slonezp

You look different in real life than you do in your avatar pic.

Pee bucket is essential for the old guys LOL. I have the hospital jug handy in the glovebox for my dad. For him, it's a safety issue. If he tried to stand up and pee off the side, he'd end up in the drink.

2 stroke Optimax spark plugs, I believe, are made of gold for what they cost. Boat is serviced once a year and winterization minus the 100 hours spark plug replacement is about $250. It's all the other stuff that adds up. 4 batteries replaced every 5 years is $700 +/-. Trailer tires replaced every 5-7 years figure $100-$135 per tire. Trailer brakes and bearing maintenance every few years cost a few bucks. Bearing buddies can only be removed and reinstalled a couple times before they spin off and end up on the side of the road. Insurance, ramp fees, registration fees, wear and tear on the truck, storage, etc. all add up. Boats take a lot of time and money. If you don't have both, and when I say money, it's a relative term, don't get a boat.

I hate fishing. The only reason I frequent this forum is because of all the single ladies.

Bass

This thread should post on the obit within 24 hours if I did it right.

I'll have to figure it out when I get home from work. Not sure how to do it from the phone.

There's a place for comments in the obit. Would it be out of line to post a link to the thread?

Nice guy. Always positive despite his troubles. Rest in peace

Why doesn't that surprise me?

Long casts

And air cooled. Not something I'd want. Going to be loud because the exhaust isn't being expelled underwater. OP, keep your eyes open on CL. I'm sure something will turn up.

Can't say enough about Bill Dance. My dad won a fishing trip with him probably 30 years ago. Bill and his "people" made accommodations to bring my handicapped brother along. My brother has been dead almost 20 years now. Some BR members of Christmas past were able to get some pics I had of Bill and my brother autographed by the man himself.

Yes. I have it set up on my rig.

They don't do well out of an aquarium either. When I was young, every wild fish I had thrown in the tank jumped out and got stuck to the carpet.

I don't know that it's my dream boat, but compared to the 25' Cayman, (based on youtube alone) it's considerably more boat. I'm a bit disappointed the boat shows were cancelled this year. The annual show in Chicago would probably be happening next week. I missed last years show but looked at a 20' Robalo the year before and was impressed.

I wish my home water had that much structure. I would spend most of my days fishing thee area circled in red

Says Joe Isuzu

I can do outdoor storage for cheap. My Lund and the previous 2 boats have been stored outside for 25 years. Already have a truck that can handle towing. Between the Grady White Coastal Explorer and the Robalo Cayman, the GW has a stellar reputation and a stellar price tag as well and based on youtube alone, the Robalo, IMO, is the perfect center console bay boat for my wants/needs. I'm leaning towards the Robalo 23 footer. Were I to set my sights on the 25 footer, I'd probably go all out with the GW rather than the Robalo based on reputation alone. Again, it's winter and I'm researching for a year from now.

The Cayman.

While I agree with your sentiment, 20 grand for 2 feet is a lot of money. I've gone thru the Ranger bay boat up close and personal. I can't say I was overly impressed. No boat shows this year. I'm currently debating between a 22' and 25' Robalo and a 25' Grady White. I've mulled around a few others, but as of now, these are the 2 brands I'm considering.

It's the motion in the ocean... Seriously though... Winter boredom setting in. I'm in research mode for a boat purchase in the next 12-24 months. Center console bay or bay/hybrid. Got a few brands I'm interested in. Leaning toward 22-23 foot but, entertaining ideas of 24-25 foot. Either choice would be rigged with a single outboard, and used for fishing and family. Boat would be trailered more than likely but I'm entertaining mooring it as well and storing the trailer just for road trips. What would I be gaining with an extra 2 feet besides 2 feet? What would I be losing? When I went from 17ft aluminum to 20ft aluminum, the gains were huge as far as ride. Will there be that much difference in 2ft extra length of 'glass? Beam is 8'6" on all the models I'm entertaining. What about solo launching? Not a problem in my current rig. Jumping up 2ft maybe not a big deal, but is launching a 25ft boat solo doable relatively easy? My ramp experience, watching pleasure boaters, says no, but I'm fishing every weekend and have launch/load down to a science. Huge difference in maneuvering in tight spots with the extra 2ft? on both the big motor and the TM? Waters I'm fishing: Lake Michigan in IL, Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, Fox Chain of Lakes in Northern IL which is the busiest inland waterway, per acre, in the U.S. and numerous other lakes in Northern IL and Southern WI. There is a considerable price difference in adding 2ft to a boat. Wondering if it's worth it.

Congrats on the new rig. Assuming it's NOT the one in your avatar pic...or is it? So you're saying @A-Jay should be referring to KVD as the young whipper snapper instead of old guy?

Old guy? If you and him were more than 2 years apart, I'd be surprised.