Go Time

You should be able to find a very solid used boat for $10k. Most boat owners baby their rides. You obviously have a strong technical background so spotting a boat that has been beat up shouldn't be a problem. Avoid used boats stored outside. And a compression check on the motor should tell you it's general condition. As with used cars, there is always the risk of buying a lemon but you may land a gem. IMO with your price range, I think you will find that buying used is the best way to get what you want. If you insist on buying new you will be forced to buy an aluminum, which depending on the water you fish, you may or may not be satisfied with in the long run. Best of luck! And thank you for serving our country!

Very possible the pedal is stuck because of the gears/cable.

If I'm COMPLETELY out of ideas, I will throw a spinnerbait till my arm falls off. ;D

Glad your were able to step back and evaluate the situation. It's always hard to do when you are looking at a new toy. I hope you end up with a rig you are happy with. Best of luck!

1 word, WHOA

Thanks! I'm ready for this year. And Catt, that Toledo Bend picture is mesmerizing!

You can do better than this deal. I second farmers idea on the Bass Raider. And your wife has a $5k chest but your not allowed to buy a $500 boat?

Yep that'll do the trick! Congrats!

x2

I fished out of a boat with the spray in liner last summer when the temps were in the mid 90s and the floor was MUCH cooler than bare aluminum, but no not as comfortable as carpet in general. And congratulations Punkinseed! We'll be looking forward to seeing this thing progress.

Excellent suggestion! A spray in liner is on the list for the floor of my Lowe for this spring. Personally I like having carpet on the decks but that is really just a personal preference.

Looks like a great project! One question though, do you have the title or can you get one? I wouldn't put much effort into it until you have that. Patching any leaks would be number one with it gutted like this. I've seen guys fill the inside of the boat with water then mark and fix the leaks. Now would be a great time to run wires for trolling motor, depth finder, running lights, etc. Then I would get some marine plywood or aluminum and fix the back deck and lids. After that you're left with installing carpet, adding accessories and going fishing. Search on here and you'll find some helpful information. Here is one to get you started. http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/bass_boat.html As long as you have the title, I think it will definitely be worth restoring. Best of luck!

My brother and I white bass fishing. This picture reminds me how much fun we have on this trip.

I always seem to have that problem with their live weigh-ins

X2 I got my first baitcaster when I was 10 and my dad never really used one, neither of us knew you were "supposed" to switch hands

I'm in. Do you want this group to be exclusively Bass Resource members? If so you might want to set it to private and give the password in this post.

They work alright, We have a high-end infared thermometer and I just don't trust it. It is usually very close to what the other thermometers are reading but we have had some problems with ours. I would recommend a digital cooking thermometer. You can pick them up for close to $20 and they stabilize pretty quickly.

I've never tried them but I bet they would be killer on a c-rig. Or for bed fishing, I bet those tentacles would just dance in the their face.

I'm in

It's doubtful that boat went 82. Note "doubtful" but definitely not impossible. If the boat is set up properly and "modded" which would mean it's putting out more than 150 ponies, it would definitely be possible. Which the fact that this boat is bored .30 over could either mean it was modded for speed or the previous owner needed to bore it to remove scratches in the cylinder wall. Also if it is a tunnel hull it will have less drag than a standard v-hull. Now back to the TOPIC... Sounds like a great buy, especially with your dad being a boat mechanic. You guys will have that thing hauling in bass in no time. Those old 150 mercs are work horses too. So buy it, clean it up and see if it'll do 82. Even if it only does 60 you still got a solid boat for the price.

Bummer... Well good luck GMAN. I doubt it will take you long to get something figured out.

A Farm Supply store would be a good place to start. I have a Rural King a few miles away and I know they have tandem axle fenders. Not sure about diamond plate though.

Nice fish Leo! I wouldn't say you got schooled!

This was at Coffeen. I don't make it to Newton much but I'm sure it would be better than sitting on the couch.

I've never fished through the ice, I should probably take some time to try it though. Thanks for the tip I will have to pick up some line conditioner. This trip was pretty last minute. I was supposed to go rabbit hunting but when my buddy bailed I hooked the boat up and hit the road. Next time I will be a little more prepared.