more thing. Ground clearance. Not many new SUV's are offering any. All the above is just my opinion as a Mechanic. There are plenty of the others I wouldn't buy out there on the beach doing just fine...but for how long.
IMHO..................."Think Jeep"
I love my V-8 97 Grand Chero. Before that my Jeep Wagoneer was perfect but underpowered with the 258 six cyl.
BTW a Rubicon is an outfitted Wrangler with locking diffs and an updated 4x system Including 31" tires. You know, all the stuff you'd do to yours anyway!
If I could offer any advice I'd look for something with a live front axle...meaning solid tube front axle. This would include the older blazer/Jimmy like Matty has above, Older ford Trucks / bronco's and of course Dodges. From about 87 up there is not much of a choice unless you go to a larger Jeep or the heavy duty 3/4 or 1 ton Fords and Dodges.(Even the new Dodge is going IFS!) All Jeeps are solid front axle until that Liberty thing came along. As for the Chero or Grand Chero the 4.0 six can't be beat for power/Torque. The Grand can be gotten with the 318 (5.2) V-8 until 98 then it got smaller (4.7) but with a bit more power.
Only reason I suggest a solid front axle is because I work on IFS Chevys and others and they are a bear to work on when (not if) the front end needs work. If your not doing the work you will PAY someone to do it. One more thing. Ground clearance. Not many new SUV's are offering any. All the above is just my opinion as a Mechanic. There are plenty of the others I wouldn't buy out there on the beach doing just fine...but for how long.
IMHO..................."Think Jeep"
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Matty what's that? Please tell me you don't use those driving lights? Ever fish Smith's Point? Your truck would fit right in with the weekend crowd and get you busted for no reason. I guess I'm way beyond being young? Prospector
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The lights
Hi Fellas,
The lights were put up because when I was in the beginning of putting her together I got them for $100 a set, and I thought what a score (they came on the market at $369). Now the hole is in the roof, so the lights stay (for now). They are all but 1 set fog beams @ 100 watts, when I get around to it I will take the ones on the roof off, anyone who has traveled on the ocean parkway during the fog will understand leaving 1 set on the push bar, but I do not run the lights unless someone flashes there lights on me then when they pass I blind them, I hate that.
As for the tires, they are 32"X11.5"X15" and that is the max that the dealer recomends for 1987, I didnt want to go to big, as I like to drive fast and did not want to change the center of gravity.
Hi Fellas,
The lights were put up because when I was in the beginning of putting her together I got them for $100 a set, and I thought what a score (they came on the market at $369). Now the hole is in the roof, so the lights stay (for now). They are all but 1 set fog beams @ 100 watts, when I get around to it I will take the ones on the roof off, anyone who has traveled on the ocean parkway during the fog will understand leaving 1 set on the push bar, but I do not run the lights unless someone flashes there lights on me then when they pass I blind them, I hate that.
As for the tires, they are 32"X11.5"X15" and that is the max that the dealer recomends for 1987, I didnt want to go to big, as I like to drive fast and did not want to change the center of gravity.
Matty, 32 x 11 1/2 is plenty big! The State permit limits you to 33 x 12 1/2 max anyway! I am thinking of 31 x 10 1/2 because I'm told that's the biggest I can put on my E-350 without a lift kit.
Hey, I'm really sorry to have missed you at the dinner. I know you were there, as was I, but I never saw you!
"Ammodyte" (translated from Latin) means "sand dweller". "Ammodytes Americanus" is the scientific name for "sand lance" Which happens to be the name of my ride.
With Flounder season opening on 3/15, I thought it would be a good time to adopt a "nom-de-guerre". The only other alternative is to burrow into the mud until May!
Ammodyte <@)(((((((((((((((((((((((((><<
(The angler formerly known as "Flounder").
Hey, I'm really sorry to have missed you at the dinner. I know you were there, as was I, but I never saw you!
"Ammodyte" (translated from Latin) means "sand dweller". "Ammodytes Americanus" is the scientific name for "sand lance" Which happens to be the name of my ride.
With Flounder season opening on 3/15, I thought it would be a good time to adopt a "nom-de-guerre". The only other alternative is to burrow into the mud until May!
Ammodyte <@)(((((((((((((((((((((((((><<
(The angler formerly known as "Flounder").
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Jeep
I've got 190K miles on my Jeep Cherokee and it has lots of beach miles. It has had so few repairs that it's making me nervous. The only thing that went was my transfer case at 182K. It's in great running condition. The cautious side of me has me thinking about getting rid of it and getting a newer one. I think I'm going to try and squeeze another year out of it. Besides the high mileage, I just can't find anything major wrong with it. It's a shame they don't make Cherokees anymore. When the time comes, I'll replace the current one with a 2001.
I've got 190K miles on my Jeep Cherokee and it has lots of beach miles. It has had so few repairs that it's making me nervous. The only thing that went was my transfer case at 182K. It's in great running condition. The cautious side of me has me thinking about getting rid of it and getting a newer one. I think I'm going to try and squeeze another year out of it. Besides the high mileage, I just can't find anything major wrong with it. It's a shame they don't make Cherokees anymore. When the time comes, I'll replace the current one with a 2001.
jpfsurf
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posted 02/22/2003 07:39 PM
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And he doesn't pile in 15 jabonies in werever they fit.July to labor day steer clear from thereunless you want a side show.
MSA #210
Read ya loud and clear, but sometimes it's a hoot to just throw a rod on the roof, fill the thermos with coffee, and take in the side show.
"I love the sound of permits being ripped off bumpers, it's the smell of victory"
Moderator
posted 02/22/2003 07:39 PM
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And he doesn't pile in 15 jabonies in werever they fit.July to labor day steer clear from thereunless you want a side show.
MSA #210
Read ya loud and clear, but sometimes it's a hoot to just throw a rod on the roof, fill the thermos with coffee, and take in the side show.
"I love the sound of permits being ripped off bumpers, it's the smell of victory"
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Matty,no need to explain. Seems you guys found the humor intent of the post. JPF you know what we deal with as were always avoiding them! Windcatcher that fender thing still has me laughing. Prospector
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Flounder
I saw you and never got a chance to talk to you. I am sure that I will run into you at some point this season on the beach. The ambulance looks great, and I'm eager to see how it comes out, hopefully you wont wind up with a project that never ends.
I saw you and never got a chance to talk to you. I am sure that I will run into you at some point this season on the beach. The ambulance looks great, and I'm eager to see how it comes out, hopefully you wont wind up with a project that never ends.
Wrangler...get rid of it !!!
I had a Wrangler for 5 years....what a pain in the neck to fish out of. even worse trying to sleep in the **** thing. Any pick-up with a cap on the back and roof rack is the ideal beach buggy...unlike an SUV, you don't have to worry about getting the inside all fishy smelling...just keep all your fishing gear in the back and hose it out when you are done.
I had a Wrangler for 5 years....what a pain in the neck to fish out of. even worse trying to sleep in the **** thing. Any pick-up with a cap on the back and roof rack is the ideal beach buggy...unlike an SUV, you don't have to worry about getting the inside all fishy smelling...just keep all your fishing gear in the back and hose it out when you are done.
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Goog, you broke my heart (get rid of it)? I need a just a beach truck and that's my first choice! Yeah I got a big truck too (02F250SD) but it's always full of work crap and I need a beach only ride. No room? **** I fished out of a CJ5 which is 10 inches shorter than a CJ7 for many years. Had to sell it because of insurance problems with the high risk. Man! your walking on hallowed ground with me. My old 73 CJ5 Super Jeep stayed in the garage and my brand new F250 sat in the street? Sleeping? What more do you need than sitting upright still in your waders for a couple of hours? An inline 6 4.0 with a 4 speed and hard top would suit me just fine cept the old lady will have a fit. See, she always told me I'd kill myself in the Jeep and the look on her face after the tow truck dropped it off at the house after I rolled it (not on the beach) is still fresh in her memory. I want one! Prospector
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Rick I was getting to wonder about you? Did you get my phone message 2 weeks ago? As you've moved I don't know if I have the right # or your just lazy? Prospector
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