BG RTR

No radio here . I've put it on a heavy duty charger and will test it to see if it can be salvaged. If not then I plan to go with a dual purpose.

Repair shop left my power switch on and now my cranking battery is dead and will not recharge. Should I replace with a "Marine Battery" or an Automotive battery? Since it is for cranking, what is the difference between automotive and cranking?

I wouldn't run wide open from the ramps to the North bank. It is deeper that a little closer to the dam, but I would still be cautious. If you head due North from the ramp, then you will go into the mouth of Bluewater creek. Be really careful on the east side of the mouth as there is a submerged lock, power lines, etc. Its a bad area to be in. If you fish the mouth of Bluewater, then I recommend heading in from the west side.

Should also add that u need to be careful headed to and from the main Chanel back into doublehead. There are some shallow and stumpy areas.

Power lines east is shallow and rocky. U can go in there just idle along and watch for the rocks! I was on Wilson last week and water is fairly clear (4 ft or so). Feel free to pm me any specific questions. Thx.

I won't be there for the banquet.

It is a motor guide cable steer

Went with a 3 bank Min Kota. Has a 3 year warranty on it. Oddly enough Walmart.com had the best price,

What is your price range? I just bought my first boat after over a year of looking. I found that most dealers have boats that are 15K and more. Craigslist had the most under 10K.

In a brand new boater and terrible at positioning the boat and running the trolling motor. Any tips?

Thanks! I think I have figured out what I want to do. There is a hinged metal shelf that covers the bilge area. It is connected the to the transom and rest on a shelf, bridging the bilge. The previous owner had folded it back, out of the way. I can fold it down and it makes for a perfect mounting place.

I have a 96 Stratos 285XL. This is my first boat and I have a new battery charger that I would like to mount. As far as location, there is an area next to my cranking battery (in the bilge) that will work. However, I'm nervous about inserting mounting screws as I'm afraid that I may hit something (gas tank, etc.) or put a hole in the boat! Any thoughts / help would be appreciated.

Don't think I'll be able to attend the banquet. Thx.

Sure will. I'm really looking forward to it! Plan to hit Wilson a few times before then.

Just purchased my first boat. I have a cranking battery and 2 batteries for trolling motor, electronics, etc. Should I get a 2 or 3 bank charger? Any recommendations on what brand or features to look for? Thanks for the help!

Now I just have to master the launching and loading process without embarrassing myself.

After searching DAILY and putting 4 bosts in the water I found her. Thx to all for the advice! Link to pic below http://s1276.photobucket.com/user/brandongray1/media/6D805BC3-9C72-4084-BBA0-7839E5F4C5F5_zpsyzyknug8.jpg.html

Just rode out to Double Head. It looked really nice. It has been a while since I was out there and it still looks great. They also have a boat launch on the property.

Yep. That is about the closest place for a good breakfast.

Thx for the good advice. Looked at the pro craft. Like the design but this particular boat had a few issues. That being said I'm going to keep looking. It's been a year looking so far so a little longer will not be ideal but will have to be ok. I guess the words I keep hearing are "don't settle." I'm sure I will find what I'm looking for.

Any opinions on a Johnson Fast Strike 115? Its a 97 model. I really like the boat it is on and considering buying it, but I haven't heard many good things about Johnson motors. I figured you guys could chime in and help me out . Thanks as always for the help- finding my first boat has been a learning experience!

Quick update - just heard back from the owner of the Stratos. He isn't budging any on price. Considering the condition of the boat (and my budget) it looks like this one will have to be a no go. Plan to take a trip to look at the Pro Craft this weekend.

Thanks for all the input! Another thing I'm trying to consider is resale value. I would like to eventually move up to a nicer boat, so being able to sell in a few years is important to me.

Hope to have some pictures I can post this evening. The ProCraft is 5K and the Stratos is 7K. The Stratos is at the top of my price range.