ksboy

I would personally get the one with more options. DON'T BUY ANY BOAT WITHOUT PUTTING IT IN THE WATER AND FISHING OUT OF IT. RUN THE MOTOR, USE THE TROLLING MOTOR, USE THE DEPTH FINDERS, THE LIVE WELLS, THE BILGE PUMPS, ANY OTHER ACCESSORIES. UNLOAD AND LOAD THE BOAT YOURSELF TO SEE HOW IT SITS ON THE TRAILER AND IF THERE ARE ANY ISSUES WITH LOADING/UNLOADING. $10-12 GRAND IS A LOT OF MONEY TO PUT OUT AND BE SURPRISED BY ADDITIONAL EXPENSES LATER. I KNOW IT'S COLD IN THE NORTHEAST BUT BELIEVE ME, DO IT NOW INSTEAD OF FINDING SOMETHING WRONG LATER. Also, I didn't notice anyone mention the hydraulic steering. I think that's worth about $2000 maybe less if you do it yourself. The power pole is $1500. Lots of $$$. The four stroke motor on the Skeeter is a serious upgrade but it's a 115. An 18' boat normally has a 150. That would be a serious underpower issue I think. Those are the things I would have consider if I was making this purchase. Just my 2Cents worth.

I wish I was more talkative. Will have to try to up my post count for next year.

What size boat you have? How many of these little totes do you put in your storage area?

Was just browsing this thread and I must say, These are some really good ideas. I have been using a BPS double worm bag but it weighs about twenty #s and I have to search for stuff. I especially like the gym bag idea. Might have to give that a try. Thanks

There's a product called "Pro Tec". It looked like an excellent product so I placed an order earlier this week. I should have it soon. It reportedly restores fading of the gel coat. I'll let you know how it does. It was a bout $30 for two different products, one to clean and one to seal.

Simply put, I think as you try different approaches to running your boat, you will learn how to stop it porpoising. I think this happens to most guys with a boat they are just beginning to drive. My boat (92 Champ 168 w/100 Evinrude) will porpoise if I trim or tilt it too high no matter the speed I'm going. I have to be sure I get the motor all the way down to start. Be aware that your hydraulic Trim/tilt is named that because there are two different stages: Trim=the motor is ALL THE WAY down and can be lifted hydraulically to the Tilt, where the sound of the hydraulic lifting will change and the lift (tilt) becomes a more rapid movement toward the "up" position. One way to discover the difference is while the boat is on the trailer. Run the hydraulic all the way down till it bottoms out or almost reaches the ground, whichever is the furthest. Then run the hydraulics up till you hear a different sound. Notice the position of the motor (it will probably be about level with the ground) this is where trim stops and tilt begins. (At least this is all true with my boat). I hope this doesn't confuse the issue but I doubt the porpoising is caused by the boat as much as your inexperience at operating it. Relax and have fun with the learning process.

Wayne: This is terrific advice. It's refreshing to see someone give good advice without being sarcastic.

You are gonna LOVE Oklahoma!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome to BassResource.com

Too bad they can't be standard so you could switch pedals. I guess that would be like Chevy and Ford having interchangeable parts.

x2 on posting the price. With a new outboard of any kind it has to be "mucho dinero".

I've never been to Kingman but I'm up for it. I'll watch this thread for more info.

Thanks to all who attended. We didn't get a chance to really have a "get-together" but 3 boats and 5 guys isn't bad for a 1st attempt. Drdriver and son left early (not sure what time) but I think they had to go to work or something. Trytofish also left early not sure if it was the weather or what. It was a pleasure to make their acquaintance though. Appreciate the help also. It was chilly at 7Am and the wind was a bit much. I managed to catch 6 fish (only three would qualify as keepers). The largest was 17", also had a 16 and 15 1/2. The others were 14 1/2, 13 1/4, and 13. Got them all on a buzzbait in the creek. Caught nothing after Noon. I gave up at 2PM and I'm pretty sure I was the last one there. Jeremy and his partner also caught a few. I was slow going though. If we decide to do this again we should try to make it a little more organized. Maybe meet at the ramp at a certain time and have a quitting time so that we can have a cookout or at least sit around and chew the fat for a while. Thanks again to the guys who showed up and I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. Al

Just an FYI: The boat ramp is in the Northwest corner of the lake. If you are coming from the South, take the 2nd turn off once you get on Munson Hill rd. If you take the first turnoff you will have to drive all the way around the lake to find the ramp.

My partner and I will probably stay till about 2PM unless the weather deteriorates. The Winfield Bass Club usually fishes Butler at least twice. Depending on the time of year it can be as early as 5:30 or as late at 7:30 start time and we fish 7 hours. When we fish with the WBC, there are almost always some really nice fish caught on tournament days. Someone usually catches something upwards of 20". So bring your guns, they should be active this Saturday. At this time, there's a slight chance (20%) of rain with about 10MPH wind and almost 60 deg at 7AM. Looks like a beautiful fishing day. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Any pics?

Are you planning to attend "the get together"???? If so, are you bringing anyone in the back of your boat?

I don't think it's that big but I could be wrong. One other thing to remember: It's a county "state fishing facility" which means it's NO WAKE. There's a sign posted at the entrance to the lake. I don't know why they don't put the signs by the boat ramp.

I will have a non-boater with me. Any other updates on who is coming to Butler on the 12th? Anyone need help finding the lake? Let me know if you do. If you are using GPS, it could be called Lake Clymer I guess that was the name before it became Butler County. Thanks fellas. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Hope you can make it sizzlefry!!!

Great boat!! Hope you have many opportunities to be on the water with her.

I hope you and your Dad get to spend many long, comfortable trips in your new boat!!

We may have 2 non-boaters other than Kansasbassfisher08. Rockchalk (from Edmond, Ok) and a friend of mine. Would one of you be willing to have a co-angler? It would help. Thanks, Al

Hey guys: I haven't had any further responses here or by email. I will be at the Butler ramp around 630-7 on the 12th of Oct. Be happy to see whomever shows up. As previously stated, I have a Blue Champion 168 pulled by a silver Chevy Silverado.