Which size drift sock?

[anchor man]

I have a 1700 Lund Fisherman and was wondering what the ideal size drift sock (and brand)would be for this size boat. The Fisherman sits up high out of the water, so wasn't sure if a larger than usual sock is needed compared to other 17.5 ft boats. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

[Greg Hyovalti]

I have a 1800 Fisherman and have to use 2 36" drift socks one just isn't enough

[iffwalleyes]

I would think a 48" would be good. Perhaps a 54" But you could run with two smaller also. I have one little on and I just ordered a 48" for my 1775 Prov yesterday. On Cableas they recommend a 48"-54" for 16-22' boats. As far as the depth of your boat that really won't make too much difference on the size you might just need to have a little longer rope to get it in the water to do it's job.

[anchor man]

Thanks,..is there a particular brand proven to work better than others? I'm sure there's many opinions, but perhaps some brands are not quite as user friendly?

Thanks

[iffwalleyes]

Drift Control is one of the popular ones but also the most expensive. Cabelas looks too be pretty nice to. I ordered a Minnekota one as it was one of the least expensive and for how much I use it it will be fine. I would make sure that the drift sock has a dump line or at least a way to attach one. Most of them have this I think especially the larger ones.

[jweitgen]

I will say this, bigger is better. When it is windy, you'll want everything you can get.

[BAIT956]

I have an older Drift Control and a new larger Cabelas. I like the Cabelas better. It flares out quicker and tangles up less easily.

The dump line is a necessary feature.

I agree, get a larger one. Using two is still possible, but it is a hassle.

[JDP]

I had 2 Drift Control socks they worked O.K.

However, I have now purchased 2 Wave Tamers they seem to work much better (i.e lower drift speed). They have a chart that recommends # and size of drift socks.

[Note from admin: edited. Please read forum policy before posting again. Thanks much]

[stmichael]

I love the wave tamers as well. I was talked into buying one at Thorne Bros. It was for a 14 ft. boat (I have a 16ft), the dude said it would slow me down. It slowed me down to 1.3 on a windy day, I do not rememeber exactly I drifted without it, I want to say low 3's. Next time out I will have to check for certain, and on a very windy day. It was the day after opener on Green Lake in Chisago. If anyone remembers what the day was like.

[anchor man]

I checked out the Wave Tamer and didn't notice a dump line on it. Is it hard to retrieve without it?

[stmichael]

mine has one.

[Borch]

I have a large one and a smaller one. Sometimes the small one id all I need. If it's pretty windy the large one gets me buy. If the wind is howling, then they both come out. I like the flexibility they give me for diffent conditions.

[LMITOUT]

I first bought a 54" based on the advise of a salesman to get the next size up for the size of boat. I have a Alumacraft Magnum 165CS. The 54" is too big unless it is REALLY windy. It just slows you down too much. This spring I got a 36" version and it's much more manageable.

[Jim Hudson]

I use the Original Series Drift Control socks from Lindy... I carry two sizes like some have mentioned.. One that is rated for the size of my boat and one a step up in size... When it's really windy, I deploy both set-ups... Using the larger sized sock on the bow and the smaller off the stern.. Most boats will catch more wind on the bow, and having a larger sock on the front helps keeping the bow in line with the stern!!!

Definately great products and greatly improves boat position while drifting or casting... They never leave my boat!!