Capt Ed

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.