BassnChris

I fogged the engine, trim the motor down, changed the lower unit oil, pulled batteries, grease trailer wheels, cover and then cover with tarp. My main issue is that there have been a number of good weather days that I would have used the boat if not winterized. I am working on a solution that will allow me to get my boat inside my garage for next year...not heated per se, I have a little 4' heat lamp suspended over the washer and dryer just as insurance. The garage does not get below freezing with the lamp on....I may add another one. I think I would rather have my truck sit out in the snow (if we get much) and cold .....and have my boat inside where I can get to it to tinker around if I want to. After all, I will just be going to work if I need my truck......and if I am tinkering with the boat I will be off work. I appreciate all the info folks.

Yeah I see the need farther up North. You guys could probably have penguins for pets as cold as it gets up that way, eh?

This was my first winter as a boat owner. I live NE Oklahoma and the guy I bought my boat from said I should winterize it. I have had some conversations with both customers and employees at my local Bass Pro shop and none of them winterize their boats. I told them it was my first winter as a boat owner and I was being very careful. they laughed and said I would get over that and there too many nice days in OK to fish in the winter to winterize the boat. I waited until mid November to winterize but there were still some days I could have gone out all the way into December. I am afraid of the water freezing and cracking my lower unit or cooling system. Founded or unfounded worries? Just wondering if any of you guy/gals winterize your boats and where you live? And if you do still take your boat out in the colder weather, are there any issues when you take the boat out of the water with anything freezing on the cold ride home? As I undertand it.....my only concerns should be is there water in my lower unit oil and is there any water in the cooling system (water pump) that could freeze. Not sure how long the water stays in the water pump/cooling system.......or if it all drains out when you pull the boat out of the water. Looking for a reason to de-winterize my boat and get back out on the water this weekend....in the cold.

Welcome. Alot of good information and people willing to share.

Dang! One more thing for me to worry about because that all makes sense. I think I will try the saran wrap idea.......I really want the cover on while transporting to Pickwick in May. Anyone use those cover support straps that go from back to front of the boat to lend support for the cover and is suppose to help stop water pooling? This year my boat had to live outside.....i put my cover on it and then a big honking tarp too. Someone told me that the sun would eat my cover up quickly and that I should use a tarp......so I do.

Welcome. Alot of info and everyone will help when they can.

I agree with you..........I have been out of fishing for 20 yrs and just started back in Spring 2012.......there is ALOT of information here. I have been re-educated on some things and learned alot of new things too. Thanks to everyone who responds to posts and provides information.

Happy New Year to you Welcome back and may things settle down for you this year!

Yeah me too..............but now it's the only thing I own outright so I think I'll keep it. I guess I'm gonna keep spending money chasing the bait monkey and trying to get my boat setup the way I want. My resoloution this year is...................that I will wait until next year to make a resolution.

You don't want your unit slamming on the deck if it slips. Yeah......the "slamming" part is what I am worried about. This looks like a great idea with or without recessed tray........I do not have the recessed tray but that is another thing I am wanting to add.....just thinking through since it is such a permanant thing. Thanks again....I like that bracket.

If you were mounting a HDS-10 Gen 1 at the bow.......the RAM-D-111U should work? does there need to be a shock guard as well?

Hey RangerPhil........looks like we kind of hijacked your thread? I got my boat last year and mounted a humminbird 597ci HD DI at the console and would spin that around to view from the bow. I had a very old humminbird (model unknown) that came with boat but did not use it much. I did get kind of old spinning it around....but I was able to get by and I was going to buy another 597 for the bow but changed my mind and ended up switching out for Lowrance. I will not recommend any particular brand or model.......get the one that you like best. Personally, I prefer the side imaging units but they tend to cost more. I only wished I had given it a little more thought last year.........I did not realize until this year that I wanted my bow unit and console unit to talk to each other....networked. The 597ci HD DI is not networkable so I started looking to move up into the humminbirds that were networkable.........then finally crossed over to Lowrance networkable finders. Everyone has their preferences..........I think both companies have some great units. If you get a chance to go to someplace like Bass Pro.......to touch and push buttons on the finders before buying is good idea. And at least the guys in my local BP are very knowledgable about the electronics. Good luck. Chris

Yeah I have seen that one too. Still comes out to 12.28 per POT more......just wondering how much difference 7 POT make? Thanks

I agree with that 100%. I am just not sure that 7 lbs of thrust is worth $220?

This youtube video makes it look like it will stand up ok to the rigors of bass fishing.

I hate borrowing anything...old or new. Does not matter. If it breaks while I am using it then I have to have it fixed or buy them a new one.....and the net result is I have to pay for it and still have nothing of my own. I have never borrowed a boat.....not sure I could do that.....with the unknowns lurking under the surface and the downright stupidity of other boaters or water craft users. I would say purchase a boat of your own......but do not settle or you will not be happy. If you know what you have in mind then wait until that boat comes along. Anytime you buy something used you run risks but with research and a good mechanic you greatly reduce the risk of ending up with a lemon. Maybe you can take out some insurance on your moms boat to cover any damages you might incur......while waiting for your boat to show itself? Good luck....I know you are anxious but think it all the way through. I am sure others with more experience will chime in. Chris

I know they say to buy the trolling motor with the most thrust that you can afford. What I am wondering is at what point is the extra power not worth the money it cost? Are there any rules of thumb? How much difference does a pound of thrust (POT) make? compare 75 lbs to 82 lbs in the motorguide tour series. With features being the same (except for thrust)......tr-75 is $859 or $11.45/POT and the tr-82 is $1079 or 13.15/POT. the difference is 7 POT.......not to over analyze................(too late!)......is the difference in price warranted for only 7 more POT? I am thinking the tr-75 is a better value and should just save the $220, eh?

I knew I was getting old when I would hesitate before performing anything that could result in an injury........and think,"how long will it take for me to heal from this if it goes wrong."

I know.......I do the same thing. My recent fish finder purchases........my co-workers have to hear me talk about them everyday....all day......for no telling how many days. And I have not even been able to mount them yet (weather).........it is a disease I guess......at least a condition!

Welcome....lots of info here.

Welcome. Lots of info here. Feel free to share your knowledge.......learning is a 2way street.

Guilty as charged. But, one I do I will not be able to buy another if turns out I should gotten the cable steer. I really stress over decisions like this. I have been fretting over the fish finder decision for 2 months.

Thank you kindly. I appreciate the pointer........I'll be sure to keep that in mind while fishing Pickwick in May.

If you live close to a Bass Pro......they just radically marked down their Gen 1 HDS units....but they are flying out the door.

You don't fish any lakes in Oklahoma do you?