On 4/2/2019 at 1:16 PM, jaimeastin said:

 

Since moving my transducer again, this time far right, I am able to get readings up to 18 mph.  This a great compared to the 5mph I was originally getting

 

17 minutes ago, jaimeastin said:

 

When or if I get a new finder I'll try mounting around there.  I think mine is too low...

14 hours ago, mcarrico82 said:

When or if I get a new finder I'll try mounting around there.  I think mine is too low...

I might lower it just a hair.  Ratman said he gets 20 mph with a. Rooster tail.  I don't have a rooster tail, but I want to get more reading... I will try and see

Okay,  I was able to read the bottom going 27 

mph today.  I just lowered it a smidge from the last update.  Still no rooster tail.

Well dang... I won an eBay auction for a Garmin gvc20 and Ultra HD transducer... This is Garmin's mega.  I went ahead and purchased if, lol.  It has HD down and side.  I already have livescope.

 

I really just want to to test it and see the difference.  

I finally got to go out yesterday for the first time this year.  Fishing was terrible, the lake level was up and muddy from the recent rains.  Anyhow, for anyone on the fence about a bimini here are a few things I encountered.

 

They sell two types of bimini's...a rear pole, and a all strap support.  Strangely enough the rear poles are less expensive, so that's what I went with.  I had the frame up for my drive to the lake, which is just a couple of miles away.  It held up well, the storage bag that holds the canvas didn't try to come off.  I did notice that sometimes there was some side to side shimmy on the bimini frame that could be concerning.  If I were to drive long distances I would put the frame down, less stress on the mounts at the gunnel.  

 

When installing the bimini you have to be aware of which direction the mounts go on the gunnel.  Do you want the tightening knob on the outside or the inside of the boat?  There is a nut that the knob tightens into so I figured I would rather have the nut fall into the boat when I take it apart, as opposed to having it fall to the outside.  The problem with that set-up is the knobs stick a little outside the gunnel, so when I tie-up they are hitting the side of the dock. 

 

To get around this new problem I am using boat fenders.  I've been wanting to get into the habit of using fenders more.  Even at this dock that is wood, there are some bolts that stick out a little and can scratch or gouge the aluminum.  I have a couple of 90° Taylor Made that work well for our set-up.

 

The next thing, even with the cover put away it is a big sail with the frame up.  It got windy in the afternoon and I was on the trolling motor the whole time.  In the future I think I might keep it folded down on the deck until I need it.  Wow, that's a lot of words for a simple set-up.  Hope it helps someone. 

 

 

Thanks for the info about the Bimini.  I just ordered one and I chose the straps versus the rear pole as I think I will only put it up when the sun is really hot.  In researching these tops I found zillions of vendors and had to look at their specs close to ensure that I got steel mounting hardware versus the nylon.  I've seen on other forums that over time there might be a problem with the nylon type mounting hardware.  The downside, is that you tend to pay up for metal mounting hardware.

 

Do you have any suggestions about placing the top on your boat?  Like how far forward did you mount it?  Also which height did you go with?  I ordered a 46" one as your comment about a large sail was well taken.

On 4/19/2019 at 8:14 AM, keithsmith said:

Thanks for the info about the Bimini.  I just ordered one and I chose the straps versus the rear pole as I think I will only put it up when the sun is really hot.  In researching these tops I found zillions of vendors and had to look at their specs close to ensure that I got steel mounting hardware versus the nylon.  I've seen on other forums that over time there might be a problem with the nylon type mounting hardware.  The downside, is that you tend to pay up for metal mounting hardware.

 

Do you have any suggestions about placing the top on your boat?  Like how far forward did you mount it?  Also which height did you go with?  I ordered a 46" one as your comment about a large sail was well taken.

 

For the span I placed mine to center the lower deck.  That way the front and rear decks have the least interference with the bimini unfurled.  I have the 46" and it is still pretty tall.  The sun is never directly overhead, and it seems like the shade is not going to be where I want it.  I'm going to have to maneuver the boat for shade when needed, and/or angle the bimini front or back for shade.  Of course that will cut off access to the front or rear deck .  It's going to be a big experiment.

 

Another consideration for placement is the rear seat and hatches.  I wanted make sure the seat was still usable and did not want any interference with the stern hatch when the frame is down. 

 

 

Thanks.  I'll let you know how my install goes.  Hopefully will get to it this week.

Finally replaced the trailer light I cracked.  I purchased them for $23 on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DV355Z8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.NaVCb6AX7MCZ

 

8 hours ago, jaimeastin said:

Finally replaced the trailer light I cracked.  I purchased them for $23 on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DV355Z8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.NaVCb6AX7MCZ

 

 

Nice.  The left one sure puts out some light for the license plate .

 

 

Got one ordered on 4-20. Now to wait 12 weeks

13 hours ago, OkeechobeeAngler said:

Got one ordered on 4-20. Now to wait 12 weeks

Congrats!  Hopefully your good news comes sooner than 12 weeks.

On 4/22/2019 at 9:38 PM, OkeechobeeAngler said:

Got one ordered on 4-20. Now to wait 12 weeks

I think the wait will be well worth it.  I really enjoyed fishing out of my brothers when we took his down to Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee. 

Added the Garmin gvc20 and the gt34UHD to the boat.  I decided not to go fishing this evening... I did put the Bimini top back it.  It's getting hot here.  I will go Friday. 

 

I'm excited to see if I get almost mega like imaging.  

21 hours ago, jaimeastin said:

Added the Garmin gvc20 and the gt34UHD to the boat.  I decided not to go fishing this evening... I did put the Bimini top back it.  It's getting hot here.  I will go Friday. 

 

I'm excited to see if I get almost mega like imaging.  

Make a video.  Also what kinda truck are you in the market for?   Boat would look good behind a Tacoma or Tundra...lol

4 hours ago, mcarrico82 said:

Make a video.  Also what kinda truck are you in the market for?   Boat would look good behind a Tacoma or Tundra...lol

Just getting if the lake at midnight.  It was a fun time.  I have some video of the units in action.  A couple screenshots as well.  The UHD is definitely clearer.  It is all on default, but I will play with the settings.  The mega on hummingbird is much bolder at this point.  Still, it is way clearer than the clearvu

 

On 4/24/2019 at 10:22 PM, jaimeastin said:

Added the Garmin gvc20 and the gt34UHD to the boat...

Ok, I was reading bottom going 30 mph tonight.  It seem that I have finally found the right place for my transducers.  

On 4/25/2019 at 8:39 PM, mcarrico82 said:

Make a video.  Also what kinda truck are you in the market for?   Boat would look good behind a Tacoma or Tundra...lol

6.7 Powerstroke would look better 

Dodge Ram for the win!

 

I really, really liked the 2019 RAM.  In fact, I know while it is and I believe it to be the truck of the year.  I test drove them all, high and low end.   The ram drove the very best, had the room and was the most lux, next the GMC.

 

I got the 2018 Silverado because the deal was pretty dang good and it was loaded with all the things I wanted, but many of the the things that werre on the nice to have but not going to get...  I was really sad to sell my FJ, but it just about gave me this new truck.  Thank you FJ

1 hour ago, jaimeastin said:

I really, really liked the 2019 RAM.  In fact, I know while it is and I believe it to be the truck of the year.  I test drove them all, high and low end.   The ram drove the very best, had the room and was the most lux, next the GMC.

 

I got the 2018 Silverado because the deal was pretty dang good and it was loaded with all the things I wanted, but many of the the things that werre on the nice to have but not going to get...  I was really sad to sell my FJ, but it just about gave me this new truck.  Thank you FJ

That’s a sweet looking truck! Congrats! 

Has anyone found anything that really works on those little black marks that came on boat.Tired of buying things that do not work.

7 hours ago, ratman said:

Has anyone found anything that really works on those little black marks that came on boat.Tired of buying things that do not work.

Black marks?!

I don't have any black marks on my boat. Where are they located at? can you post a picture of it?

maybe he means water stains?