Bassndood

I wish the timing were different because this is exactly up my alley. I just moved to Ocala, so Toho is definitely doable, plus I'm a fan of helping vets being one myself. Unfortunately I'm flying out of town that weekend. I will post this on Facebook to see if any of my military buddies are available that weekend.

There is an interesting article in the fall edition of Bass Angler Magazine by Brent Becker about scents. I took this article with a grain of salt because the author is a member of Caroline Lunker's (a water based scent manufacturer) pro staff. That said, there were several interesting points. They discuss about how fish use olfactory glands inside and around their mouth and in the nasal cavity to filter through water. This is how they "smell." The article suggests that since a fish filters water and not petroleum through the olfactory glands the water based scents will work better. It also stated that petroleum based scents are ineffective because petroleum floats to the top faster than water based scents. The water based scents stay in the water column longer which allows the fish to hone in on the lure. Another point he makes is that it is important to mask our smell. Humans give off the number one offensive odor to fish, L-serene. Our sweat has loads of L-serene according to the article, so he says to keep your hands clean and spray them with scent. Obviously there is more to the article. I wanted to give a quick overview. He didn't write specifically about WD-40, but I thought it was pertinent to the thread.

For sure.

Thanks for the tip SirSnook. I don't think I would have ever found that ramp without your map and directions.

I completely agree. I'm taking a tech to do a compression check and inspect the cylinders with a borescope. The owner told me that he had problems with the oil injector, but claims he caught it before any damage occurred. The same thing happened to my old boat. I had the mechanic remove the oil injector, cap it and mixed the oil in the tank from then on. I ran the snot out of that engine for 14 years until it was stolen last April. I should have told you about my suspicions when I mentioned the disconnected oil injector. Thanks fore everyone's help, and feel free to continue to give me your thoughts. I sea trial and survey the boat tomorrow afternoon. I will let you know how it goes.

The boat was in Bristol condition. It could have easily been sitting in a show room. He keeps it in the garage with the cover on it. The carpet is brittle from age, but everything else looked good. Took the engine cowling off and all of the fuel lines were new. A couple of the non-pressurized lines showed signs of cracking, but that is no big deal. It's a two stroke that doesn't have a working oil injector. I'm okay with that because in my opinion oil injectors are a problem waiting to happen. I would rather add the oil to the tank. He claimed to have fogged the cylinders regularly to protect the rings, etc. He also used fuel stabilizer. Engine cranked immediately. We came to an agreement on price contingent on a successful sea trial and survey. My only real concern now is the trolling motor. Thanks for all the help guys.

Thanks man. I'm with you. I was surprised too at the numbers. I know that Ranger's hold their value, but that seems too high. I am going to check ABOS later today. That is the book the banks use to place values on trade-ins and loans. Off to see it and talk to the owner. I will let you know how it goes.

NADA claims the list should be 29K and average retail should be 13K. So if this boat is a 10 out of 10 then how much extra is that worth?

Would like to know your thoughts on the price. This boat has supposedly been garage kept and extremely well maintained. My biggest concern is that it only has 200 hours on the engine. An engine needs to be run to keep the seals lubricated and the rust from forming. He claims that he cranks it up every six weeks or so. I'm not sure that is enough. I think it needs to be under load every six weeks or so. I will have the cylinders compression checked and will sea trial it prior to acceptance, assuming we agree on numbers. My second concern is that all of the materials are 14 years old. I'm not worried about the fiberglass, but am worried about the vinyl, carpet, rubber hoses, etc. Which, brings me to my next point: what is this boat worth? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks. Here's the listing information: 1997 Ranger 488VS Comanche Hank Parker Edition, This boat is like brand new. I purchased this boat brand new and have kept this boat out of the elements garage stored and covered when stored. The boat and engine has around 150-200 hours on it. It was very rarely used and it is time to let it go to someone who will be able to make great use of it. This boat starts immediately and has never underperformed. With a top speed reaching over 70mph you will be sure to be the first one to the fishing spot every time. Loaded with extras this boat has it all. 1997 Ranger Comanche 488VS Hank Parker Edition Matching Tandem Axle Trailer3 Bank on Board Battery Charger48lb trolling motor, Front and rear mounted Fish Finder/Depth Finder,Hot Foot Throttle control,Hydraulic Jack Plate,Matching Cover. I've seen what is out there and there aren't many that come close to as good as condition as this boat is in. You will not be disappointed with this boat. Engine: Mercury 200HP EFI

Nice job man. Sorry about the rod. Enjoyed meeting you and Dan Tuesday and am really looking forward to trying some of those JD's Custom baits I bought.

I couldn't agree with you more. I work in the boating industry and we have to move a ton of boats when the storm approaches, so I keep close tabs on the tracks. We will do some coordination and give everyone a heads up as to our intentions five days out, but don't actually start to do anything until the three day forecast comes out.

Hi all. I've been saltwater fishing the South FL and Bahama waters for the past 21 years. I was looking for a change and decided to give bass fishing a try. Well, I'm hooked (ouch, bad pun). Bass fishing is very relaxing and a challenge since I have done so little freshwater fishing. I look forward to learning more about bass fishing on the forums.

Is there a shop around Fort Lauderdale that carries them?

Nice. I may try this spot later this afternoon/evening.

Fished the south side of the canal where all the ball fields were. Turns out its North Broward Preparatory School. The guard let me in since school is not in session, but probably won't after school starts. Thought I should let you know. Only caught one. but it was a nice four pounder. Had several other strikes but didn't get the hook set. I'm a bass fishing noob, so I was happy.