A-Jay

If it isn't already, including your cranking battery to your 'charging system' with your trolling motor battery(s) can help ensure you start each trip with a full charge. Does require a separate / additional bank on the charger though. A-Jay

This is pretty cool ~ A-Jay https://www.bassmaster.com/blog/spooky-catch

As a retired Enlisted man, I'm certainly grateful for my situation. I earned it. Big Money may be a relative term. Living frugally and prioritizing larger purchases helps. A-Jay

I'm not looking at it as a bother; more of an adventure & learning experience. There's a few motivating factors. While I may not categorize any singular deal as primary, collectively they're sufficient to stimulate change. A V-8 4-stroke XS, that weighs the same as a 2-stroke seems long over due. The advertised all around performance improvements as well as the redesigned size & shape of the unit is appealing to me. I want to & I can. A-Jay

Yes. A-Jay Thanks Specs indicate the 2 motors are very close or perhaps even the same at 505 lbs. That is at Least 100 lbs lighter than the same size Verado and the primary reason why I didn't go that way in the first place. A-Jay

Try putting an Owner CSP spring in the nose and then use a nose rigged hook. Works well. A-Jay

With Mercury Marine's latest and most recent introduction of the Pro XS line, I have started the leg work & process to Re-powering my Lund 1875 Pro -V Bass. Still in the earliest stages but still pretty exciting & appears very promising. When I was initially rigging out this boat, I wanted an XS. However the required 25 inch shaft was not offered in the Pro XS line at 200 HP. With this latest line, it is. The plan is to trade in the current 2016 200 HP Optimax and the non-digital controls / gauges towards the New Pro XS and the required new digital controls / gauges. Spec for the 200 HP look like this: Looks like I'm ditching the Two Stroke . . . SPECIFICATIONS - 200 HP / kW 200 / 149 Engine type V-8 Displacement (CID/CC) 279 CID Displacement (L) 4.6L Cylinder Configuration V8 [64 degree] with Dual Overhead Cam [DOHC] and 32-valves Full throttle RPM 5600-6200 Air induction Performance-Tuned Long-Runner Intake Manifold Fuel induction system Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Computer Controlled with Advanced Range Optimization Alternator amp / Watt 85-amp (1071 Watt) with Idle Charge Recommended fuel Unleaded Regular 87 Octane Minimum (R+M/2) or 90 RON 10% Ethanol Maximum Recommended oil NMMA Certified FCW SAE 10W-30 Engine protection operator warning system SmartCraft Engine Guardian Compatible with SmartCraft digital technology Yes Starting Electric Start with SmartStart Protection Controls Remote Mechanical or Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) Steering Hydraulic (standard) Power (optional) Shaft length 20" / 508 mm 25" / 635 mm Gearcase ratio 1.75:1 (TorqueMaster or 5.44"); 1.85:1 (4.8") Dry weight *Lightest model available 505 lbs / 229 kgs CARB star rating 3 Bore and stroke 3.6 x 3.4" / 92 x 86 mm Ignition SmartCraft PCM 112 Digital Inductive Cooling system Water-cooled with thermostat Gear shift F-N-R Gearcase options 20": TorqueMaster 25": 5.44" Trim system Power trim and tilt Exhaust system Through prop Color Phantom Black Lubrication system Wet sump Oil Capacity 7.0 Quarts / 6.6 Liters Maximum Trim Range 20° (-6° to 14°) Maximum Tilt Range 73° (-6° to 67°) Time line looks like Mid-August perhaps but it's a little early to know for sure. There may also be some 'prop testing' required as this newest motor has not yet been mounted on a Pro-V Bass. So dialing in the right screw size & pitch for optimum performance might take some time to get just right. More to follow. A-Jay https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/engines/outboard/pro-xs/

Wasn't passing judgement. Simply noting the date. A-Jay

Still waiting for that first topwater action of this season . . . . . . A-Jay

Back from a 10 year hiatus . . . . . . A-Jay

Beautiful Brown Bass Congrats on the new Personal Best A-Jay

Nice work - Three Tanks . . . Congrats A-Jay

Hello Richard and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Nice Intro A-Jay

Hello Michael and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Get's slathered on just about everything I throw ~ A-Jay

@DINK WHISPERER I use a Rapid Hitch ~ Quality product that offers may options. (Including a 10" drop) https://andersenhitches.com/Catalog/rapid-hitch.aspx A-Jay

A-Jay

Pretty Morning ~ A-Jay

Thanks - I sort of sad to say I didn't weigh it. She was being extremely uncooperative. In an effort to release her unharmed I got some quick video, revived her sufficiently and sent her on her way. I hate guessing but my best one is maybe 10 to 12 lbs. And I will readily admit I have only weighted one big trout before and it was a 7 lb Steelhead. This was fish was quite a bit taller, longer & had a serious set of 'shoulders'. A-Jay

The stabilizer bar is OK. (and better than nothing). But it will still 'bounce' and quite a bit. The T-H Marine Troll Tamer is Very Solid. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Hello Jeff and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Personal Best Brown Trout Today ~ A-Jay

Black if by land & black if by sea ~ Two of my favorite modes of transportation A-Jay