Guitarfish

Was half way across SF Bay once before I realized I was standing in water. A week earlier while remounting seats, my bud that was helping apparently didn't stop drilling once he was thru the deck. He drilled eight holes all the way thru the hull. It was funny later after all the work to repair was done. I hit a sand bar at about 30mph once, threw everyone forward pretty good. Had to get out and push the boat off in 12" of water while sunk to my knees.

My biggest (something approaching a peeve), is the hire of non English-understanding folks. I'm not saying they don't deserve a job just like anyone else, but why put them in a position where they just can't communicate? English is no longer a requirement. The fast food drive thru ordering is bordering on a 50-50 chance of the order being right, lol. The lady is super nice so I can't get mad. I just check my order before moving. The other day my son ordered just meat & cheese tacos for himself while picking up family lunch, we all got tacos with lots of lettuce and NO cheese. I'm learning Spanish fast.

Ike, Home Depot has Paslode tool cleaner spray. No crazy odor and won't hurt Plastic. I spray thru bearings from each side while laying on a paper towel. Then spritz with TS 321 oil. Simple and it works. I ruined a brand new vintage reel (appearance) once using carb cleaner. It softened the side plate, then I mushed it up with a rag. To say nothing of what it feels like if carb cleaner splashes in your eye.

I've loaded Maxima 6lb on all my baitcasters for 20+ years. One break off in all that time. I hooked in to something that almost jerked my rod out of my hand. I had the drag way too tight. I guess I'm too dumb to know I'm doing it wrong. (I'm not talking heavy cover).

I don't think the OP said a thing about dry starting. He asked if you start the motor at home before taking it to the fishing hole. If he starts it every time prior he must be using the muffs or he would be asking about water pump kits. In answer, yes. I do start my motor prior to any trip. I want to be sure it sounds good, cranks properly, etc. Just makes sense to me.

You sound as frustrated as I am this morning. I have a customer that emailed this morning with a fixture that is dim. I asked is 'it one of the two I worked on previously?', and got an 'it's in the back'. Yes or no darn it! I was at O's yesterday with my retired body shop buddy, as we were working on refurbing my Toyota's trim. But, he also showed me a trick of using a clay-bar-like tool with a rubber face. Just spray Meguire's detail spray wax and rub a bit. Smooth as glass in a minute or two. Cost me a bit over $30 for tool and big bottle, but low effort.

Well, I'm going to keep you in mind when I get to it. I'm just retired (2nd week) and get to play with my boat finally. Thanks for the info.

I do to keep the sun off my old skin. I was soaked in the two hour job I had in the morning.

I was in West Marine yesterday and I have to agree with the 5" screen being readable. I used to use a small handheld GPS on the Pacific coming and going out the gate. I actually was thinking to myself that I should just go back to using the smaller units. I don't want to clutter my dash area on the boat I'm refurbing. (Antique Whaler). (Guitar finger picker hack myself). Martin 000-15S

Wish I had a neighbor that had some 2 stroke rebuild skills. I have a 1986 Evinrude 70hp that I bought from a guy for $200. He says another guy tried to rebuild it and then couldn't get it started. I'm going to scope it and see if it has new pistons. But, yeah on the bluff and buster mechanic.

Thanks for that. I'll have to get my delta map out and look.

I made molds of several different swimbaits in several different sizes. I then proceeded to make baits until I had a duffle bag full! For saltwater I poured lead balls, then lead head jigs, then I just bought a Spro style jig head mold. I have no idea if I'm saving or wasting money lol.

Whoa Big Rick, eight kids......not much idle time for sure! I agree with your statement. I observed the busy Scouts, and the kids that turned out as idle monsters in our neighborhood. With nothing to focus on the rules didn't apply.

Since you used it in salt take it apart and take a look inside. If you see any crystals do a real cleaning. I don't use a reel in saltwater unless it's got a thin layer of grease on all the guts. Don't over do it and use light oil on the levelwinds, handle knobs, etc. I think Corrosion X grease would be great for general stuff, Cal's on drag washers. I have the TS 321 for bearings, excellent for everything you want to protect but don't want to slow down with grease. In saltwater grease is a must, but the freshwater reels like lighter oils. Get some 321 and you will be set. I bought 3 small bottles a couple of years ago and still have 2-1/2 bottles, lol. Any marine grease for your salt water use. I actually have some Corrosion X that doesn't get used so I guess it was an impulse buy. I have heard of thinning down Corrosion X with 321 for lighter apps. All that I'm saying is don't over think it and don't over apply it.

I think I'd want to see it in the water. Anything is doable if cheap enough to spend time on. My 12' Gregor is welded but kept acquiring a quart of water per trip. I kept thinking the adjustable plug wasn't tight enough. Then I discovered the transom wood was rotting because the nuts & bolts had no sealant on them. Water was forcing it's way in thru the holes. I replaced the transom wood and sealed all the screws with 4200. 5200 turns hard and tough to remove.

Good call.

Welcome Stephen! You are fishing my stomping grounds but I haven't been able to fish them this year. I was finishing up all my jobs so I could retire last week. When it's hot I would check every laydown and shady spot out there, or at least where the suns not beating the tulies. Let me know if you find some real slow water areas I can fish in my 2 man plastic BassHunter.

My wife hooked up with all toads before me, so 100%.

My first boat was a Bayliner 16'. It was not the best boat but I was on the water! My best friend said to me, 'You know that's like the Volkswagen bug of boats right'? He never got a ride in any of my boats and I always let him know how much fun we had and how many fish we caught, lol. I'm on my fourth boat since, and still no rides. Enjoy your new boat!

Go auto. If you bump your head on the way out of the boat you want it to work anyway. Look for material in the neck area that won't chafe your skin. I think Mustang has that. And wear it, as they don't count as a required life jacket in the boat unless it is worn.

Hiccups?

I don't know you Tom, but I got teary eyed reading your pain. I can't imagine how much that hurts. I lost my best friend and fishing has taken a back seat now for 6 years. But I want you to get out there when you can even if it's just to float. I went out to a couple of 'our' spots and talked it out. Take all the time it takes to grieve. It will hurt less eventually, and I bet your son would like to see you out there. The memories are forever. Best of luck to you.

Had a 1996 Spectrum 19' with a 115hp Force I bought used. Never leaked, never in the shop. I guess I'm one of two of the luckiest suckers ever. I did replace the deck ply and carpet. I thought it was a great lake and bay boat. It rode nice too.

Oh yeah that would suck. I forgot about those. Good luck finding replacements for sure.

My method is free....-$7.00. Not saying it's wrong to use them but any thing with alcohol on it will work. But thanks for the link, my wife uses them for lots of stuff. I'm constantly reminding her not to use them on scratchable surfaces, they will put superfine scratches in finishes.