3dees

I have never had one and never will. not knocking them. I know all the pro's of having them, especially on a high powered bass boat. I didn't even want one on my old Stratos with a 200. I have driven friends boats with them and they are a pain for long runs and for me a nightmare for docking. it up to you. I would find a way to drive a boat with one before you spend money on installing one only to find that you don't like it. unless your fishing in rough water, I don't know how useful it would be on a small engine.

yeah, I agree, check the price of a 250 or 300. why are they more expensive than a new car engine with the rest of the car included? the reason is that boaters, and especially fishermen are born suckers. as long as we buy them whatever the price, they will never become cheaper. of course this includes yours truly.

can't see how size or weight would make much difference. maybe on a 12' johnboat, but your boat should have no problem. personally, I'm happy with my Fortrex for half the price. go for it.

I always have at least one finesse rig on my deck. I just can't get over how many different set ups there are. guess I'm just old fashion and also old. besides a drop shot rig, my finesse is a 1/8 oz or 1/16 oz jig with a 4" worm. can't count the number of good fish I have caught over the past 45 years including pike and muskie. I read about the other ways to finesse fish, but just don't see the need to do anything different. to me, it's less confusing and less equipment to store in my boat. I have way to much as it is. my motto is K.I.S.S.

seeing that most of us are on the bow 90% of the time a bow graph is a must unless you always fish very shallow. the brand is a personal choice. the truth is there are no bad graphs. these old eyes can't see a 3" screen. you can get a goon 5 or 7" graph for under 500.00. go as big as budget allows. you will probably upgrade anyway.

I have always used a custom cover even though I never tow with one. what are you going to do with a tarp if you are at a motel? thieves will target a coverless boat before a covered one. a tarp would be easy to climb under. I can't se spending thousands on a boat, electronics, tm, etc. and cheap out on a good cover. if it's just a john boat with nothing in it, then a tarp would be ok.

nothing special. just my initials.

I have two Velcro straps. I'm considering going with the bungee straps. just easier to work with. I don't worry about the room. my PT18 is really wide at the bow.

hey, whatever works.

I have di on the bow and di and si on the console. both Hds 9 touch.

I had that tm on my VT19 for 5 years and never had a problem so in my opinion I would leave it for bigger graphs.

I was watching a show with KVD and he was showing how he colored his braid with a black sharpie. he was fishing a frog. I have a problem with this. as I see it, if you color the line black there is more contrast with the sky than just leaving it alone. seem that on cloudy days, grey line would be better. on sunny days blue or green would seem to blend in with the sky better than black. agree? disagree?

probably your insight mapping chip. will not affect the unit. you just loose your mapping.

good job. looks great.

for larger tourney's I would go with glass. your going to encounter large bodies of water in who knows what conditions. yeah, you can go tin, but I would go with a bigger one like a Xpress or Crestliner PT20. probably make do with the Ranger 198, Tracker 195, or Crestliner PT18 all with a 150. if you go deep v, then Lund for sure.

I don't think you will be happy with the micro's. that boat will push the limits on those. you will wind up buying a Talon or PP eventually. for that boat I would suggest getting it right from the start.

I usually launch alone. been doing it for over forty years. about 20' of rope is all you need. one end tied to the front cleat, the other to the crank handle. float the boat and pull up a couple of feet. I think the Z launch is a waste of money.

good for you. wish I had some hair left to donate.

got rid of my black Crestliner VT19 and black Grand Cherokee for the white look.

I grew up in the city so fishing wasn't really an interest to many. my dad never fished, so I learned from my cousins when I was in my early 20's. my son is 41 and he had a rod in his hand since he was 3. we don't get out as much now but my grandson is now my new partner. he has a passion for it.

guess I'm just old fashion. when I fish, I want to move to the front deck, put the tm down and fish, instead of playing with the functions on the Ultrex. most of the Ultrex seem to love them but I'm retired and could buy two Fortrex's for the same money. I had a new motorguide X5 on my last boat and on the first trip the directional arrow broke and no fix for it. they never should have changed from the Tour. after a lifetime Motorguide I made the switch and couldn't be happier. as for thrust, get more than you think you will need. you can always dial it down.

I wanted the Xpress but no dealers near me. liked the Ranger and was ready to order one until I saw the Crestliner PT 18. heavier gauge aluminum and more storage than I need. huge 33 gal. livewell. with the wide beam and no pad this boat is not for speed demons, but fishability is second to none.

I didn't want any holes in my transom so I went with the over priced sandwich bracket. no need for a tilt bracket.

vinegar and water works great but also strips away the wax.

I use Slick Mist every time I leave the water. wash and wax once per year. vacuum carpet as needed. add Marine Stabil with each fill up.