Finding my grove with new boat

[DaubsNU1]

I've had the Lund for almost a month now.

 

There have been many nights sitting in the boat (in the garage) imagining, planning, thinking, trying different things. Really glad I had the dealership set up electronics. 

 

Had it on the water a handful of times, but I'm not catching many fish. I'm spending a lot of time getting things set on the fish finders, trolling motor, big motor, etc.

 

I was super familiar and comfortable with the old boat...had it 23 years...fit me like an old reliable pair of shoes. Knew the ins and outs, and could really concentrate on fishing. 

 

The new boat is fantastic! A few pros and cons so far...

 

Cons:

• It's bigger, and not as maneuverable in tight spots. (but that size will enable me to take this boat on bigger water...where I never dared take the old boat). 
• I do spend more time with maintenance, Hot Sauce getting spots off the motor and boat. (it does look great!)
• More people want to fish with me. The old boat could fish two, but it was tight, and not comfortable. This boat can fish 3-5, depending on species. I manage people in my day-job, and fishing is my re-charge. Need to find more time to solo fish. 

Pros:

• Really love the Ulterra. Makes loading and unloading super simple and easy to do solo. Spot lock is great! I use auto-pilot all the time. Still learning features. 
• The Humminbirds show so much more detail than the old Garmin. Finally got a Zero Line care, so I can now start mapping my local lakes. Again, still learning. 
• Fits in the garage, I can have it on my truck and headed out in under 10 minutes. The old boat was actually longer, and stored behind house in the shop. 
• Great to have center rod storage for 10, a live-well, rod holders (x4), stereo. Wife loves the jump seats. The Bimini top will serve us well.
• Old boat managed 20mph...the Lund pushes up against 40mph. According to Mercury, the sweet spot for efficiency / MPG is 3,500 rpms. That is about 28mph in the Lund. Nice! (I still have not filled up the fuel tank...) Up on plane quickly. It's been a great outboard. 

 

Fishing tomorrow...It's going to be hot. 

[airshot]

I just upgraded my boat last year...well actually downsized, but I found a boat with all the bells and whistles.  Spent my first couple months getting things set up to my specs and figuring out how the new to me electronics worked.  That took a while and while I may not be actually catching more fish, it has become more fun and actually less work as now most of my time on the water is by myself.  Change can be good if we give it a chance !!

[DaubsNU1]

Thanks @airshot. I do have more learning to do...overall it is less work and more fun! 

 

A few pics from today.  

 

 

[gimruis]

10 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

I do spend more time with maintenance, Hot Sauce getting spots off the motor and boat.

Generally, the bigger the boat, the more expensive and more time required to maintain. Just the nature of the beast.

 

I use that hot sauce on my boat too. And vinyl sauce on the seats, and condition sauce twice a year. It works so well and it’s so easy to use. It will keep your rig looking like new. I often get people ask me if my boat is brand new, and it’s 8 years old now.

 

What kind of prop do you have on the Merc?

[airshot]

14 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

Thanks @airshot. I do have more learning to do...overall it is less work and more fun! 

 

A few pics from today.  

 

 

We have similiar taste...I downsized to a side console as well, great move, awesome boat !!

[DaubsNU1]

6 hours ago, gimruis said:

What kind of prop do you have on the Merc?

 

Thanks for advice on vinyl and condition sauce...I was thinking about those. Hot Sauce is great. Makes the boat and motor look new.

 

There are a few dings and paint-touch-ups on this boat. Doesn't bother me one bit. 

 

I have the standard aluminum 4 blade prop. 

 

A little disappointed it won't hit 40 MPH.

 

There might be a three blade stainless prop in my future. 

[Susky River Rat]

I’m glad you enjoy your new boat! It’s a new toy it will take time to get everything fined tuned just how you like it. Honestly, I think it’s in our DNA as fishermen to keep tinkering and trying to improve. There will always be something you will be messing with on your boat. 
 

It’s amazing how many “friends” you get with a new boat. Do not feel pressured to let people on the boat. 
 

I think you will learn to maneuver it in tighter areas. I also am slightly worried about that when I go from 16’ to 18’. I try to fit into some spots my boat barely fits now. 
 

Do your best to keep the boat looking great. I always tell people when I get something new that I don’t know when I’ll ever get something new again. So, I try to keep it as nice looking for as long as I can. I also always told people if I can’t catch fish. At least my stuff is going to look like I do. 

[Vilas15]

Use 303 protectant on the seats and plastics. Theyve got marine specific products but i use the regular stuff that is really popular in auto detailing. Puts Armor All to shame and doesn't leave everything greasy.

[airshot]

Gotta have a few dings and paint chips, otherwise you will be worrying about that first one !!  I always tell people when they get a new car/ truck, first thing to do is go to a parking lot and get a shopping cart and slam it into the side of your new vehicle !!!  Now you wont have that worry anymore and can go out and enjoy the new vehicle!!!