Capt Ed

You need accurate rpm and top speed numbers. Don't use the instruments on your boat. If you don't already have it, Mercury's Vessel View Mobile is a great addition. It can measure rpm's accurately, speed, fuel flow, temperature, and more. https://www.mercurymarine.com/us/en/product/vesselview-mobile#:~:text=VesselView Mobile® wirelessly connects,details into your Mercury engine. Or, take it to your Mercury dealer and have them run a diagnostic test. You'll be able to see rpm's in increments including wide open throttle. With good numbers, then you can talk accurately with an experienced prop tech.

Same here. I've had all my trailer tires balanced for many years and will continue to do so. I recently bought new tires for my boat and utility trailer at Discount Tire. No need to take your tires and wheels off, they do every thing at their store.

Best practice's for whatever pfd you own, is to put it on before you launch your boat and take if off when the boat is out of the water A good foam life vest is no doubt the safest pfd you can buy IF you wear it all the time. Unfortunately, most foam vests are not that comfortable to wear all the time and off they come. I fished for years with a Bass Pro fishing vest pfd. I never wore it while fishing and I was also guilty of removing the jacket when I shut off the big motor and when I jumped back in the drivers seat I often didn't put it back on. I then switched to a inflatable jacket that used the dissolvable bobbin to inflate the jacket. I had several of these jackets inflate in my boat compartments and found one that showed green, but the bobbin would not dissolve I believe inflatables fail to inflate due to the negligence of the owner's. Inflatables with dissolvable bobbin's require the owner to be diligent in regularly checking the condition of the inflation system, keeping and storing them dry, and not wearing them in even light showers or heavy fog. If you don't do these things, for your safety sake, do not buy this type pfd. I finally switched to one that uses a hydrostatic inflator. These use an inflator that has to be submerged in water deeper than 4". They will not inflate simply due to humidity, damp storage, or rain. In my humble opinion, the only inflatable pfd to buy is a Mustang H.I.T with a hydrostatic inflator. Nothing else comes close. They are comfortable to wear and don't interfere with fishing or other activities on your boat. You will have to replace the inflator mechanism every five years but it's relatively easy to do and the cost is under $100. Other than that there's not much maintenance required.

I'd love to have either of these two boats, but like many others, for that much money, I'd go fiberglass. I priced the Ranger 208 and the Lund 2075 Bass XS using each builders build option, equipping them as close as possible. With a Pro XS 200hp, I got $63,220 for the Ranger and $73,899 for the Lund. As I look at the two boats, it seems to me Ranger has focused on designing a purpose built boat for bass tournaments and those who value top speed. Because of what appears to be a bigger cockpit, the Lund was built for bass fisherman who might want to chase other species as well. Lund certainly has a better reputation for aluminum boat durability, but Ranger seems to have made a lot of progress in their hull design reliability over the last 4 years. For those of us who live in the Southern USA, finding a Lund dealer is a tough proposition. Again, these are just my thoughts, not facts.

A group 27 marine deep cycle battery should be good. The EverStart 27 deep cycle has a 109 amp hour rating. Be sure it's a deep cycle and not a starting battery. https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-Lead-Acid-Marine-RV-Deep-Cycle-Battery-Group-Size-27DC-12-Volt-740-MCA/164242687?athbdg=null%26athbdg%3DL1200_L1200

You replace the whole mechanism, hydrostatic inflator and co2 cartridge. It's fairly easy and the new re-arm kit will have the next replacement date on the inflator. Check to make sure you aren't buying one already a year old.

What the OP is describing is called wind fetch.

I switched to a Noco Genius 3 charger when I got my Impulse Lithium batteries and they do a great job fully charging each battery. I highly recommend them. If anyone is using Ionic batteries, some charger info from a trusted retailer who sells a lot of batteries. I'm not criticizing Ionic, they're great batteries, just a little quirky with some chargers: Lithium Charger settings Minnkota and NOCO just so there is no confusion and with past post and info that gets shared about chargers and lithium's and Im mainly speaking on Behalf of IONIC Yes you can use a Minnkota Precision Charger as in MK440PC or MK460PC, you will use the AGM setting, it will charge fine but your indicator lights 25% 50% 75% will not be accurate just ignore them, when the batteries are charged it will turn off and show charged at some point, the Newer Precisions its fine to just use the lithium setting NO you can NOT use a MinnKota digital as in 330D or 440D or as many call the 3300 and 4400 the D must look like a 0 down in the bilge NOCO Chargers if you have a NOCO Gen Pro do not use the lithium setting on IONICs, use the AGM setting instead , you may have been using the lithium setting and it may be working fine but there seems to be some inconsistencies from one charger to another, the AGM setting will push the peak a little harder to get the voltage we like to see if you are using the lithium setting and its been working fine and your batteries still rest at 13.4 to 13.6 at 99% you are fine

I get how someone would love fishing from a kayak. There are a lot of positives. However, if you're like me, the reason I fish is to catch fish. Even a small boat opens up a huge new world for you to explore and new places to fish. With a 2,000lb. towing limit, I agree with jimruis, try to find a rig that weighs about 1500lbs. total. There are lots of rigs that fit the bill. And, if you want to fish Georgia's bigger lakes with their boat traffic, I'd recommend a v hull for comfort and safety. 16' length, get as close to you can to highest horsepower for your boat, and, if you buy new, get it minimally equipped so you can customize with your rigging to what you want. Good luck!

Batteries Plus carries X2 dual purpose batteries in group 24, 27, and 31 sizes. I bought this *** years ago and other than the high price I paid, it's been great in every respect. https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/battery/marine-and-boat/dual-purpose-(starting_cycling)/sli27agmdpm It has plenty of cranking amps and a lot of amp hours to run my electronics, livewell pumps, and other accessories. Warranty is 4 years, if it fails anytime within the 4 years, they replace it free. Odyssey Batteries also makes an excellent dual purpose. Warranty is 3 years with no pro rata. https://www.westmarine.com/odyssey-group-27-dual-purpose-agm-battery-92-amp-hours-20084562.html?&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=[ADL][PLA] All Categories_Test&utm_content=autoag0000x21019836630x20084562&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwwr6wBhBcEiwAfMEQs5UWQmNvgGeIPJbRs2rNU2j0ig2TOLLT-uacn_Mu7l4mHFsjbI4IuRoCpCUQAvD_BwE A more budget friendly choice is a Duracell Ultra dual purpose: https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/battery/marine-and-boat/sli27magmdc It has a 30 month free replacement warranty. At 900 cranking amps and 620 cold cranking amps which should be ok with many engines. AGM batteries have many advantages over flooded cell batteries but for me, not having to check the water is the main reason I made the switch.

I'd say around $12,000. The engine will hurt and the rest depends on how it's equipped and the overall condition. JD Powers says average retail is $11,850 with a 115 engine. https://www.jdpower.com/boats/2005/ranger-boats/180_/10222919/values I forgot to include trailer in it's value but it only adds a couple hundred dollars. https://www.jdpower.com/boats/2005/ranger-boats/180_/10222919/values Sorry, it adds about $500.

In NC, all that matters is what the GVWR is. If your trailer has a GVWR rating less than 4,000 lbs. you are not required to have brakes and the single axle is not a problem. Ranger says the RTP198 trailer has a GVWR of 3725 so your good to go. It does not matter what the total rig weighs. Your Tundra will have no problem stopping your rig. With the $2000 you'll save by going with a single axle and no brakes, immediately remove the Chinese Kenda tires and replace them with Goodyear Endurance's in your size. Have them balanced and enjoy the tow.

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind. Run what you want to run. Yes, most engine manufacturers recommend non-ethanol is available. However, Mercury engines manufactured since 1999 and Yamaha's since 2003 are computable with E-10. For those that might be on the fence, I've run E-10 since 2004 in Yamaha and Mercury engines without any problems. Every thing from F300 Yamaha's to my current 2020 Mercury 150 XS. I do add the appropriate manufacturer fuel additives. -All models- MAXIMUM ETHANOL CONTENT: 10%. Ethanol content may adversly affect engine performance. Make your fuel selections based on the following criteria, IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER: -High Traffic, Top-Tier (Name Brand) Fuel -Appropriate Octane Rating (see above info) -Lowest possible ethanol content (NEVER to exceed 10%). -While it may be preferable to utilize a fuel that contains lower (or no) ethanol, use of fuels that are SUBSTANTIALLY higher octane can result in decreased performance, decreased fuel economy, and potential for carbon buildup. Higher octane fuels burn SLOWER and COOLER.

If you're engine doesn't call for high octane gas and you're not experiencing engine knock, all you're doing is spending more money than necessary.

I'm not out to change anyone's mind on ethanol free gas but I've run regular E-10 in my 2020 Mercury, my 2022 Honda Pioneer, and all my Stihl products for years with zero problems. I add Mercury fuel stabilizer to my boat tank, and Sta-Bill to my gas cans for everything else. I do make sure the regular gas is from the top brands like BP, Shell, Exxon, or any gas that is rated Top Tier. Again, I'm not trying to debate which is best, just that if your engines call for regular E-10 gas, it's usually a lot cheaper and could save money.

Lewmar is a trusted salt water brand. Their anchor and anchor windlass models are among the best.

Congratulations to you for fishing in high school tournaments and kudos to your dad for supporting your passion. As you've pointed out, your fishing success is directly related to the reliability and performance of your equipment. Whether it's your rod and reels, tow vehicle, boat and engine, electronics, or your trolling motor and batteries, etc., selection and maintenance of your gear is critical to enable you to do your best when competing. Lots of good suggestions have already been made and after you solve the current problem, I suggest an internet search for; 1. Selecting the best tm batteries size and type that meet your needs, 2. Marine battery maintenance, for long life and peak performance and 3. How to select and use the right charger for optimal results. Best of luck in your fishing tournament!

JohnCal, from reading your other posts, it's obvious you want to take good care of your Tracker 190. Good on you. Fuel Selection: Make your fuel selections based on the following criteria, IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER: -High Traffic, Top-Tier (Name Brand) Fuel -Appropriate Octane Rating (see above info) -Lowest possible ethanol content (NEVER to exceed 10%). -While it may be preferable to utilize a fuel that contains lower (or no) ethanol, use of fuels that are SUBSTANTIALLY higher octane can result in decreased performance, decreased fuel economy, and potential for carbon buildup. Higher octane fuels burn SLOWER and COOLER.

I've used all kinds of transom supports. I now use DD26 Transom Savers and steering locks for my 2020 Mercury ProXS 150HP. They're easier for me to use. When launching, removed them and stored on the boat where they'd be easy to retrieve and install when coming out of water. With the old style that attached to trailer I stored them in the truck adding extra steps to launching/loading. Plus, I had to stoop over to hook them up. Not so with the DD26 saving my back. RMP makes a similar product but it's not available for a Merc 150. Heavy aluminum construction gives durability and long life. With M-Y Wedge, I liked them at first but they soon became disfigured. In cold weather they could be very hard to attach.

Impulse Lithium's can be monitored on you cell phone with their bluetooth app. It gives lots of info including how many cycles you've completed.

Impulse Lithium's warranty is 10 years and it is not pro-rated. I believe they consider end of life to be 3,000 or more cycles. That's a lot of charges.

Call Bill at https://www.impulselithium.com/ or Andy at https://drewcraft.com/, either one will take the time to discuss your needs and recommend a solution. Both provide great customer service and usually provide a decent discount for fishing forum members.

Lews for bait caster and Plugger for spinning.