gm4511

I've purchased a lot of Garmin maps, always on line through Garmin to insure they're legit. The new chart does not overwrite the chart in the unit. If you remove the micro sd card, your unit reverts to the built-in chart. I found using Active Captain was a pain but I guess it's the future. You can purchase a sd card and avoid the download. One thing I found for NC coastal rivers is that there is not a lot of depth information available. The major channels are marked but other than that, not that much. I used the Quick Draw contours to help out, keeping in mind the tidal changes in depth.

There is one tire on the market today that is heads and shoulders better than the rest. Goodyear Endurance Trailer tires are universally recommended on many boating discussion groups.

I'd bet the newer model Fortrex comes with a stainless steel lift cable. Either way, replacement cables are definitely steel cable: https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoors.com/accessories/trolling-motor/cable-handle-mka-49

I believe so:

I had the same problem on my 93sv UHD. Called Garmin and they suggested a complete reset. That fixed it. https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/echomapplus/EN-US/GUID-E7C4E21F-D79E-4E4A-B055-51BA726AD519.html

I think you may be over-thinking this. If Suburu says your car can tow 3,000 lbs and you adjust your driving habits to allow for longer stopping times when towing, you should be fine. A Tracker Pro 170 completely rigged with trailer only weighs 1840 lbs. dry. With full fuel, an extra battery, fishing gear and misc. stuff, you'll still be well below 3,000 lbs. But, if you really want a new suv, get it anyway.

A word of caution, this jacket is a Type V with Type lll performance. That means it must be worn to count in your boat's inventory. If it's not worn, it's as if it doesn't exist if your checked.

So, assuming this is your first boat, I'd avoid used. Used prices are crazy, you have no idea what may be wrong with it, and no warranty to help with problems. Plus, given your budget, finding a good quality and problem free boat will be tough and if you do have problems, you'll blow your budget up. Aluminum boats are great first boats and fill the bill for the lakes you mentioned. They're also cheaper to operate, maintain, and tow. Stretch your budget and consider https://www.trackerboats.com/bass/bass-tracker-classic-xl.html Not quite a bass boat, but the deep v offers more room and safety for your young family. https://www.trackerboats.com/deep-v/super-guide-v-16-sc.html Either boat is well laid out, fully equipped, and ready to fish. Plus, you have the advantage of warranties and a dealer to stand behind you. Research dealers as best you can to see who offers the best service. If you decide on a Tracker, Cabelas and Hern Marine carry them in your area.

Your 5 amp charger is fine. 10 amps will charge faster but will generate more heat which reduces the life of the battery. https://federalbatteries.com.au/news/charging-absorbed-glass-mat-agm-battery

Since I've started wearing my pfd all the time, I got tired of re-attaching the kill switch to the jacket and sometimes I forgot to do so. Instead, I bought an electronic FELL marine kill switch. https://buy.fellmarine.com/collections/mob-wireless-man-overboard-system/products/mob-basepack-multifob It's not inexpensive and requires installation but the freedom inside the boat is great and well worth the money and time to install. I never forget to use it as the motor won't start until you activate the unit.

Duckett Micro Magic 7' LM spinning rod. Light enough for light baits but enough backbone for several 6lb+ bass.

I've used a day cooler like this to carry and protect my 93sv for years: https://rticoutdoors.com/Day-Coolers?name=Day-Cooler&size=8-Can&color=Navy Insulation in cooler serves as padding. I only carried the head unit, not mount or transducer but maybe one of the larger sizes will work.

Good grief, when did a fiberglass 17'-18' bass boat equiped with a high performance engine, needed options, safety equipment, and a great warranty become unsuitable for a beginning boater. I've never owned a bass boat over 18' and was ignorantly happy for all those years. ATA, the dealer WRB recommended looks like an established and full service dealer. Climb all over the Nitro and Triton and see which one you like. One other suggestion is to consider a Platinum Warranty for the Mercury. Don't bother with the Gold plan, it doesn't cover much. Good luck and enjoy!

When I saltwater fish with my buddy, I use my Duckett freshwater spinning rod and swap out the President reel for a Penn Battle ll spooled with Stren clear 10lb. Rinse with fresh water afterwards and I've never had a problem. Interestingly, I seem to catch more than the others on the boat. I attribute it to better sensitivity. Target fish are reds and trout. Flounder are by catch since NC regs are draconian.

Absolutely, the Captain is responsible for the safety of their boat. Fiberglass boats are not inherently safer than aluminum.