Capt Ed

Minn Kota has the Transducer Mounting Kit MKR-15 that is compatible with Edge trolling motors. https://minnkota.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/accessories/trolling-motor/transducer-mounting-kit-mkr-15?_gl=1*p8nykw*_gcl_au*MTYzMjc3MTU5Ni4xNzc0NzA5Mjc2*FPAU*MTYzMjc3MTU5Ni4xNzc0NzA5Mjc2*_ga*MTM4NDAzMTI3NS4xNzc0NzA5Mjc2*_ga_GTWTGQ93QM*czE3NzQ3MDkyNzYkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzQ3MDk3MTYkajE0JGwwJGgxMjc3MDc3NTEw*_fplc*TG1MSExHajlTN0dYU2lsQklDZGJlM0l6NElTaFZmd1JFOHhTblAlMkJFS2tPcW1LcFZlVzMxQjJIR25JdkU1RWRJYmV5dG5OWkFPY2w3bFNEalE4N1BzJTJCZWlhR0UyWXJwbldBME9PQmdEY3QwZFRGd2ljQjFGMTJTVmtudE1EQSUzRCUzRA..

For what it's worth, I asked google ai and here's the response. Some you're already doing. https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+bring+back+a+25+year+old+outboard+motor&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1204US1204&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBECEYoAEyCQgAEEUYORifBTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRirAjIHCAUQIRifBTIHCAYQIRifBTIHCAcQIRifBTIHCAgQIRifBTIHCAkQIRifBdIBCTE5MDA4ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&udm=50&fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKpV6Bbbmx4QVaoKkiRQ2jlwvCHF0Eqz8cUq4JjDCZnrJFky5yqfBcqysgzHz9N85mK5Cjsb5MRQJ1U5L53ITkRpBorskP1rA1F8Z2LvQ2DoI3YMdh4PjO1eXte2VoqVi-P0ODPxReTxmZwcPz0XS7iJH4-pdO0uw4G5H-YUU_DzeoZA2gGbsp1d07fYHdEhYArrw6RvQ&ved=2ahUKEwiisYeZ3ZqTAxXXGFkFHTkdBfQQ0NsOegQIBBAB&aep=10&ntc=1&mstk=AUtExfBEE_yo4xZxGDiUUF0Ywh_vHlPuWpeJa3ftT1cAKcUrkj6pcolGfM00rECWJPI3qKzMmWbN1IoqvGqsaAxtgXH9YqH0uTvkmjTZ0jncHWg5Kp0Q9lvUPfeJqMSRnZcwiNaPEgaq34TTQGeUZ5qCnngQLBgc95RwhUL3VVBL5xQNTpRQ0HW_RhaB0ye-Fc50ozl0TPGkiBTjhv2Yn6DqG277p0wWWqb4KY7pE22MlirkGXIcivrlcS9BAw&csuir=1

Nice job on your build. Looking forward to how your first sea trial goes. I'd suggest one day replacing your charger with a NOCO Genius 10.

Another highly rated budget lithium is Power Queen. https://www.amazon.com/LiFePO4-Battery-Lithium-10-Year-Lifespan/dp/B0CLRY5J2N/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?adgrpid=192069337811&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.D6Gs3BzPHSuz9Xy8bX5FKFkGPL8ntTIQW_itagXjWqtGhr5AiqNRkCrZ9bYn3bW1rIpmUWSUr8qRoNYG98NZBJ_7j5iMC08XLxmxqscQ-VQg6SF4KZ5W7xn5MqLaApTemH5918J-c1ILnt6M0XANaw-_x6ZJLwGcKSup3i5uUbrxwibwIGmXdkxyPquq8CN3HvXqQXaXLjaMHlNrHDXWBXdxAJnc2hgAVgUCbzuyGO4.2BCLADZwlluAu1es5hDRl87Z12HaXeGAGZchYaubQiA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792807805383&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9008686&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=9825085508412526563--&hvqmt=b&hvrand=9825085508412526563&hvtargid=kwd-1765653619091&hydadcr=10674_13852408_2425409&keywords=power%2Bqueen%2B12v%2B100ah&mcid=211b775335cb3b6d931cc8c8c196a4f8&qid=1772983878&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Congrats on your new boat. You'll enjoy the new fishing world you've opened up. I'm assuming you haven't put the boat in the water yet. If true, I'd recommend to use it as it is. This way you'll discover any problems that need fixing and what steps to take to get it set up to suit your needs. Also assuming you don't have a battery now and can't borrow one, I recommend a Litime 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery Bluetooth, Group 27 Lithium Battery, Built-in 100A BMS with Low-Temp Protection. This battery has all the features of the high dollar 100ah lithium's at a 55% lower price. It's review's are very good and It only weighs 23 lbs. so it shouldn't make the bow set too low. https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-LiFePO4-Low-Temp-Protection-Trolling/dp/B0DYV1FKH5/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=190077430487&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.F_lZIOKJmBqCoIbfG5sSoLoJVbildU90XeOabxj1wJ0OfkiVM7P9kjmqWDod9yV01q6PNaEuN-2dW2kXfn891sXZ97-OCQxuGll5is3CHkjtZw6M5XruzfRudgZPrxLrsWCbu38w2XXU7uG3Uui-F-kII6ljTiHhWlNipiMPCccXn9SZ1jfbE2xiy_j2GhwS8x9gJ7Q0xvAzySPi286mdtR4Qce0SeInlejX7KHrhU0.ldKvyXcFnl6AmzBtQRekqVH82-6pY3hc5CMelRaI2P4&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792736450292&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9008686&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=10710761798606828876--&hvqmt=b&hvrand=10710761798606828876&hvtargid=kwd-1997083433404&hydadcr=10698_13852505_2425668&keywords=litime%2B12v%2Blifepo4&mcid=33a65c4a88f23c899b04c8c517ccf6c4&qid=1772982107&sr=8-3&th=1

Considering your criteria for this boat, I'd recommend an 17-18' aluminum vee hull, multi species boat. They're versatile and have an open layout, suitable for comfortable cruising and family activities like camping and swimming, as well as fishing. They would comfortably seat 4 or more people for cruising and picnic outings and have enough deck space for camping equipment. Lund, Crestliner, Ranger, and many other brands offer this style boat. Here's one I found on Boat Trader that is an example of the class. https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2022-lund-1775-adventure-sport-10048604/ As a used boat, this one stands out because of low hours, the 115hp Mercury is at the boat's maximum hp rating helping performance and re-sell value, it's well equipped with high end trolling motor and electronics, and a shallow water anchor. Again, this is not a recommendation to buy, it's just an example.

Besides having a bimini, what are the other features your wife values? Cruising, picnicking, swimming, sun bathing, reading, or just fishing? Is a Stereo important? If she grows tired of boating after a couple years, what will you do with the boat?

The Duracell's gim listed are good batteries made by East Penn Manufacturing, a good outfit. If you have a Sam's club nearby, they have the same battery for $199.28 at my local club. Looks like there's a Sam's Club about 20 minutes from Colledgedale, TN for the same price.

Some thoughts: Another option is the new Minn Kota Ultrex 80 trolling motor without transducer. https://lakesidemarineandservice.com/products/limited-t Not brushless but a lot lighter than the Quest motors. Hang any transducers you want on the shaft, including Garmin live scope. The original non brushed Ultrex's are solid motors and gave many users years of great service. The Garmin Force Pro is also much lighter than the Quest coming in around 67lbs. Spot lock is extremely smooth and accurate. It's quiet above and below the water. It's easy to stow and deploy. It's foot pedal is set up to mechanically duplicate a cable steer but it takes a much lighter touch than the Ultrex. People say it takes a while to get used to it but once they do, most folks report they're happy with it. In 50" stowed length is about the same as the Quest and Ultrex without transducer. I often deploy my tm with the big motor idling in forward, especially with live scope. That way I can scan all around the boat with the remote. For side scan, I point the tm straight ahead and use the big motor for slight adjustments.

I use Bass Boat Saver primarily for the UV protection, but it also does everything well. I asked AI to compare BBS, Hot Sauce and Slick Mist: Hot Sauce (Boat Bling), Bass Boat Saver (BBS), and Lucas Slick Mist are popular spray-on, wipe-off boat detailing products, but they differ in focus: Hot Sauce excels at removing tough water spots, Bass Boat Saver is preferred for comprehensive cleaning and UV protection, and Slick Mist is a versatile, fast-acting, high-gloss wax spray.

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=AzjSmktxDT93aqHfX7iKQ7#:~:text=Troubleshooting%20a%20LiveScope%20Image%20that%20Rocks%20Back%20and%20Forth%20on%20a%20Garmin%20Chartplotter,-Listed%20are%20some&text=For%20information%20on%20this%20process,Garmin%20Marine%20Device%20Software%20Updates.&text=Then%20follow%20the%20on%2Dscreen,adjust%20the%20pitch%20angle%20setting

A-Jay's post is spot on. One area I'd like to expand on: "On boats large enough to have one, a boarding ladder is a must." All boarding ladders are not equal. This is an image of my current boat's boarding ladder. Looks like it would work fine. Well, for my 78 year old, 6'4", 250lbs body, it didn't. Even with the drop down step, it was too short and I had no hand hold to allow me to pull up. I had to use my remote control to move the boat to shore and drag me along. The point is, jump off your boat in water over your head, and see if your ladder allow you to re-board. You might be surprised.

Having owned a bimini and a boat cover from Carver custom boat covers, I can recommend it as a good option. https://www.boatcoversdirect.com/products/boat_covers/TRACKER-BASS_TRACKER-SUN_TRACKER_55/PRO_GUIDE_V-175_WT_O-B_W-_12_VOLT_FACTORY_TM_22779/ If you think it fits your needs from the site description, I'd recommend you call them to make sure it is the right one. For example, you might have a 24V tm and maybe they can modify it for your needs.

Garmin does daily updates for it's Navionics+ and Navionics Vision+ subscription maps but you have to use Active Captain and ask for the update. It does not occur automatically. If you're using these maps because they were pre-loaded when you bought your unit, daily updates are only available for the first year. After the first year, you must purchase a subscription plan. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/garmin-technology/marine-technology/charts-and-maps/map-data-with-daily-updates/

To bring the thread back to the subject of life vests, the U.S. Navy issues it's flight deck crew Mustang's USN MK-1 Flight Deck vests.

All the Garmin maps offer navigation and fishing maps. Just choose the view you want.

"They've been tested and long as you take care of them and make sure the charge is good, I wouldn't worry one bit." Taking care of them is the rub. The water soluble bobbin can deteriorate in hot, wet, and even damp conditions. This often results in premature inflation but sometimes not. It dissolves without inflating the jacket. Without checking or replacing regularly, your life is at risk. Get a Mustang H.I.T. and as long as the condition indicator is green, no worries for five years.

I have used Top Tier rated 10% ethanol for my 2020 Mercury Pro XS 150hp engine since I bought it new. I use Mercury QuickCare and Quickleen additives. The engine has performed flawlessly. Prior to my current rig, I owned a Carolina Skiff for 5 years with a Yamaha 150 and followed the same routine except I used Yamaha additives. It also performed without a problem. I'm not saying non-ethanol gas usage is as bad thing. There are a lot of good reasons to use it. I'm only saying if you have a engine approved for E-10 gas it is a viable alternative.

I'm looking hard at the Fury 1600 SS. I like the wide open cockpit that runs the entire length of the boat. There is a small step to access the front "deck" but nothing like the height of the step up to the front deck on other 16' boats. At 77 years old, that's a big plus. Basically you're always "inside" the hull of this boat. Plus, the Fury has the IPS hull, the beam width is carried further forward before it begins to taper, and it has reverse chines, all helping the boat remain stable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,