Penn 349HC joins the 'Tank' family

[redsetta]

G'day lads,
Finished a wee project recently that some may find interesting - a 349HC Tank.
As with many of the project reels here at Alan's place, there are a number of people to thank in helping bring this together.
The original 349 was purchased in the US and shipped to NZ, thanks to Dominick.
The dogs were courtesy of Lee (Keta) - thanks.
And thanks also for the 5+1 drag system - it's spot on.
The handle and S/S sleeve are AT/Kolekar specials, thanks Alan.
And the frame and spool were provided by Andrew (Raumati) - cheers mate.
Righto, let's have a look at the beasty...

Here's the original 349 dog, relative to Lee's S/S version.



They're of a slightly different shape, but not in any material sense.



Here's Lee's S/S 114 dog and a couple of handmade spring options to test.



The spring is S/S leader, twisted to the proper diameter and bent at the appropriate angles to tuck around the 114 dog and hook into the milled side plate.



The HC has steel gears, which can accomodate Lee's 5+1 drag set up.



[

Here's how the side plate was milled to fit the new dog.



Here's the S/S replacement fitted to the bridge-plate pin.



Here's the spring fitted. I milled a little deeper beneath the spring to allow for good clearance.
Note how the spring hooks around the edge of the milling at one end, and folds up around the dog at the other.



I tried the leaf spring, but couldn't achieve good clearance for the spool, once fitted back together.



The Master Mariner - a personal favourite



Now, here's probably the best part - a Tiburon frame for the 349.



Interestingly, it's complemented by a Newell spool (note the 'CN') that fits like they were matched from the start.



All back together - pretty nice eh













So there we have it...
Really looking forward to getting this out into some deep water - it's now my 'go to' hapuku/grouper/bass reel for 150m+ depths.
Will doubtless also be great on XOS kingfish.
The plan is to strip the old mono and re-spool with an undershot of 200-odd metres of 80lb braid, topped with about the same of 50lb mono.
All the best, Justin

[Shark Hunter]

That is awesome Justin!
I have a thing for the master mariners myself.

[George4741]

Yes, that is awesome!  It is the ULTIMATE Master Mariner!  What size drag washers (HT100, carbontex) did you use?
  George

[turboal]

Wow, very nice, I never saw a Tiburon frame for a 349

[conchydong]

Beautiful reel. You did an excellent job on tricking it out.

[broschro]

Nice job Justin, I myself like the mariner do not own one but I will one day.

[Dynamo]

That's a sweet reel.

[El Pescador]

Ahhh.... Now I want ONE!!!





My Penn 349 worked FLAW..  Lessly... while in Los Cabos,

Question:
What is the Tiburon Frame Number used for your 349?  I need to get one!

Great rebuild for an already great reel!
Thank you for sharing.

Wayne

[Alto Mare]

Always impressive work Justin Keep it up buddy.
Sal

[john2244]

Great work !!!   

John

[redsetta]

Cheers lads, appreciate the feedback.
The simultaneous sharp click of the dogs engaging really inspires confidence in this beast
George - sorry, I'm not sure of the drag washer ID.
I cut a few from 1mm CF sheet and had a few in the spares box.
Lee may know, however.
Wayne - there's no number on the frame, which makes me suspect it may have been a prototype of some sort, especially given the Newell spool.
Justin

[john2244]

According to Tiburon they estimated they made the frame for the Penn 349 about 15 years ago.  

John

[redsetta]

Great info - thanks John.

[Bill B]

Great work brother...gonna have to look at the MM's now...

[spottybastard]

redsetta,
That's beautiful!  Where in the world did you find that Tiburon frame?