Capt Ed

Just a general comment about the sealants you mentioned. 3M 5200 is a permanent sealant and should only be used if you never intend to take apart or replace the item you're sealing. 3M 4200 provides a completely water tight bond, but is not quite as strong as 5200. It can be removed by conventional methods like heat, scrapers, and other mechical means.

If your local stores don't have what you need, you might try etrailer.com or eastermarine.com.

Well, believe it nor, I'm happy you found your Mercury problem. Maybe this will start to give you more confidence in your engine.

I agree, I doubt if I would notice a 20% improvement in resolution on my echomaps. Maybe a more expensive GPSmap would make a difference. However, I think the new system hopefully fixes the stabilization issues with the LVS34 many have experienced. Other advantages of the new system are better range, wider sonar coverage, automatic turn off when transducer comes out of the water, and no longer needing the black box. I'll be ordering the new one when my wife is more favorable to spending this much money to replace something that already works.

Going to any web site for help in diagnosing an engine problem is a fool's errand. You've got what you asked for. Any competent certified Mercury service center should be able to diagnosis and repair your engine quickly. The current 150 hp Pro XS is about as bullet proof as they come. Do a little leg work and research who the most reliable dealers are in your area. If your dealer doesn't fix the problem, time to move on. You're not going to find any knowledgeable prop professionable who will recommend an aluminum prop for your performance oriented outboard. Swallow your pride and get a SS prop that gives you the performance you want. Lastly, you might try dealing with people in a less defensive manner.

The long awaited "new and improved" Garmin Live Scope is out. Canada pricing is shown, US should follow soon. https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/1908376/ GarminLiveScope™ 2 HD TransducerLVS42HD

That will work to provide flotation. I understand a drawback is it melts when exposed to gas or oil.

I've had so much trouble with bad Garmin LVS34 transducer's, I feel I've barely scratched the surface of what it offers. Rumors are strong Garmin will release an improved version very soon. I hope the new version is simpler to use, reliable, and works with the Garmin Echomap Ultra 2 mfd I have. On the plus side, I use forward view to see if there are fish in the area, location, and depth. I haven't progressed to targeting individual fish but this has served me well to improve my general catch rates.

I'm amazed at what you've done with your rig. Congratulations! Maybe I missed this in your earlier posts, but have you thought about adding foam flotation blocks?

Until you post pictures of what you have along with your comments, there's not much I can think of to help. You might want to explore Springfield Marine to see if you can match what you need. https://www.springfieldgrp.com/

Maybe so, but if your new friend feels, as so many people do, that it brings bad luck to a fishing trip, and you're stubborn about it, good luck on being invited again. https://fishanywhere.com/blog/9-things-not-to-bring-on-a-fishing-charter-and-why

I've towed trailers for over 50 years. I've used every type motor supports there are and never had a cracked transom. To me the only purpose a support provides is to keep the skeg off the pavement. Use the one you like.

Lots of good ideas so far. Here's my extensive list for fishing for the first time with an acquaintance. Fish hard the whole trip but always keep in mind, your friend is considering how you do and it will influence their thinking about having you back again. Show up early. Ready to go, with your fishing license and your own life vest. Most Captains will tell you what to do. If not, ask how you can help. Only do what you're told to do. Take two rods, three at most. Have them pre-rigged. Lures and baits in a small tackle box. Don't forget your own line clippers and pliers. Pack the bare minimum. Put everything you're taking in a tackle backpack, including extra lures, clothes, towels,and gear. If you run out of room, take things out before hand, not at the dock. A small cooler is ok. Be sure to have a couple extra drinks and snacks to offer the Captain. When you board, ask the owner where you should put your gear. Keep your gear neat and stowed properly during the trip. Immediately put your trash back in your backpack. Don't let it blow or roll around in the boat. Secure your things so they don't blow overboard by the wind or making way. When you're onboard, never attempt to do anything unless the owner directs you. Of course, use common sense. Never touch or pickup the owners gear. When fishing, never cast over the captains line, or intrude on the area they're fishing. Your zone is from the center of the boat to the rear. You take responsibility for not getting hit by the front anglers backcast and for not hitting and damaging anything on the boat when you cast. While fishing, do everything you can to not get hung up. It will happen but try to keep it to the minimum. At the end of the day before you dock, clean and organize your area as if you were never there. When your done for the day and heading in, If the owner pulls up to the gas docks, try to pay the whole bill. If he doesn't gas up, as soon as the boat's tied up, voluntarily offer the Captain gas money. Forty dollars seems reasonable to me for a freshwater bass trip. Offer to help clean the boat.

Congratulations! Now is the time to upgrade the Gold plan to a Platinum Plan. Platinum protection is much broader than the Gold.

I think you'll be very happy with a new Mercury 150 four stroke, especially the Pro xs model. It's a very dependable engine, light weight, and delivers plenty of torque. I'm in my seventh season with mine. The only problem I've had is a bad alternator that was replaced under warranty. Mine is a 2020 model and this problem may be corrected now.