| ** | Peddle- Fishing
By Capt. Mel Berman, 970-WFLA |
 | ** | One would say that this fishing boat -- the "Cross Trek" -- is a combination Hobie Cat, boat, and cross country bike. Others would describe it as a sort of "people-powered airboat." Whatever you call it, this strange-looking contraption will glide quietly in very skinny water |
This fairly comfortable vessel is considerably faster than most non-motor craft. It is the brainchild of Russ Randall, a Tarpon Springs free spirit, who conceived the Cross-Trek on a napkin in 1990 when he was working as a waiter.Ignoring the conventional advice -- "don’t give up your day job" -- Randall simply couldn’t stay focused on anything but his vision for a craft that combines the stealth of a canoe, human propulsion power with greater speed than any other human powered vessel. This young 32-year old dreamer genuinely believed in his concept. He felt it had enormous potential. And after more that ten years of persistence, in and out of various trade schools, a government grant, thousands of hours and nautical miles of testing, the Cross Trek became a reality.
On a recent trip aboard this unique craft, Randall set me up with a folding chair on the trampoline section. It was perfectly comfortable sitting there while Russ peddled us to a couple of his favorite fishing haunts near the Dunedin Causeway. I brought a couple of my light spinning outfits, with pockets full of my favorite lures. My first choice, an avocado/red glitter DOA Shrimp was the best choice that day. I immediately hooked several decent sized sea trout, a small grouper, a 20-inch redfish, a few ladyfish, and a small jack. But the prize catch of the day was a 23-inch sea trout that Randall reeled in on a DOA Nightgow Shrimp, which ultimately wound up on the Randall dinner table.
This was a truly remarkable fishing trip for me. Gliding across the shallowest of waters, the fish didn’t spook, just eased out of the way. As Randall did all the peddling, it was interesting to note that the turning prop was very quiet and my host was exerting very little energy to propel us at a crisp 4-miles per hour. This validated Randall’s claim that his Cross Trek is safer, faster and more versatile than any other human-powered watercraft.
His concept started with the idea of harnessing a bicycle frame to this uncommon boat design. The bike’s gearing and the handlebars are used for steering. An outrigger serves as a "floating counterbalance" and weighs enough to keep Cross Trek from flipping over. Randall claims the "Proa" hull configuration is faster than a catamaran or Trimaran. Depending on load speeds, up to 10 mph can be attained. In addition, the operator can use the Cross Trek’s air propeller as a sail the same way a gyrocopter flies, sort of an "auto gyro effect". As air passes through the rotor blades, canted back about 35 degrees and spinning "backwards", it produces lift. Due to Cross Trek’s ability to vector the thrust axis of the propeller (turn it to the side) Cross Trek can sail very efficiently. It can be powered sideways or "crabbed," which is great for getting into tight areas or alongside a dock. The air propeller is of a variable pitch design and can be very effective in controlling the craft. Not only can the operator change gears on the bike, but can also change air resistance with a twist of the wrist. Best of all, the 8'-foot diameter prop actually provides for a smooth and low-impact exercise for anyone who pedals this vessel.
Since there are no props or oars in the water, the Cross Trek does not scare fish or disturb the seaweed habitat. It is in fact a very environmentally friendly craft.
Randall says the Cross Trek is so stealthy that many times, cruising the flats at night, he has bumped into large fish with the bow.
As a fishing platform, this unique vessel draws only 4-inches. The trampoline separating the main hull from the outrigger is 8-feet long and 5-feet, 6-inches wide. This is spacious enough for two persons to ride and fish comfortably.
The Cross Trek sells for $4,990.
For more information, call Russ Randall at (727) 455-6226. |
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