BajaNomad - Panga Picture Thread: Please Post!

Panga Picture Thread: Please Post!

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 02:09 PM

Although I am buying the panga pictured below I have absolutely no idea what I am getting myself into as a first-time boat owner hoping to eventually learn how to fish and navigate both sides of Baja, in calm waters with a buddy of course. So I thought I would start a thread where everyone could post their experiences with and photos of pangas in Baja to help expedite my learning curve?

All comments and photos are welcome!

Please critique the boat I have posted below and make any suggestions you have on how best to optimize both this panga's interior layout and its performance on the water while keeping my novice status in mind.

Above all, though, please share any photos you have of pangas, any pangas. The more photos I can see the more ideas I can get about how other folks rig their pangas for success. Or if you don't have any photos to post but instead have lots of experience fishing in pangas, by all means please share that information too. It all helps!

Many thanks,

Jake

22' ("Paceno") Panga Built in La Paz in 1977:

Mengano - 9-27-2011 at 02:30 PM

What time is blast off...er launch?

comitan - 9-27-2011 at 02:41 PM

I think you should think about getting it into a fiberglass shop ist to reinforce all the areas that need it, is the floor soft to walk on?

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 02:43 PM

That situation is a mess. I want to isolate the battery and fuel cell(s) to separate compartments.

Given the layout, where would you elect to mount two batteries and perhaps a single 25-gallon fuel cell, Mengano?

Jake

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 02:54 PM

I haven't taken possession of the boat yet, Comitan. Just canvassing suggestions first because I am so clueless.

At 34-years-old I just took it for granted that the boat will definitely need some fiberglass repair. How much is the question.

I figure that if I am going to own a fiberglass boat then I better learn how to make repairs. No time like the present, eh?

Jake

Skeet/Loreto - 9-27-2011 at 03:08 PM

Jake; I am amazed that looks very much like my old Panga the Patricia that I had built by mac Schoyer in La paz in 1976. I operated it with a 55 Homelite then went to a 70 Evinrude. Everything on my boat was the same as your Photo. I sold my boat about 10 years ago to a guy in Loreto.
Operated it for 27 years;
You do not have to worry about it on the waters of the Sea of Cortez or the pacific, it is designed amd does a good job of bringing 2,000 Lbs of Fish through the pacific Surf or handling 11 Foot waves from a Whip Storm in the Cortez.

I have been in some tough weather several times out of Loreto and found that that Panga can handle anything that comes its way. i will take it over any other boat
built.

I could not see from the Photo but does it have Stringers in the bottom up Front. If it does it is a 1976 are later Schoyer Built Panga.The Panga was built thin but STRONG,

I am amazed as it sure looks like my old Panga!

comitan - 9-27-2011 at 03:08 PM

Jake

The biggest problem with that boat was they used wood stringers, you can tell how bad it is by how spongy it is to walk on. If you are getting the boat cheap (under 5K) Just make it comfortable for you and use it. If you are in the La Paz area there are people that can make it good.

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 03:27 PM

Skeet, the guy I am buying the boat from claims to be the original owner. He says he paid to fish on a panga just like this in La Paz in 1976, then immediately ordered one for himself and picked it up in 1977.

Comitan, I am looking at this boat as a "project." I paid 1K for it.

Jake

SFandH - 9-27-2011 at 03:34 PM

I've owned a few boats as I'm sure many nomads have and now own an aluminum boat built in 1963 with a 1968 Merc. Just finished fixing it up. I spent twice as much fixing it as I paid for it. Still got away cheap.

You have a boat, motor, and trailer. All three need maintenance. Make sure your trailer is up to the task. I replaced the trailer's wheel bearings and grease seals, bought new leaf springs, put larger wheels and tires on it, redid the bunks the boat rests on and installed new winch cable. I also moved the axle back about 6 inches and moved the boat forward on the trailer about 6 inches. There was zero tongue weight when I bought it and the trailer fishtailed.

For the motor make sure the water pump is good, the lower end oil is changed, and the gears all shift as they should. I had the fuel pumps rebuilt, carbs rebuilt, new points, new plugs, new plug wires, and all the other wires replaced. You also need to check your steering mechanism.

My boat is in good shape. I just took off all the crap various owners had screwed onto the deck, rebuilt the seats, and painted it.

Make sure you're prepared for the motor to quit in the worse situation.

Those gas tanks look pretty old. Clean them out.

Good luck!! Boats are fun, and there's nothing like early morning glass at full power.

comitan - 9-27-2011 at 03:37 PM

SFandH

Good advise!

Skeet/Loreto - 9-27-2011 at 04:08 PM

It is amazing the abuse the Panga will take , pulling it up on the rocky beaches and Pounding against the Waves Hour after Hour.

The Mexicano Panga owners where complaining about the Soft Bottom up front so I told Mac Schoyer about it and he put Fiberglass covered Stringers in my Panga. You could sure tell the difference. I would take it to one of the old timers in La Paz or :Loreto or Constitution and have themgive it a good cleaning and check all if any weak spots in the Hull,

Good Luck and have some Fun!!

SFandH - 9-27-2011 at 04:18 PM

Jake, lots of boat experts hang out on the following message board. It's chock full of info and questions are answered quickly. At least mine were.

If I were you I'd focus in on that old Evinrude. Get to know that thing real well.

http://forums.iboats.com/forum.php

[Edited on 9-27-2011 by SFandH]

MitchMan - 9-27-2011 at 04:25 PM

Just had my fiber glass, self bailing 15.5 foot skiff re-worked and maintenanced in La Paz after 9 years of non use. One of the things I had to do was get rid of my metal gas tanks which were similar to the ones you have. They leaked and were a bit rusty inside, very risky to re-use for a variety of reasons, so I replaced them with plastic tanks and am very happy that I did. Just a suggestion.

desertcpl - 9-27-2011 at 04:31 PM

I owned a 22' Panga, had it sporterized by Blue Porpose marine in San Diego Dennis Cintas, the hull came from la Paz.
this was I think about 1982
I had more fun on that boat, it was a fishing machine, used to take it to Baja and also Tuna fishing from San Diego, , I had a 70 gal fuel tank that was built into the bow

as for those old gas tanks you have on that boat, I wouldnt bother cleaning them, you are just asking for problems, gas tanks are a cheap investment,

[Edited on 9-27-2011 by desertcpl]

Lauriboats - 9-27-2011 at 04:34 PM

Congratulations Jake, Just remember the happiest days in a boat owners life is the day that he buys the boat and the day that he sells it. Have fun, see you soon.

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 04:40 PM

Thank you, SFandH. That old Evinrude is certainly a concern.

The economic decision is a backyard rebuild.

The performance and reliability decision is a total re-power.

The difference in cost of course is substantial.

Anyone got a 1980, 70 hp Evinrude shop manual for sale?

Jake

[Edited on 9-28-2011 by jakecard]

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 04:51 PM

Thanks Mitchman and desertcpl, the existing gas tanks are gonners. I was thinking that the space beneath the bow deck was the logical place for a gas tank, with the batteries in the back? Is that what others have done with similar layouts?

Lauri, if you see me out on the water please steer clear. I haven't a clue! I just saw what I thought was a good deal and with a local guy's advice I jumped on it. I have no idea what I am into.

Jake

LaTijereta - 9-27-2011 at 04:52 PM

Jake,

Have pleanty of Evenrude (OMC) parts at the house in Loreto, if you make it down this way..

My panga is a Mac Shroyer 22' center console 1982 built, running on it's 4th motor... Started with a Evenrude 55... Then a Johnson 110...Evenrude 100 (commercial motor).. Now breaking in a Yamaha 100 4-Stroke..

desertcpl - 9-27-2011 at 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jakecard
Thanks Mitchman and desertcpl, the existing gas tanks are gonners. I was thinking that the space beneath the bow deck was the logical place for a gas tank, with the batteries in the back? Is that what others have done with similar layouts?

Lauri, if you see me out on the water please steer clear. I haven't a clue! I just saw what I thought was a good deal and with a local guy's advice I jumped on it. I have no idea what I am into.

I am not sure what others have done as far as gas tanks go,
again I had mine done by a professional that knew his stuff,
I have been gone along time from San Diego, I cant remember now who Dennis had the gas tank built,
but it sure makes for a clean setup and will give you excellent range when out fishing, $1000.00 bucks for a Panga, trailer and engine sure sounds right to me. plus the railing and top

[Edited on 9-28-2011 by desertcpl]

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 05:06 PM

Yey, photos! Thank you, La Tijereta.

I saw the post about your 3/4" copper tubing, fold-out t-top when I searched through all the old threads about "pangas" on this forum.

Sweet ride!

Jake

SFandH - 9-27-2011 at 05:11 PM

Also, don't shop at West Marine. EVERYTHING is way overpriced. Thieves. I hate that store.

shari - 9-27-2011 at 05:28 PM

oh Jake, this is gonna be so fun...please make sure you have your cell phone with you....we have the engine you need amigo...and maybe get a cheap vhf handheld radio too....just dont call us!!! hahahahaha(kiddding of course)...no really, this is gonna be great for you.

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 05:48 PM

Already got you on speed dial, Shari. Who else would I call when I slam into the rocks?

Jake

wakemall - 9-27-2011 at 06:47 PM

Where in Baja is the boat going to be domiciled? I have a great fiberglass and boat builder friend in Loreto if needed. He is very cheap and does fantastic work.
As everyone stated, get rid of the metal fuel tanks. You can build a storage location up front for plastic tanks. The most common is the red 28 gallon units. I run two of those on one of my boats. You can also build a box to hold two of the typical Mexican fuel tank that feed through the top (drill a hole in the spin on top piece and seal with a plastic bag.). These usually go towards the transom. You can remove them and fill up without taking the boat to the gas station. I think they hold around 16 gallons each. I fish on another panga that uses this method. I actually carry one of these extra containers when I plan on running a long ways.
Make sure you get a good water separator and filter. I prefer the one that has the clear view and water drain built in.
Absolutely build a complete and separate box and lid for the battery. Sparks and gas vapor do not mix. I enclose my battery and always carry a spare under the dash (locked in). This all depends upon the bait pump and electronics power draw. Remember that the battery will also vent dangerous fumes. Drill some holes in the battery lid to vent.
Please remember that fuel tanks stored under a deck lid are venting fuel vapors inside the hull. That is why US boats have the vent coming outside the hull and bilge fans.
I would probably look for a newer 90 to 115 hp four stroke to replace that motor.

Hope that helps

dtbushpilot - 9-27-2011 at 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jakecard
Already got you on speed dial, Shari. Who else would I call when I slam into the rocks?

Jake

or when you bury your truck in the sand trying to launch it :bounce:

......

jakecard - 9-27-2011 at 07:48 PM

Wakemall, thanks. Good tips on the gas tank and battery set up. The boat will probably spend most of its time in central Baja, along both coasts. Ideally, though, I would like to be able to trailer this boat to wherever I want in Baja, conditions permitting of course, without a tremendous ordeal. Versatility in Baja is key, I think.

But as you mention so is reliability.

Believe me, the temptation to immediately strap on a 90 hp four-stroke (Honda?) and not think twice about it was tremendous. Until, that is, I saw the price tag. Oh, my!

Maybe I'll just invest in a good VHF radio, some extra engine parts, several tools and a lot of flare guns?

Dtbushpilot, Juan pulled me out of the sand too. But I wasn't launching a boat on the beach or anything sexy like that. Nope, I was just simply driving across town, or so I thought. Not my proudest moment.

Whistler, what kind of floatation are you talking about? Like foam blocks in the deck?

Jake

[Edited on 9-28-2011 by jakecard]

Paulina - 9-27-2011 at 09:00 PM

Jake,

We have a Paceno from La Paz. We found it in the Western Outdoor News in neglected condition. It has a side center console, two bench seats. It had an old, frozen up motor that went into the trash. The linkage to the steering was gone.

We bought a used 65hp Evinrude commercial tiller/pull start, non oil injected 2 stroke motor from Gordo Banks fishing in SJC for $2k. With simple, seasonal maintenance it has worked great for 10 years.

Fortunately for us the fiberglass was in good shape other than the railing, which we sanded down and did some minor repair work. Dern built risers for the oars/oar locks, and gave it a good marine grade painting.

The front and rear of our boat is a sealed unit. Dern installed a seal-able hatch in the rear for storage and access to the mounting hardware for the motor. In the above photo the hatch hadn't been installed yet.

We left the steering console intact. We call it the "Oh sh*t handle" and use it for hanging stuff on. There is a shelf built inside that we keep random stuff in, ie hand held vhf, t.p. The battery is in a box on the floor of the console. This past summer we finally decided to install a fish finder, ironically the center of the steering wheel worked perfectly for a mounting spot. We also put rod holders on the front of the console.

We have one 6.5 gal. plastic fuel tank that rests in the back of the boat next to the bait tank. We carry 2 spare 6 gal. plastic jerry cans of pre mix fuel in the front most compartment which just happen to fit perfectly under the lip of the front bench seat. We get about a 70 mi. range.

The bait tank was a gift from a fellow Nomad. There was already a through hole in the center of the back bench for the drain hose. It empties out next to the console. You can see the hose on the left of Mooney the dog.

This past summer Dern built a forced water intake out of pvc.

The trailer is a E Z Loader. We had it totally stripped and re-done by a fabricator friend in Punta Banda. New U-bolts, new axle/hub assembly, we had some extra plate steel welded onto the bottoms of the cross members as well as on the tongue and where the other horizontal units meet. We also welded on side rails for easier loading from the water.

We launch our panga from the beach, use the oars to get out past the waves or to deeper water if the tide is low. We found the Bimini top at a segunda. Our boat is named "Chiquita Bonita". She looks like a banana split with a cherry on top.

Have fun with your panga and post your progress.

P>*)))>{

willyAirstream - 9-28-2011 at 05:35 AM

Jake you can get manuals online, some free and some not. http://www.outboardexpert.com/evinruderepair2.html?

gclid=CO7b1ubyv6sCFcsBQAodIAJ3rg

http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/4320191-johnson-evinr...

I run a 100 hp 1972 Evinrude, replaced the plugs, cleaned the carbs, new choke spring and it is reliable now. ( looking for a spare fuel pump , anyone)

If you are carrying spare gas cans on the boat, it is easy to use an old hose and squeeze bulb to siphon into main tanks.

An alternate to fiberglass, for repairs, is West System Epoxy. Not quite so nasty to work with. ( they are not west marine products)

You have a great project, good looking panga with much potential and the price was right.

Pompano - 9-28-2011 at 05:45 AM

The great thing about Pangas is:

They will hold a LOT of fish. :rolleyes:

Russ - 9-28-2011 at 06:09 AM

Hrre's what I had

Family in Panga.jpg - 47kB

jakecard - 9-28-2011 at 07:34 AM

Great photos, Paulina and Pampano. And Russ, darn sharp boat!

Paulina, I especially appreciate all of the explanations you included about the interior modifications you have made to your panga. That's precisely the kind of input I was hoping for. Also, the fact that you have three people and a dog in the boat while pulling a skier suggests that 65 hp on a 22' boat is indeed adequate.

Excellent links willyAirstream, very useful.

Thanks all!

Jake

SFandH - 9-28-2011 at 08:43 AM

Pangas have such great lines. Nicely curved sheer and ya gotta love the clipper bow. Great boats.

panga.jpg - 46kB

tripledigitken - 9-28-2011 at 10:32 AM

not for tourists

shade is high on my list

T-Top with 150hp Yamaha

Russ - 9-28-2011 at 11:40 AM

Mulege River boat

Panga.jpg - 47kB

LaTijereta - 9-28-2011 at 12:24 PM

You could have picked this one up for a good price on the beach front of the Oasis Hotel..

David K - 9-28-2011 at 12:29 PM

I have a higher resolution of this I can dig up later... Anyone want to guess where this is?

Cisco - 9-28-2011 at 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jakecard
Wakemall, thanks. Good tips on the gas tank and battery set up. The boat will probably spend most of its time in central Baja, along both coasts. Ideally, though, I would like to be able to trailer this boat to wherever I want in Baja, conditions permitting of course, without a tremendous ordeal. Versatility in Baja is key, I think.

But as you mention so is reliability.

Believe me, the temptation to immediately strap on a 90 hp four-stroke (Honda?) and not think twice about it was tremendous. Until, that is, I saw the price tag. Oh, my!

Maybe I'll just invest in a good VHF radio, some extra engine parts, several tools and a lot of flare guns?

Dtbushpilot, Juan pulled me out of the sand too. But I wasn't launching a boat on the beach or anything sexy like that. Nope, I was just simply driving across town, or so I thought. Not my proudest moment.

Whistler, what kind of floatation are you talking about? Like foam blocks in the deck?

Jake

[Edited on 9-28-2011 by jakecard]

If you really have to have flotation put it up or under the gunwale on one side only.

Cisco - 9-28-2011 at 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by desertcpl
NO NO
if you want really good Flotation, here is what I recommend

As I mentioned previously:

"If you really have to have flotation put it up or under the gunwale on one side only".

Pompano - 9-28-2011 at 02:26 PM

Okay...okay....OKAY!

So the NEXT one will be a 'Panga'...

......this Panga.

2011 Panga 26 Angler Panga Diesel, Angler Panga Diesel Loaded boat in excellent condition. 1.7 Cummins diesel.Raymarine c80,VHF radio ,stereo system,dive ladder,Aluminum trailer etc.Bow and stern cushion set,Storage in fwd seats.

Ahhh....boats! You gotta love 'em.

J.P. - 9-28-2011 at 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano
Okay...okay....OKAY!

So the NEXT one will be a 'Panga'...

Dont care what the rest of the world thinks I like your STYLE :cool:

......this Panga.

Pompano - 9-28-2011 at 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.

Dont care what the rest of the world thinks I like your STYLE :cool:

Thanks J.P., ...and I know exactly what you mean...about that world. On the other hand it appears my rest of the world thinks I'm okay...even lovable! :yes:

Style or no, I am lucky to be rich in friends.

'It's been my experience that people who have no vices have very few virtues.'

Don't get plastered on Demon Rum and fall out of that Triump! :spingrin:

Paulina - 9-28-2011 at 06:04 PM

Tripledigitken,

When I got to the photo of Pepe Smith you made me smile.

P>*)))>{

tripledigitken - 9-28-2011 at 06:10 PM

Paulina,

He is a character.

Ken