Glenn

DOH! I stand corrected! Guess that would explain why I haven't heard anything about plans after the contract expires. ;D

Redear, your info is correct - Yamaha did indeed build those powerheads. That said, Merc's contract with them expired two weeks ago. I haven't heard whether or not they negotiated a new contract, but I doubt they did. So, it's unclear who's making those heads now (or if they'll stop making those motors, or....? ) I haven't heard about the under-50hp motors, so I can't comment. But apparently NBR thinks they used Yamaha parts for those too. But, again, I don't know the details to that, or whether that is still true today. My gut tells me 'no'. More info: http://bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/dumping_21.html

Woa, woa... Tangent Airlines now departing... I wasn't trying to start a war, and I'm not about to let it escalate (if you get my drift). Yes, it's a sad state in some eyes that other countries manufacture things that used to be American. However, if I understand you correctly, that doesn't mean the game's over. Rather, it just ups the ante for American ingenuity to meet the challenge. Good point. But, this post is about Mercs and their reliability, not "Them vs. Us". So, let's stop that tangent right now, and answer the gentleman's question. If you want to discuss the state of American manufacturing, feel free to start a separate post in the "Everything Else" forum. - Glenn

I knew somebody would ask that - boy that sure didn't take long! Give this a whirl: http://bassresource.com/beginner/beginning_bass_fishing.html I think the jist of the article was that it takes a little time, patience, and practice to learn the various techniques and tools of the sport.

Just an fyi - Some, not all, of the Merc powerheads are made by Yamaha. That said, the rest of the engines are (mostly) made and assembled in America. Not trying to knock Mercs, just passing along industry info. In fact, they make great engines.

AMEN Nick! I'm just about ready to lock this thread. You won't believe the number of posts I've deleted and/or modified due to insults or general lack of respect a few individuals have shown to others. That's totally uncalled for and simply not tolerated here. If you're upset I deleted or modified your post - you're one of them, and I'm keeping an eye on you. Leave your attitude at the door, or I will block your posting abilities. I shouldn't have to do that. But some people don't have the ability to make a post without hurling insults at people. I'm absolutely floored to see adults act like that -- and impressed a 17-year old has the wisdom a few others twice his age will never get.

All - AGAIN, it's a matter of personal preferences choices - not who's right and who's wrong. Allisons, Gamblers, etc. are perfect for some people, but absolutely horrible for others. At the same time, Rangers, Skeeters, etc. are perfect for some people when an Allison or Gambler is a terrible choice for them. It all comes down to what works best for you. And if you're a gentleman, you'll respect the decisions and boats of others, rather than knocking them. Seems like a senseless argument anyway. Instead of talking bad about other boats, why not tell everyone why you chose yours? P.S. If you really cannot resist being combatitive and knocking people down, rather than talking about the positive aspects of your boat, then you need to find another forum. In fact, I won't tolerate that attitude here and have no problem banning people who insist on "winning the argument". In short, keep your posts positive or move on.

It's designed so you can print it out and keep a bunch of them in a notebook. That way you can take it with you on the boat.

Laser - I think it depends on what your definition of "high performance" is. I take it yours is "high speed"? I'd fathom to guess JT's definition is different. Not wrong, just different.

Best place to start is right here: http://bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html Enjoy!

It's really easy to get the pic in your post. When you're writing your message, just click the button that looks like this: You'll get this: [img][/img] Then place the URL of your image (http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/70/80/Nutt4Bassin/32/1e6.jpg) between the tags that show up like this: [img=http://sc.groups.msn.com/tn/70/80/Nutt4Bassin/32/1e6.jpg] The result? ;D One problem, however - your pic is hosted on an MSN site, which will launch the MSN Messenger chat window for anyone who views your post.

'99 F-250 with a V-10 It pulls my 20' Ranger Commanche easily. However, I didn't get the 4x4, which I regret now. There's been a few times I could of used it on slick/steep ramps.

Well, it's all a matter of what you're looking for. Allisons, Gamblers, etc are known for their high speed. Rangers, Skeeters, etc are known for better rides and quality construction, but they won't beat the boats above in a race. Everyone has an opinion. It just depends on what's important to the individual. Mine? I'm partial to my Ranger. But I'm not going to knock other boats because other people choose them. As for chine walk, that's usually an indication of poor setup. Typically the motor is too low and/or it's using the wrong prop. True, some hull designs are more prone to chine walk, and I haven't driven a Triton, so I don't have an opinion. However, several of my pro friends drive them and don't complain about chine walk - they complain of other things about the boat (like water leaking into the storage compartments). At any rate, it's a matter of personal preference. What is one person's annoyance, other person overlooks it. It doesn't mean one is right and the other wrong. It's just personal preference.

You can post your picture for free at MyFishingPictures.com

Here ya go! http://bassresource.com/fish_biology/lgseason.html http://bassresource.com/fish_biology/smseasonal.html

Check this out: http://bassresource.com/fishing/bass_boat.html http://bassresource.com/fishing/bass_boat_2.html http://bassresource.com/fishing/bass_boat_3.html Enjoy! ;D

That is answered in the FAQ page: http://bassresource.com/cgi-bin/bass_fish/YaBB.pl?board=gen_bass;action=display;num=1100229374 ;D ;D

Actually, I think he was referring to these: http://bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html

Thank you, everyone. I really do appreciate the kind words. I'm glad you enjoy the site and that I'm able to provide a place for you to learn and exchange stories.

This thread answers the same question http://bassresource.com/cgi-bin/bass_fish/YaBB.pl?board=gen_bass;action=display;num=1110153999 Enjoy!

3" grub on a 1/8oz jighead. Color doesn't matter for those little guys. When the water is warm, they cream anything that moves. I presume the water is clear, since you seem to know your quarry but haven't caught them yet. This is good - you can watch and see how they react to your presentation. You learn alot that way - even if they're small.

I had a locksmith make me a set for mine. You might want to try that.

Jim & Sherry are the parents, and Logan was their little boy. Thank you, everyone, for your prayers. I know they read this forum, and your support is appreciated.

That's a real sharp looking rig you got there. Congratulations!

Sound like the makings for a country song!