yoster

Thanks everyone! For the record, in case anyone ever has this question in the future, I spoke with some people on the Humminbird forum. The only diff with the 798ci si 'HD' model is that it includes an ethernet port. That's it. The 'HD' is in reference to their new higher-definition 'contourXD' mapping, which is available as a free upgrade to all non-HD models. In fact anything advertised about the "HD" other than the ethernet port is available on the non-HD model via a free software update from their website! So that made the decision easy for me Thanks again!

I couldn't find anywhere that promises the HD has better clarity. Both have the same pixel count and same amount of colors. The non-HD also has switchfire as well. So far I've found 2 differences (I think) - the HD has the newer 'countourXD' maps, as well as an ethernet port. If that's all I'm paying for for an additional $200 bucks, i think I'll take the older non-HD model!

Hey guys, I know this isn't the area but I REALLY need fast help so posting this here for maximum visibility. I'm at the store right now and they have a "Hummibird 798 ci SI Combo" as well as a "Humminbird 798ci HD SI" I'm picking one up before the close (about 2 hours from now.) The associates don't know the difference between the "HD" model and the "non HD" model, other than the words "HD." Can someone PLEASE help me out? The non-HD doesn't reference downscan.. is that the difference? Is there an update to make it downscan? The non-HD is about $200 cheaper. Thanks! Matt

15 pounds of what? Bass? Where on the Kings are you fishing.. above or below pine flat? What are of the San Joaquin do you fish? I've only seen one area I can get to.. by the golf course just past riverpark off the 41. It's a bit of a mess though - party spot it looks like and junk everywhere. I've heard rumors of big bass, but I just can't see where you'd be able to fish the thing at without getting a canoe or something. From Clovis/Fresno here. Try to primarily fish at McClure, Don Pedro or New Melones. I'll hit the local streams if I'm in the trout mood, but they're so heavily planted around here it's a bit of a joke lol. You can catch your limit of 5 in... 5 casts at Dinky where it enters pine flat haha. If you guys hit the local lakes soon let me know how ya do!! I'll make it out there if I hear it's picking up.

I live in Clovis out by the Clovis hospital. Getting ready to do a 4-day multi-lake trip (McClure, Don Pedro, New Melones, then probably either the Delta or Lake Pardee as the 4th.) Anyway, currently re-carpeting my bass boat (little 16 footer) which should be done here pretty soon. I don't fish locally if I can help it - I hate Millerton and Pine Flat! I do LOVE bass fishing though. I've taken many people out and they get boorreedd because they're not catching much if anything (as you well know probably, Millerton and Pine Flat aren't the best lakes to introduce someone to Bass Fishing..). Usually try to take first timers to Eastman, just a longer drive and gas prices are puttin' on the hurt!

Are you kidding, Fresno is a terrible place to fish (I know this is an old thread but thought I'd warn anyone even thinking of fishing around here!) I live right next door to Pine Flat (not really, but 30 minutes away).. both Pine and Millerton are TERRIBBLLEEE bass lakes. Especially compared to relatively close lakes - Don Pedro, New Melones, McClure, etc. You're far better driving an extra 60 minutes to get to McClure (closest of the bunch) than you are these two. Eastman is okay, but very small. It's a trophy fishery so bass must be over 24" to keep, and I think the limit is 1 or 2. Not a fun tourney style lake at all. Hensley is like Eastman but with smaller fish, uglier (note - ALL these lakes are ugly,) and gets very low in the summer.

Thanks! Do you go with the base that has that spring in it? Where it's the pin, a spring, then the base? I think they're like 16 or 17 bucks. I was eyeing those but haven't seen them used in any pictures, so wanted to make sure.

Hi all, I'm going to be getting one of those small seats you lean up against for the deck of my bass boat. This is the post I'm going to use: http://www.basspro.com/Springfield-Kingpin-Adjustable-Pedestal-Post/product/22450/71981 Can someone send me a link to the base that's supposed to go between this post and the seat itself? I don't know if this post takes the kind with the pin that goes inside, or the type that clamps to the outside. Thanks, Matt

Thanks! Ya, mine don't have any bottom to them.. the hole goes right down and it's just open on the end. Guess I could add a nut if I wanted to. Thanks!

Hello, My bass boat has universal bases for the posts.. basically a hole that fits a non-threaded kingpin style post. I wanted to know if the 'threaded' versions are the same diameter as the 'non threaded' versions. Reason being, they're about 5 bucks cheaper. Anyone know? Thanks!

When we purchased our 2006 explorer, the hitch situation was a huge pain. They're integrated on that vehicle (the 2006's anyway), so unless you want to mount a second hitch below the stock one (which looks stupid) you have to find the truck with the class IV/V already on it. Tow rating w/v8 and the larger hitch size is great though - I'm rated at 7,500 lbs. Ford says your mas w/the hitch you have is 3,000 lb's. I highly doubt a 17' ranger is even more than 2000lb's.. so you should be fine. Unfortunately with the 2012 explorers, while they look great, they're now a 'crossover SUV' and no longer built on a true truck frame. As such, the 2006-2010 model Explorers have the best tow rating you can get for that vehicle. The explorer died with the 2012 model year.. they should have named it something else entirely. Love the 2012's, but too much changed to still call it an Explorer.

Thanks for the info guys. It's not at all a matter of money. New trolling motor, new battery, whatever. I'm just looking for the best long-term (and safe) solution. Surprised a bit about the thoughts on 12v. I used a 12v system for years on a much heavier 16' boat and it would last me all day. That was back in the 90's. Have trolling motors become less efficient or something? LOL! To be fair, that was a stern mounted, 30-ish # thrust motor.. so I'm sure it drew a lot less. That said it had a battery gauge on it. Strange.. old school motor with a feature that your basic modern motor doesn't come with.. lame. So I suppose I'll stay with my current 24v motor. I have a large commercial (for tractors), 12v cranking battery I can use for the evinrude.. then take the rude's current cranking battery (it's one of those walmart deep cycle hybrid batteries), move it back, use that as 1 of the 2 TM batteries and pick up a new battery (same model) for the other 12 volts. That's going to be a TON of weight on the drivers-side (the boat's only major storage compartment is also on the drivers side, under the front deck), but I'll give it a shot. I guess my main question I should have asked was this - did the 16' ranger 320v come with 3 batteries in the back? Were the TM batteries mounted somewhere under the front deck instead? That's really the only thing I'm concerned about.. safety. If you guys are saying that I'll be totally fine.. as in.. it had 3 batteries as an option from the factory.. then I have absolutely nothing to worry about. I love the 24v idea for run-time.. especially on my 2-day trips.. just want to make sure it's safe. Random question - do you guys have your fish finders hooked up to your cranking battery, or do you have that on 1 of your 2 TM battery's as well? Thanks! [edit] - thanks for the tip on the NAPA group 24's. I get a business discount from NAPA too so all the better! I think I'll check out Costco too.. hear their kirkland deep cycle's are pretty good (if I don't end up just getting another walmart battery - have had good success with those for quite awhile) Boat specs (just found them) 15.6" Long Hull weight of 760lbs Motor: 115hp Evinrude (60-degree model)

Is it that black and white? I know the one I have is seriously strong - I never use the 2 highest settings on it. I can find 12v 55lb thrust motors out there. Is it the battery life that you think I'd have an issue with?

Hello, I have a 1996 "Ruffnek" boat (http://www.ruffnekboats.com/). It's basically (it is) a clone of a Ranger. The boat is 16' in length and has a 115hp Evinrude on the back. Currently, the boat is equipped with an Evinrude branded, 75lb thrust, 24v bow mount trolling motor. Things is, from the factory, they hooked it up where 12v comes from the starting battery, and the other 12v from the secondary battery (this company is in Zimbabwe.. interesting standards.. like no venting in the bilge area). Obviously this isn't ideal as the more you run the boat and fish, the more one battery (the starting battery), stays charged while the other battery goes dead. That 2nd battery has now died on me (the non-starter battery), so I'm re-thinking this setup. Here's my question. I see two options: 1) Go with a 12v, 45lb thrust trolling motor. I then only need 2 batteries in total. 2) Keep my 24v motor, and put a 3rd battery in the back. Here's my MAJOR concern: balance and weight. The boat is only 16' long, and it's low profile to begin with. I'm nervious adding a 3rd battery in the back, where I already have the 15 gallon gas tank, oil reservoir, etc. I'm also worried about balance. Currently 1 battery is on each side of the boat, and in the center is the oil tank for the oil injection system. So with that, I have to put the 3rd battery with one of the 2 batteries on either side. I'd be concerned that this will cause a fairly un-level boat while fishing. I'm also concerned that the rear-end is going to sit lower than I'm comfortable with. The boat has 2 more seats (can't see them in the pic below), behind the drivers and passenger seats (so seating for 4). I, at times, have 4 people with me if we're just cruising around. That could mean for quite a bit of weight back there. Suggestions? I personally like the 12v route.. cheaper in the long run.. less batteries and therefore less overall maintenance. But.. is 45lb enough? Boat is light... guessing 1000lb's dry weight max (just hull and motor). The 24v I have on there can almost put the stinkin' boat on a plane when it's dialed up all the way lol! [edit] - Here's my boat (well not mine, but same model). Mine needs some trailer and carpet work