Everything posted by Capt Ed
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Thoughts on a 2019 Nissan Sentra towing a 12 foot aluminum boat.
You can find after market trailer hitches that will fit this model Sentra that are rated to tow 2,000lbs. but there's no way the car is rated to tow 2,000lbs. The curb weight is only 2,889lbs. and it's max payload is around 900 to 987lbs. Towing a 2000lb. trailer with a Sentra is a dangerous deal. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a light weight rig weighting much less than 1,000lbs and with the right hitch, have no problems.
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Could have been tragic! Check your PFD.
It's true that many inflatable pfd's must be worn to count. It's not true that all inflatable's must be worn to count. Onyx and many other pfd's are USCG rated Type V and must be worn. Normally, these jackets use a water sensitive bobbin that, in the presence of water, dissolve and release the firing pin, inflating the jacket. IMO, they are the least reliable mechanism that can be used. Mustang H.I.T. pfd's use a hydrostatic inflator that must be submerged 4" in water before they inflate. They are not subject to pre-mature inflation due to rain, humidity, or spray. They are USCG rated as Type ll when used for recreational purposes. They do not have to be worn to count.
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Questions from a 1st Time Fish Finder Purchase
I'm probably out of line here so I apologize in advance. However, I can't understand why you're willing to invest so much in electronics, yet fish out of a kayak from Dick's, that I have to assume you're paddling. There are a lot of pedal powered kayaks out there from under $1000 up to $2500 that have accessories for mounting electronics. An example: https://www.hobie.com/au/en/kayaks/mirage-compass/ You should still have plenty of money to buy a good electronic set up.
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Garmin/hummingbird compatibility
Obviously it's your choice. However, if you're used to the Garmin, I'd stick with that brand and get all the features they offer. I've attached many Garmin transducers to my Minn Kota's without a problem.
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Battery help needed if possible....I'm clueless
Premium brands that give great customer service are Impulse Lithium and Drewcraft Ionic Lithium. Less expensive but still have relatively good reputations are LiTime and Power Queen batteries.
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Bimini top recommendation?
My bimini came from: https://www.boatcoversdirect.com/products/bimini_tops/ Enter your boat mfg. and model. I got the Sunbrella model for my boat and ordered the a taller size, 54". I used Railblaza track mounts. I'm very pleased with the result. My wife is the happiest,
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2025 National Safe Boating Week ~
Lots of good information already shared. I'll add one more. Keep a proper lookout. This should be a no brainer when operating the boat but many of us forget about it when we shut off the big motor and start fishing. This is important with all the new operators on the water and the crowded conditions we face on more and more lakes. It's important day or night. This is especially true if you're in a blind spot or near the channel.
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Which Echomap?
The UHD2 73SV touch screen does come with a GT54 transducer for $949.99. The 9" version comes with a GT56 for $1199.99.
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Mercury Vessel View mobile app
You're right, the SmartCraft Connect Mobile replaces the original Vessel View Mobile. The SmartCraft Connect is a new item and it integrates with Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine displays utilizing NEMA 2000.
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Mercury Vessel View mobile app
Mercury has replaced the original. $225 roughly, vessel view mobile with a new version that costs $700 plus. With the new version, you can view your info on your mfd. The old one was viewed on your cell phone. I'm not upgrading, the old version gives me everything I need.
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Battery issues
Wouldn't it be much simpler to just have one agm 31 isolated to power the electronics and the other agm 31 power only the motor and accessories?
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Bar in Echomap Plus
Make sure the new Echomap model you buy can be networked with your older echomap. The new Echomap UHD 2 or Ultra 2 won't network with any previous generation Echomaps. p.s., it's console nor counsel.
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Kill switch law
From Fell Marine: Approved by Congress, nationwide law goes into effect March 31, 2021. 1stMate & the MOB+ complies with all federal and state boating laws, and meets the American Boat & Yachting Council’s A-33 standard for Engine cut-off devices. It does comply with the nationwide law, that requires boat operators to wear an engine cut-off device for boats 26 feet or less while operating on plane or above displacement speed. From the USCG: On April 1, 2021 a new federal law goes into effect that requires the operator of a boat with an installed Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) to use the ECOS link. The link is usually a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped onto the operator's person, Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or clothing and the other end attached to the cut-off switch, but there are plenty of variations on the market, including electronic wireless devices. The law applies on all "Navigable Waters of the US".
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Anyone seen the new Tracker?
I don't understand the Tracker shaming. They're probably responsible for getting more first timers on the water than any other brand. Great price, lots of features for the money, and water ready when you pull it out of the lot. Not everyone's ego requires a Lund or BassCat to be happy.
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Propeller Play/Movement?
Just to double check, you bent the two tabs up against the lock nut tabs, not down?
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Propeller Play/Movement?
Your propeller nut requires 55 lb-ft. of torque. Use a torque wrench. The thrust washer should be snug after you torque properly. If the tabs do not line up in the center if the flats, you should tighten until they do with a torque wrench. Always add torque, do not reduce below requirements. .
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Propeller Play/Movement?
The new Mercury quiet propeller hubs have some fore and aft movement.
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New guides or no?
Just pick up each one and see how you feel. Nothing, who cares, or meh, out it goes. If you get a good feeling, memory, or or start to think I could ___________, it's a keeper.
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Beginner Electronics Help
If I understand correctly, the Elite FS 7 on your bow does not have a transducer? So if you network it with HDS Pro 10", you'll only get sonar when the trolling motor is in the water. I agree the GPSMap units are generally superior to the Echomap units but at a much higher price point. The Echomap's are more than ample for freshwater fishing. Cheapest option is to buy a transducer for your console unit and mount it on your transom. Then buy one of the Echomap Ultra 12" units that are on sale now for $1499.97 at Bass Pro Shops or an Echomap Ultra 10" unit that's $999.97 for the bow. Both units have 2 network ports making networking easier if you add a Garmin to the console. You'll have less than $2000 invested, time to research and figure out what your final solution is. Middle of the road recommendation is to go ahead and get the best, IMO, livescope units available today, the Garmin LVS 34 Plus and one of the two Echomap units for the bow. You'll be comfortably under $4000. And if there are new technologies coming out in the future, I doubt if any of the current models will be compatible. While the Echomap units are prior generation models, the only difference is the older model has a GT54 UHD transducer and the newest model has the GT56HD transducer. The GT56UHD transducer is much larger than the GT54 and some folks have had difficulty mounting it on their trolling motor. I have the GT54 and with no complaints.
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Gps trolling motor
Since I'm partial to Minn Kota here are two options priced under $3000. Like others have noted, you can mount your Garmin transducer on the tm or you can utilize the built in Dual Chirp transducer by buying a couple connectors for your Garmin. My first choice would be a Minn Kota Ultrex. IMO it has the best foot pedal there is. https://minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/freshwater-trolling-motors/ultrex?v=112011 Second choice would be a MK Terrova. Foot pedal is ok, not great. The remote is awesome. https://minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/freshwater-trolling-motors/terrova?v=111741#learn-more-anchor
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Do you have rules in your boat?
I'm the Captain and for your safety, follow any instructions I give you Life jackets on at all times your on the boat Don't try and help unless I ask No alcohol You're my guest, I'm happy you're here, no need to offer gas money.
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Double Uni or Alberto Knot for Leader Knot ?
I've got bad arthritis also. You might try this: https://www.albertoknot.com/ It works well for me. I'm still new with this and have to get the instructions out but I've tied maybe 10 knots with it and none have failed.
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Minn Kota Ulterra?
Would you please provide some more information? Thanks.
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pushing the limits
Dec 13, 2023 — Price: $204,525 (as tested). LOA: 22'0″. Beam: 7'11”. Draft: 1'5″. Dry Weight: 4,750 lb. (rigged, with engine). Seat/Weight Capacity: 5/875 lb., 98.5mph https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-bass-cat-jaguar-sts-bbg/
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props
It's not uncommon for the factory tachometer supplied with Ranger aluminum boats to be 200-400 rpm's low as reported on other bass boat forums. My own Ranger VS 1782 tach read 400 rpm's low. It's going to be hard to squeeze a few more mph from a 75hp engine, and if the tach is off, the guessing game finding the right one grows harder.