Al Wolbach

Storing the tanks full is not just from the past. I spoke with my neighbor yesterday while he was winterizing his new 2015 pontoon boat. He told me his owners manual directed storing the gas tank full for winter storage. I forgot to ask if the manual was for the boat or mercury motor, but apparently one of them called for a slightly heavy dose of Sta-bil and a full tank. I will get that clarified next time I speak with him.

I agree with you in part. The plastic tanks will not rust. They will however hold condensation just like the metal tanks. Rust has not been an issue for years. Water remains an issue to this day, especially with ethanol gasoline.

Tom, I may be wrong but my understanding is the fuel treatments prevent the ethanol and water (from condensation) from turning into a jello like product in your fuel, not preventing condensation. Also keeping the tank full helps to prevent the water from forming due to lack of(or less) air in the tank. My understanding is the only way to prevent any water from reaching the engine is a water separator. To totally prevent any fuel problems, if you use ethanol fuel in a built in tank, is to combine fuel treatment, store a full tank, and install a water separator. Or utilize a system such as way2slows system. If I'm wrong let me know

It seems most people love him or hate him but I think nearly everyone will admit the man was a good head coach. I suspect he quit mid season due to pressure from fans and boosters and he left on his terms.....

That last sentence nails it. lol. Sorry man just couldn't resist a cheap shot.....

That last sentence nails it. lol. Sorry man just couldn't resist a cheap shot.....

With my hearing I can't identify anything less than 10 megatons

Good read and excellent advice

Thanks, I will try it also. I googled it to find out where to get it. Most auto parts stores will have it. It's primary purpose is to lube brakes........Al

The water inlet for the live wells should be the hole next to the drain plug. It probably is not threaded so you will need an adjustable drain plug to stick in the hole. On my boat the cooler drain plugs will work, not sure on a Ranger. You can get an adjustable drain plug at Walmart or you can trim a cork stopper. Anything that will stop up the hole that you can remove later. Go fishing, release your fish, then check for water after the trip. If little or no water present, your live well plumbing is the problem. There is almost always a little water in the bilge if the boat was used recently. One other source of water that know one has mentioned is your coolers. If you drain your coolers this water goes to the bilge and is removed by pulling the drain plug or using the bilge pump....

Good news. An occasional priority shift is needed to deal with life challenges. Good luck and come back when you can. I will miss reading your advice.

Many will say use braid. I like floro but try to break your line when you set the hook, yes that hard. And of course very sharp hooks.

Bring a tear to a glass eye. Great story.

Good luck with a large decision. Dandridge is a nice little town if you are not in the city limits and most lake lots are not. If you look across the narrow bridge in town(green bridge), that bridge is scheduled for replacement next year. Construction starts next year, with approximately two year construction.

I have zero experience with anti-slip flooring. That said, even high grade carpet shows wear after a couple of years and if you plan to keep the boat a long time or store the boat outside I would highly recommend the anti-slip flooring.

I've never had the shear guts to teach school but admire those that can. Good luck and God Bless

I suspect if you live in the northeast Tom Brady and the Pats are victims. If you live in the south, they are guilty as hell. Who knows what they think out west. Just joking. BTW, I live in the south....

One thing I should mention, the real estate agencies around the lakes specialize in a certain lake. For example the offices in Dandridge are primarily Douglas and the offices in Jefferson City/Morristown primarily Cherokee Lake. Any of the lakes in East Tennessee are great areas to live and fish. The lakes downstream of Knoxville are usually higher property values because the lake levels do not fluctuate as much(usually only a few feet). The levels mostly remain constant year round, therefore property cost more. The lower lakes also connect through dam locks to the lakes in other states throughout the TVA chain. When you get near Chilhowee Lake you very near/in the mountains. I ride my Harley up there and it is beautiful but I have not fished that area at all. Loudon/Tellico has to many very vessels to suit my taste(bigwakes) but the lake itself is nice. Again, any lake in East Tennessee is a great place to live.

If you are looking for a Real estate agent Mark Jackson with Jackson Real Estate or Ed Franklin with Franklin Real Estate should be able to help. Both have a good local reputation and are honest men. I have not had any professional dealings with either but have had personal dealings and will recommend both. If you want to contact them, Jackson is 865-397-4214, Franklin is 865-397-0670. Of the two my first choice would be Mark Jackson. Dandridge is a small town with only two traffic lights but approximately eight real estate offices lol. Any should be able to help if you need it and you probably will since the lakes properties are spread out over several counties. Let me know if I can help.

If you go to TVA website you can find a lot of info on these lakes. That said, I live on Douglas in Dandridge. The fishing is good on Douglas but I actually prefer to bass fish on Cherokee(larger avg size). Crappie fishing on Douglas is exceptional during the colder months. Be advised, both of these lakes are lowered approximately 50ft during the winter months. This fact is shocking to many people from the north that are house hunting in this area. My newest neighbors are from Chicago and Pittsburg respectfully. BTW, TVA is Tennessee Valley Authority. They build and control all the lakes, rivers and power generating dams Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Their website has a lot of info, sorry I don't have a link but a google search should be productive. BTW, Chickamauga is only two hours and nearly all interstate drive(from Dandridge). TVA web site can provide bass catch rates for all their lakes, just a lot of good info.

I live in a 2 traffic light town and we have several stations with ethanol free gasoline. The town is on the lake, so many boats but also many farm tractors. Farmers really don't like ethanol, God bless 'em

I agree, that's where I would start looking....

Wait until you turn 65, crappie fishing becomes an exciting day on the water...

Ditto

Is that a Bowfin or a Snakehead?