Slingshot Kicker Needs Your Help

Sabo · Since 13 May 2013 51 Posts Hood River

Hey everyone! As you may know, the kicker has decided to pack up its things and head East. Deputy Anderson was kind enough to bump it back to a shallow spot and get it secure just up past the hatch I believe. I am looking for someone with a boat or ski to help bring here home! Any leads or suggestions are deeply appreciated. Definitely will compensate for the help! I'm out of the country for the next few days (of course) so please PL me or email me at rsabo@pureactionsports.com. Thanks for any help you can offer!

tjgulizia · Since 06 Feb 2007 123 Posts Hood River Stoked

Hi Rich

The SS Kicker is eddied out west of here, not east. It's sitting pretty inside the Ruthton Cove on the East side of Ruthton Point (at least it was when I passed by it on Sunday).

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

Gman was sitting on it, pulling it to shore with his kite at the Hatchery when the Sheriff showed up. That was a site to see.

sromano1995 · Since 22 May 2013 240 Posts Portland Stoked

A couple of questions:
1) How heavy is it?
2) How easy is it to tow?
3) Is it really towable against the current with a jet ski or will it require a boat?
4) Are there attachment points to tow it?
5) How is supposed to be anchored?

I could possibly offer to help next weekend since I have reasonably powerful jetski but want to make sure I know what I would be getting into as I have ZERO expertise in this domain.

forrest · Tue Jun 10, 14 2:35 pm

It's fairly heavy, I'd say around 1000 lbs. It's fairly easy to tow, the draft is only 6 to 8 inches. It is towable and the eddies can help, but with a ski you just want to sit back and putt along rather than trying to get up on plane. There are attachment points. My guess is that the anchors are hanging underneath it.

The normal anchoring system is two concrete tires attached by 25 foot 3/8" chain. It's likely that someone tried to adjust it, didn't get it secured properly, and eventually the current tugging on it caused it to loose one of it's two anchors. Then as the kicker was drug into deeper and deeper water, the anchor became less and less effective.

That's just what I suspect happened. It's the first time something floated away and someone had to go get it. It hasn't happened in about four years though.

Sabo · Since 13 May 2013 51 Posts Hood River

After talking to the Sheriff - sounds like one of the anchors came off. Must have been the longer one, which left only the short anchor. Sromano - if you think you can help next week that would be amazing! There are definitely attachment points and it probably be a nice cruise with beers at the end (or in the middle). PM if you are interested. Having towed it with a ski before - it really isn't that complicated and would just take some time going against the current.

moondog · Wed Jun 11, 14 7:11 am

Make sure you go to the Oregon side when you start towing. We were on a sailboat last week at the hatchery trying to get back to the HR marina. Our knot indicator said 5.5 but we made no headway because of the strong current. Cruised over to the Oregon side and finally made some headway.

sromano1995 · Since 22 May 2013 240 Posts Portland Stoked

As much I would have loved to help, after further consideration (based on the info shared), and consulting with a couple of friends, it looks like I don't have the right level experience and horsepower to tackle this safely. I am hoping somebody with a more powerful boat and right skill set can do this soon.

knotwindy · Since 25 Sep 2011 615 Posts Addicted

Just saw this. Did it ever get worked out? I have a boat and will be back in the hood on Wednesday, if not. PM or call if you still need help five oh three 55nine-55three eight.

forrest · Mon Jun 16, 14 10:45 am

It's back. Thanks for offering!

Sabo · Since 13 May 2013 51 Posts Hood River

Thanks to Alex Fox and Brandon Scheid, this is back in place! Been a few days, but wanted to give them (and whoevers boat they got their hands on) kudos for such a good job!

Sol-flyer · Wed Jun 18, 14 8:50 pm

And a huge thanks to "jet ski" tony for the boat