MyFishFinder Forum

MyFishFinder Tips and Techniques => Fishing Equipment => Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, Float tubes => Topic started by: Mac Attack on Nov 07, 2022, 09:34 PM

Title: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 07, 2022, 09:34 PM
Looking at some used toons.

Also communicating with a Carl Wu over in China for a 24 VDC, 228 AH LiFePo4 battery for the Terrova I will put on it.

Stay tuned to this channel


 8)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Nov 08, 2022, 06:46 AM
Good luck in your search Mac
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 10, 2022, 06:33 PM
The toon I wanted was sold.
Bummer.
It was exactly what I’m looking for.
There’s more out there.

Carl and I have the battery spec’s.
24vdc
238AH
Bluetooth - shows me current draw, SOC, etc. on my iPhone.
IP65 case
8 amp charger.

We are working on a possible solar charging system.
He should have me answers tomorrow morning.
Should order from Carl early next week.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 11, 2022, 02:23 PM
I just put an offer in on one.

Tick tock

 8)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Nov 14, 2022, 01:36 PM
Well........did you get it ???? Saw the pics on how warm is it thread, is that the new ride ???
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 14, 2022, 01:48 PM
Nope
This is a rental

I should know by Wednesday at the latest.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Nov 14, 2022, 01:54 PM
🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 15, 2022, 09:42 AM
A deal has been struck.
A deposit has been placed.
Waiting now for their Service Dept. to call me in the next day or so to schedule the sea trial with us.
After the sea trial, if things go as planned, we pay the rest of the money and get the boat.

We knew the boat model and year range we wanted.
I looked at new, but didn't want to wait 9mos to a year in order to get it.
There were 6 down here used in the 2018-21 year range, all of different various conditions.
Donna felt this one was in the best shape.
It was stored inside.
The cover for it is like brand new.

Here are the details -

2019 Sun Tracker 20 DLX Fishin' Barge
Merc 90HP 4ST - less than 80hrs on it
Minn Kota10' Talon Power Pole
Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 (I'm looking at replacing this with an HDS10 I have a line on)

Here's some photos.


(https://i.postimg.cc/SYqT9kYT/8570903-0-251020221309-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SYqT9kYT)

(https://i.postimg.cc/2VjmRf97/8570903-0-251020221309-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2VjmRf97)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RNPmvbj5/8570903-0-251020221309-4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RNPmvbj5)

(https://i.postimg.cc/XXb4L5wh/8570903-0-251020221309-5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XXb4L5wh)

(https://i.postimg.cc/jnX8Qmzs/8570903-0-251020221309-6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jnX8Qmzs)

(https://i.postimg.cc/nXgtD9F3/8570903-0-251020221309-7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXgtD9F3)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xXc2832k/8570903-0-251020221309-8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xXc2832k)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9zYVnfbf/8570903-0-251020221309-9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9zYVnfbf)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Raquettedacker on Nov 15, 2022, 09:48 AM
Nice 👍👍
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 15, 2022, 09:51 AM
I also ordered the LiFePo4 battery from China late last night.
This will power the Minn Kota RipTide Terrova I have a line on.  (Try to locate one of these!!!! - you better know the Pope)

24VDC, 228AH, plastic case and corrosion resistant terminals (salt water down here), Bluetooth option to monitor current usage and SOC.

It goes into production on 12/10
Will then take approx 3 weeks to build and fully set up the cells.
Top and bottom balancing of the cells is very time consuming.
You can buy from other companies that do it quicker, but that is not what you should do.
Also, the quicker companies tend to use the type "B" cells, which are basically "seconds", or rejects.
I did my homework 2 yrs ago on these batteries.
So, I decided to go back to Carl Wu over there for this 2nd purchase.
Not cheap, but it will last longer than I will.

Tomorrow I will try and secure that Terrova.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: icefisher47 on Nov 15, 2022, 10:05 AM
Nice 👍
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Nov 15, 2022, 12:40 PM
Looks good Mac, Congrats  :thumbup_smilie:
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 15, 2022, 02:46 PM
Sea trial is next Monday afternoon.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: rgfixit on Nov 16, 2022, 08:25 AM
Looks very comfy Mac. You and Donna will have fun with that.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Bartman44 on Nov 16, 2022, 09:22 AM
Congrats on the new boat. Looks sharp.  Now go catch some snook.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Nov 16, 2022, 06:32 PM
Nice looking boat Mac, you will have fun on that.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 17, 2022, 09:16 AM
Heading up to St Pete with Donna to a place that says they have the last 80# Riptide Terrova in the country with a 54" shaft.
We will see.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 17, 2022, 01:43 PM
Got it!!

Woot!

Probably the only one on the east coast.


(https://i.postimg.cc/nX4vLpfh/B829-A032-8-B03-4-C0-E-B3-CB-8-DF893-B58-BD1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nX4vLpfh)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Nov 18, 2022, 06:47 AM
You will love that Mac. I purchased same one in 12 volt model 2 years ago.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 18, 2022, 07:22 AM
You will love that Mac. I purchased same one in 12 volt model 2 years ago.

Yea, had the freshwater version of this 24V on my Lund a few years back.
But it didn't have the lift assist, the jog puck, the newer ipilot remote, and more up to date firmware, etc.

Can't wait, but the battery won't show till after the new year.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: lowaccord66 on Nov 19, 2022, 08:48 AM
Got it!!

Woot!

Probably the only one on the east coast.


(https://i.postimg.cc/nX4vLpfh/B829-A032-8-B03-4-C0-E-B3-CB-8-DF893-B58-BD1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nX4vLpfh)

Nice!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 21, 2022, 03:13 PM
Sea trial went well today.
A little breezy, but it was warm enough at 78 degrees.
We go to hand over money tomorrow afternoon.
Here's a few photos I shot at the dock before heading out.


(https://i.postimg.cc/NLj0Jn3x/thumbnail-IMG-7629.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NLj0Jn3x)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Ffhvfdmx/thumbnail-IMG-7630.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ffhvfdmx)

(https://i.postimg.cc/v4Fbs2Nk/thumbnail-IMG-7631.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v4Fbs2Nk)

(https://i.postimg.cc/LYXMTcJY/thumbnail-IMG-7632.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYXMTcJY)

(https://i.postimg.cc/K412gyXC/thumbnail-IMG-7633.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K412gyXC)

(https://i.postimg.cc/0bm1cdyf/thumbnail-IMG-7634.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0bm1cdyf)

(https://i.postimg.cc/z341CP8v/thumbnail-IMG-7635.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/z341CP8v)

(https://i.postimg.cc/XXPn2YcV/thumbnail-IMG-7636.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XXPn2YcV)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Raquettedacker on Nov 21, 2022, 03:46 PM
Nice Mac.  Wish you a lot of luck with it.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Nov 22, 2022, 07:13 AM
Glad all went well, enjoy !!!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Nov 23, 2022, 06:42 AM
Enjoy Mac, good luck with it and many fish brought aboard.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: zwiggles on Nov 23, 2022, 09:55 AM
Nice looking rig!

I am curious to see if there is a similar fiasco to last time with the battery shipment…
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 23, 2022, 05:43 PM
Nice looking rig!

I am curious to see if there is a similar fiasco to last time with the battery shipment…


Me too.
I went with Carl again because he took care of me the last time, as he should have.
I will always patronize a company that does the right thing and stands by their product.
When FedEx lost the battery, here in the US, Carl expedited building a new battery and shipped it asap.
I have spoken to 100's of people on these batteries.
Most of them spoke very high of Carl - the reason I chose him and his company the first go-around.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 27, 2022, 12:42 PM
I bought a used Lowrance HDS-10, GEN2 on eBay.
Arrived yesterday and I tested it by connecting it to my truck battery in the driveway.
First thing was to update the firmware in it.
There were 2 updates.
Then I went into it and reverted everything back to factory settings and then installed my Navionics chip.
Fired it up and then went thru it and set things up to the way I like it operate.
Sweet deal for only $300.
Shipping was only $10.20 via USPS

I have an 83/200hz transducer for it.
I will swap the Hook Reveal 7" out for this unit.

The Hook is newer, has chirp, and also down imaging (and maybe side - dunno), but it doesn't network into another unit(s).
I want 2 units on the console and one more up front by the fishing seats.

Anyway, if anyone here wants the Hook and its transducer send me a PM.
I'm sure I can give you a decent deal on it.
If nobody here is interested, I'll sell it on FB Marketplace or eBay.


Here is a link to the website for all the specs -

https://www.lowrance.com/hook-reveal/ (https://www.lowrance.com/hook-reveal/)



Here's some pics of the Hook -


(https://i.postimg.cc/qhWgzRNn/thumbnail-IMG-7636.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhWgzRNn)

(https://i.postimg.cc/nXTzqTsn/thumbnail-IMG-7639.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXTzqTsn)

(https://i.postimg.cc/VS6NgMMn/thumbnail-IMG-7640.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VS6NgMMn)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 29, 2022, 11:27 AM
Donna's new boat is home.  Now the fun starts - rigging!!!!


(https://i.postimg.cc/TL3Wnvhd/thumbnail-IMG-7665.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TL3Wnvhd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/QVVTtDRS/thumbnail-IMG-7666.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QVVTtDRS)

(https://i.postimg.cc/N2y9P81Z/thumbnail-IMG-7667.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N2y9P81Z)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Nov 29, 2022, 12:30 PM
Sweet!! Have fun!!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Raquettedacker on Nov 29, 2022, 03:40 PM
Very nice..👍
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 29, 2022, 04:32 PM
Covered up and put away in our storage slot here at the park until probably after the holidays.  Too much going on in the next few weeks, with people visiting, the cruise, etc.
That cover was a royal PITA to put on.
I'll probably have a new one made that's easier to install.
This will work for now.


(https://i.postimg.cc/yk3Cz1y9/thumbnail-IMG-7676.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yk3Cz1y9)

(https://i.postimg.cc/pmNbWwsS/thumbnail-IMG-7677.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pmNbWwsS)

(https://i.postimg.cc/QFpLHfPd/thumbnail-IMG-7678.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFpLHfPd)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 29, 2022, 04:43 PM
The Hook 7


(https://i.postimg.cc/9zKZfbZS/thumbnail-IMG-7668.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9zKZfbZS)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xcmHNmPd/thumbnail-IMG-7669.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xcmHNmPd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/87VvRCym/thumbnail-IMG-7670.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87VvRCym)

(https://i.postimg.cc/cKF8GBdF/thumbnail-IMG-7671.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cKF8GBdF)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xJqNfNCn/thumbnail-IMG-7672.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJqNfNCn)

(https://i.postimg.cc/TLSLp2Lm/thumbnail-IMG-7673.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TLSLp2Lm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/qtJCF5Ht/thumbnail-IMG-7674.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtJCF5Ht)

(https://i.postimg.cc/nXYD0tgb/thumbnail-IMG-7675.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXYD0tgb)

(https://i.postimg.cc/K1N1tD3m/thumbnail-IMG-7639.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1N1tD3m)

(https://i.postimg.cc/yJ8kj30c/thumbnail-IMG-7640.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJ8kj30c)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: hunts2long on Nov 30, 2022, 04:54 AM
Congrats on Donna's new pontoon, I am sure YOU will enjoy it....h2l
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: taxid on Nov 30, 2022, 05:39 AM
The Hook 7


(https://i.postimg.cc/9zKZfbZS/thumbnail-IMG-7668.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9zKZfbZS)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xcmHNmPd/thumbnail-IMG-7669.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xcmHNmPd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/87VvRCym/thumbnail-IMG-7670.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87VvRCym)

(https://i.postimg.cc/cKF8GBdF/thumbnail-IMG-7671.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cKF8GBdF)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xJqNfNCn/thumbnail-IMG-7672.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJqNfNCn)

(https://i.postimg.cc/TLSLp2Lm/thumbnail-IMG-7673.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TLSLp2Lm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/qtJCF5Ht/thumbnail-IMG-7674.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtJCF5Ht)

(https://i.postimg.cc/nXYD0tgb/thumbnail-IMG-7675.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXYD0tgb)

(https://i.postimg.cc/K1N1tD3m/thumbnail-IMG-7639.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1N1tD3m)

(https://i.postimg.cc/yJ8kj30c/thumbnail-IMG-7640.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJ8kj30c)

That's a much nicer trailer than you see used for pontoons around here, but then they just put them in once a year and take them out once a year to the lake cottage.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Nov 30, 2022, 08:14 AM
That's a much nicer trailer than you see used for pontoons around here, but them they just put them in once a year and take them out once a year to the lake cottage.


Yea, but there aren't any brakes.
I'll be launching close to home the majority of the time, however.
It tows very well.
I hate the small diameter (snowmobile) trailer tires though.
Small diameter tires are rough on wheel bearings.
That combined with constant dunking in salt water every time I launch and retrieve will require that I stay on top of them.
They have bearing buddies, but I'm not a big fan of them.
There are far better axle solutions for boat trailers.
But I'm not going to convert two axles on this boat trailer.
No more long trips towing a boat.


BTW, I posted the Hook pics for someone here on MFF.
He is purchasing it - so it is sold.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Dec 29, 2022, 09:55 PM
A few weeks ago I picked up an HDS10 Gen2 for only $300.  Great score!
Today I drove to Okeechobee t for another deal.
I picked up an HDS8 Gen2, LSS2 sidescan and bottoms can transducer, and a StructureScanHD module.  Included the power cord and mount and screen protector for the HDS.  $345
Ill Ethernet and NMEA2000 connect the two units.
Very similar setup to the one on my Trophy, but one’s a 10 and now I get downscan and sidescan.  Both beneficial down here in the shallower water vs the deep water walleye and trout/salmon trolling we did with the Trophy.
Tomorrow I promised to help a neighbor assemble a Rubbermaid trash can can storage bin.  Afterwards, the boat comes out off the storage lot and up to the house and I’ll begin installation of the new electronics.  But first I’ll remove the existing setup.
I have my Terrova and mount for it.  Those need installing.
The LiFePo4 battery arrived in Long Beach on 12/21.  It takes about 10-14 days for containers to be offloaded and unpacked and UPS to get that battery on its way to me.  I should see it in about 2 weeks hopefully.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Dec 31, 2022, 03:37 PM
Worked on things a lot yesterday and only a little today.
Got the old sounder and transducer off and shipped to its new owner yesterday.
Today I laid out transducer cables for both of them.
The LSS2 cable is long enough but the 83/200 skimmer isn't.
So, I quickly ordered a 12' extension cable.
I will mount the transducers tomorrow but only run the cables under the boat as far as the skimmer cable will go.
I want to pull them thru the floor and under the dash together after the cable extension gets here.
I will also mount the head units and StructureScan module tomorrow and get things ready at that end.
I hooked up my on-board battery charger to the one battery so as to make sure that battery is fully charged.
I have a 2 battery disconnect switch I will mount tomorrow too.
I want to install a second battery but there isn't room in the cubby where the primary battery is located.
I'll figure something out.
Maybe Monday I'll get that Terrova mounted up front this week too.
The lithium battery I ordered for it from China is due the Monday after next.
Work work work.
 8)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 01, 2023, 01:50 PM
I got a late start on things today but was able to install both transducers and ran the cables forward and anchored with wire ties.  I got them close to the floor feedthru and ready for that one cable extension I ordered.
It’s only 82 but the humidity is really high at 81%.  Between that and last nights alcohol I worked up a healthy sweat.  So I decided to take a break and watch the 2nd half of the Miami New England game.
I’ll go back out later and get the StructureScan module and both head units mounted.
Making good progress and having fun.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 02, 2023, 04:32 PM
I took the cover to the canvas place to get totally restitched.  It needed to be done.  A couple seams were coming apart and others soon to be.  This cover was NOT cared for properly.  No scotchguard (or equivalent ever).  This restitching will buy me a couple years before I need new canvas.  But when I do get new, I’ll do it with quality material and it will be double stitched throughout.
The canvas place says 3-4 weeks.
So I bought a 10’ x 20’ EZ Up Tent.  It will be here by Friday.  The sun beats boats up down here!!!

I got the solar charger hooked up to the main battery.  My daughter Kelly bought that for me last year on my birthday.  It’s a float type charger with a solar panel.

Also got my Terrova mounted.
Twice.
 :-\

I didn’t like where it was when I got it mounted.  So I took it off, moved it over, and remounted it.  Came out really nice.
I still have to wire it.
The boat was already wired for a bow mount trolling motor, but only a 12 volt and lower thrust unit.  So the wiring was only 8ga and that won’t cut it for my Terrova that draws 54 amps and needs 6ga.  I have the new 60 amp plug and receptacle.  I also have 25’ of red and 25’ of black 6ga Marine grade wire.  I’ll do that maybe tomorrow.
Got lots done today.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: taxid on Jan 06, 2023, 07:08 AM
I took the cover to the canvas place to get totally restitched.  It needed to be done.  A couple seams were coming apart and others soon to be.  This cover was NOT cared for properly.  No scotchguard (or equivalent ever).  This restitching will buy me a couple years before I need new canvas.  But when I do get new, I’ll do it with quality material and it will be double stitched throughout.
The canvas place says 3-4 weeks.
So I bought a 10’ x 20’ EZ Up Tent.  It will be here by Friday.  The sun beats boats up down here!!!

I got the solar charger hooked up to the main battery.  My daughter Kelly bought that for me last year on my birthday.  It’s a float type charger with a solar panel.

Also got my Terrova mounted.
Twice.
 :-\

I didn’t like where it was when I got it mounted.  So I took it off, moved it over, and remounted it.  Came out really nice.
I still have to wire it.
The boat was already wired for a bow mount trolling motor, but only a 12 volt and lower thrust unit.  So the wiring was only 8ga and that won’t cut it for my Terrova that draws 54 amps and needs 6ga.  I have the new 60 amp plug and receptacle.  I also have 25’ of red and 25’ of black 6ga Marine grade wire.  I’ll do that maybe tomorrow.
Got lots done today.

Can't wait to hear reports from when you take it out fishing. I guess as far as freshwater, largemouth bass are already on the beds in February in Florida?

I live near the 3rd largest Amish settlement in the U.S. They have lots of nice skills we can use at reasonable prices. One is custom high quality boat covers. I had my 15 foot boat set up with a custom heavy duty boat cover complete with snaps, webbing, and poles a couple of years ago. Holding up well.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 06, 2023, 10:14 AM
Yup.
The restitch is only costing $80/hr at this place.
So, it should only cost like $250-400 they said as a guess.
They gave me a price of $2000 to build a new one.
I was at Bass Pro and checked on a new cover, identical to the one that came with the boat.
The cost is $1400.
I will use the restitched old one for a year or so.
The custom cover will be far better material, but the original cover has these cool rubber tabs that fit in under the guard rails that run around the boat and make it pretty easy to install.
Not sure what I'll end up doing, but I have time.

The LiFePo4 battery arrived yesterday.
What a beast!!!
The charger was sent to my old house (Jeff's house now).
I have been bugging him to forward it to me, but he was "busy".  lol
He shipped it out yesterday and it says I'll get it Monday.

I'm having a problem with the HDS8 I bought.
I went to update the software in it and now it won't reboot.
It hangs up halfway and then just sits there.
I'm working with Lowrance on it.

I will bring the boat back up to the house either later today or tomorrow and do some more work on it.
The transducer extension cable arrived and the NMEA cables are arriving later today.
The ethernet cables are due early next week.
So, I'll mount the head units and start running the cables to where they need to go.

I will also jack up the axles one at a time and check the wheel bearings on the trailer.
It's saltwater down here and I'm not taking a chance.
Not sure I'll pull them to inspect as they really frown on work like that down here.
I will simply spin them and listen and feel for anything suspicious.
If there is any sign that worries me, I'll take it someplace and have them all replaced, repacked with grease, and new seals.
The motor only has 83 hrs on it, so the previous owner never used this rig.
So, the bearings are probably fine.
They have bearing buddies - so if things seem ok, I'll give them all a shot grease.

Fishing and/or taking the rig out won't happen for another week or two at least.

That's the way I am with my boats.
Safety first.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 21, 2023, 05:58 PM


My thread is back.

 8)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 22, 2023, 09:32 AM
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 22, 2023, 12:54 PM
Thought I was obsessed with my wood shop.


I’m ok!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Raquettedacker on Jan 22, 2023, 12:56 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 22, 2023, 01:55 PM
That is my current shed.
Really tough to do anything in there.
With any luck, I will be enlarging it in a few months.
It’s only 7’ x 9’ currently.
I’m going to double it to 18’.
Currently cannot layout my rod lathe in there.  Also, all the shelves are packed, and I have a ton of things in a 5’ x 10’ storage unit I’m renting.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 25, 2023, 07:52 PM
The toon is in the driveway.
I will put a full day in on it tomorrow.
The original plan was 2 full days, tomorrow and Friday.
But my brother David fell Monday and I have to take him to the VA Friday morning.  We are pretty sure he broke his shoulder and/or collar bone.  We’ll see.
At least I’ll get tomorrow to work on the boat.  Stay tuned.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Jan 26, 2023, 06:01 AM
Sending David prayers for a speedy recovery.
Have fun working on the boat ;)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Jan 26, 2023, 06:55 AM
Sending prayers for your brother, have fun working on the boat.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Johnnh on Jan 26, 2023, 07:04 AM
Best wishes and prayers for David.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 26, 2023, 09:05 AM
Thanks guys.
If he hadn't fallen, I might have pushed him.
 ;)

As they say, every family has one.

He's my brother, so I need to help him.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Raquettedacker on Jan 26, 2023, 10:01 AM
So did he break something? Or did I miss it?

 Hope it doesn’t look like mine a couple years ago..

(https://i.postimg.cc/2bgF7R8b/BA46-A196-9472-4735-8-CB7-1-FF84-D28-D8-CC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2bgF7R8b)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kR8Nj1Bj/CF914586-2555-412-D-BDAC-06-A5830-BDDC8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kR8Nj1Bj)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 26, 2023, 10:55 AM
Dunno
I’m in ER now.
I decided to take him today cause it looked like rain.
We will see.


I hope it needs to be rebroke or reset.
 >:(
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 26, 2023, 11:57 AM
I had a couple brothers like that.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 26, 2023, 12:33 PM
I had a couple brothers like that.

I think everybody does Bob.

(Or a sister)


Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 26, 2023, 02:17 PM
I guess anyway, good on you for helping. I always did….can’t remember why…..but I did.

Hope he mends and isn’t a ……..never mind…..hope he mends.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: filetandrelease on Jan 26, 2023, 05:29 PM
So did he break something? Or did I miss it?

 Hope it doesn’t look like mine a couple years ago..

(https://i.postimg.cc/2bgF7R8b/BA46-A196-9472-4735-8-CB7-1-FF84-D28-D8-CC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2bgF7R8b)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kR8Nj1Bj/CF914586-2555-412-D-BDAC-06-A5830-BDDC8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kR8Nj1Bj)
Was yours a little self inflicted 😉
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 26, 2023, 07:03 PM
A little over 4.5 hrs in the ER
He has a broken forearm.
Not a compound fracture, but a good one.  Had to be pretty painful.

He’s home.
And, yes Bob, we take care of our siblings, even when we would rather be working on our boat.

The boat!
I got 1.5 hrs of work done before it got dark.  Then went to Home Depot for some stainless steel fasteners.  Also took Donna for some Chinese.   8)
When home took out the trash cans and spent a half hour or so in my shed assembling the HDS brackets to the RAM mounts with the new fasteners.
I’m whipped!
Now the Sabres’ game.
I’m gonna sleep in till 8 tomorrow morning and have a leisurely bfast.
Then I get back to work on that boat.
The cell phone will only be used to supply music to the usb speaker - no texts or phone calls.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: icefisher47 on Jan 27, 2023, 02:51 AM
Prayers for your brother that he heals quickly.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: hunts2long on Jan 27, 2023, 04:26 AM
Ouch!!! Hope he is feeling better....h2l
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 27, 2023, 10:15 AM
It's only 58 degrees out.
I'm a wee bit late getting out there to work on that boat.
lol
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 27, 2023, 02:56 PM
Sucked it up and went right out there after posting that.

Got a bunch done today.
Mounted both HDS head units on the dash.  Enlarged the wire pass thru hole because there will be a LOT more cables coming through it.
Reinstalled the fuse block.
I have a 2nd fuse block on order for the 3 graphs, the sidescan module, the NMEA2000 backbone, and the two ultrasonic pest control modules I’m installing to keep the critters out of the boat.  We have a ton of squirrels down here and I don’t need them setting up housekeeping in Donna’s pontoon.
I removed one of the multi rod holders as it will be in the way of the LiFePo4 battery for the Terrova.  I have 2 other locations where I might reinstall it but I need to wait until I get the rig out from under my carport so I can raise the Bimini to make sure the rods don’t interfere with it.
I also installed a 2nd large pvc cable pass thru under the console for the transducer cables and some power cords Im running both up front and aft.  I held off running the cables thru it until the marine cement/sealer cures.
Tomorrow I’ll run those cables thru the pass thru and also mount the battery disconnect switch and heavy power blocks back in the battery compartment.  I’ll probably also mount the 2bank onboard charger.  This boat, for now, will only have one main motor battery.  No house battery.  However, should I decide to add the second house battery, my disconnect switch is already set up for it.  I bought a NOCO jump box incase I drain the main battery too much while fishing and cannot turn over the main motor.  Of course I also have the Terrova to get us home too.
Time for a bourbon manhoot or two.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Jan 28, 2023, 03:45 AM
Sounds like you accomplished a lot even with the cold weather. Hope your brother heals fast.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 28, 2023, 04:03 PM
A little warmer today at 74
Didn’t put in as much time as I planned.
Donna wanted to go shopping for a desk.
It’s for me, so I agreed.
Anyway, started on the boat about 1pm
Stopped about 4:30 and after picking up things I towed it back to the storage compound.
We are only allowed to have a boat or RV at our home for 48 hrs.  Park rules.
I cheated this time and had it here for 3 days.  Didn’t want to push it any further.
I have some things ordered for it coming on Tuesday.  So I’ll bring it back here on Wednesday morning and see if I can finish things enough to at least take it out on the water.
I completed all the wiring in the rear.
Battery disconnect switch, positive and negative heavy terminal strips (I don’t like 37 wires all going to a battery post), and ran the 6ga power wires under the boat up and thru the floor pass thru under the console.  These will go to the terminal fuse block coming Tuesday.  I also have some nice marine wire ties coming Tuesday that I’ll go back under the boat and secure all the cables and wires I’ve already run.
Good work day today.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 29, 2023, 04:10 PM
Never got to the beach today so I took a walk here in the park with Donna and Macy.
Stopped in the storage compound and readjusted my solar panel battery charger to point more toward the sun.
My daughter Kelly bought me this solar charger.  Not very high wattage because it’s only 1’ x 2’, but does the job to keep my main battery topped off.  And because it is a float type charger, it throttles back as the battery reaches full charge, avoiding over charging.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 31, 2023, 09:28 AM
Went to Bass Pro in Ft Meyers yesterday.
Picked up the 2nd front storage compartment I had ordered for the toon.
When they first came in 2 weeks ago, they were both port boxes.
The boxes said left and right on them.
But the one marked left had another right (starboard) box in it.
So, they had to send it back and reorder for me.
Stunk because the drive there is an hour.

Today I'll mount the boxes but do it in the storage compound instead of bringing the boat here to my home.

I am waiting for a few more parts and pcs to be delivered before I bring it back up here to the house.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jan 31, 2023, 02:06 PM
It's now 84.
Was warmer an hour ago.
Got the starboard side storage compartment bolted in.
But I need fasteners for the lithium battery box before I can mount the port side storage compartment.
I need to mount the battery box before the storage compartment for logistic purposes.
I will need to make another trip to Home Depot.
I should own stock there.

I think maybe a few cold beers are in order.
I'll go to HD in the morning.

 8)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 02, 2023, 04:16 PM
Got the lithium battery box mounted and then the storage compartment.
Really tight under the boat trying to tighten the nuts while Donna held the bolts from up top.
Great to have her help.
Could not have done the job alone.
Might bring it up front tomorrow to the house so I can try to finish the wiring.
We'll see.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallydiven on Feb 02, 2023, 05:06 PM
It's a work in progress. Doing the work yourself will make it that much more enjoyable! Make sure to make it everything that you want it to be. I certainly enjoy reading your progress. Keep at it !!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: taxid on Feb 03, 2023, 11:34 AM
Wow you are getting a lot done. It's nice to see a plan come together isn't it?
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Feb 06, 2023, 04:27 PM
Your getting there, when should we expect to see some pics of Florida fish.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 06, 2023, 04:37 PM
Your getting there, when should we expect to see some pics of Florida fish.

I just quit working on it for the day.
My daughter Kelly gets here next week Friday, so I need to finish it before then because she wants to go out for a ride (no fishing).
Anyway, she’s here for a week.
So I would say I’ll go fishing after that.
I’m in no rush actually.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 07, 2023, 05:04 PM
The front HDS head unit is installed, and completely wired.
The other two are also installed and wires are run from them down below the dash.
I also -
Installed the pressure treated plywood panel under the dash to mount the NEMEA2000 backbone, sidescan module, and the fuse block.
Mounted the NMEA2000 backbone and ran all it's wiring, except the 12VDC power cord to the fuse block.
Mounted the sidescan module and ran all the ethernet cables from it to each of the 3 head units.
Also connected the sidescan/downscan transducer cable to the sidescan module.
Did not wire the sidescan module 12 VDC to the fuse block yet.

Still need to -
Mount the fuse block and get all the wires tied into it.
Finish the wiring for the Terrova, the lithium battery, and the lithium battery charger.
mount and wire the ultrasonic rodent repellant devises.

I have a bit left, but I think I'll get enough of it done to take my daughter Kelly out for ride in the boat when she visits the end of next week.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Feb 08, 2023, 06:35 AM
Mac do those rodent repellant devises really work. Might have to try one in my boat when I store it in the garage for winter.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Raquettedacker on Feb 08, 2023, 07:16 AM
I know the ones you plug in an outlet don’t.. I have two in my shed and still get mice in there..
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 08, 2023, 08:55 AM
I had a couple up north in my garage that work.
We had rats and when I plugged in 3 of them the rats disappeared.
I had 2 in the garage and one in the shed.
I did this as we were packing and stacking the boxes in the garage getting ready to move.
I didn't want "stowaways" joining us for the trip to FL.
The ones I bought weren't cheap and they have 3 settings.
I turned them on the highest setting.
Jeff's GF kept turning them down, saying that she could hear them, and she didn't like the sound.
I turned them back up and finally told her to stay out of the garage and the shed till Donna and I moved out.
The ones I bought had over 24,500 people rate them 3.7 out of 5 stars
Here's a link -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZH4LZYF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZH4LZYF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)


For the boat, these are 12VDC units.
One is rated to cover the boat's area, but I bought two anyway.
These also have small LED lights that flash random to scare away critters.
I'm mainly concerned about squirrels and snakes.
Squirrels will chew the crap out of everything.
Can't tell you if they work but they had over 2200 people that rated them 4.2 out of 5 stars on amazon.
Here's a link -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D118ZRJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D118ZRJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1)


I will use them because they are inexpensive.
Others have said to use moth balls.
I tried that many years ago and the mice still took up housekeeping in my boat.
Short of chaining a cat in the boat under the cover, I feel anything is better than nothing.

Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Raquettedacker on Feb 08, 2023, 10:44 AM
Thanks Mac I bought cheep ones..
 Can’t wait to see your first fish picture.. 8)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Feb 09, 2023, 06:37 AM
Thanks Mac I will give them a try.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 09, 2023, 09:01 AM
Yea, they aren't a thousand dollars.
So if they don't work, no big deal.
And lord knows I haven't done enough wiring yet.   :rotflol: :rotflol:

The boat is back in our storage compound.
I'll bring it back here Saturday afternoon.
Sunday and Monday are going to be cooler at highs only in the low 70's, making it nice to work on it.
Especially lying under the console on my back.  lol
I will get everything finished to at least take it out on the water and test everything.
The plan is to take it out on Tuesday.
Kelly shows on Friday and she wants to go out in it for a ride.

When I finish on Monday I'll take photos and post them.
Also of the test ride on Tuesday.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 12, 2023, 02:35 PM
Wiring under the dash is finished.
Only have the lithium battery for the Terrova to do - tomorrow!!

The 2 units on the dash are an HDS10 and an HDS8.
The 10 I will use for sonar and the 8 I will use for charts.

The unit up front is an HDS8 and I can display everything or only bits and pcs if I want.

Everything is ethernet together and I'm also running a NMEA2000 backbone setup for data transmission.

Here are some pics I took -


(https://i.postimg.cc/w3JtFMYw/thumbnail-IMG-8012.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3JtFMYw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/zVryQNJ8/thumbnail-IMG-8018.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVryQNJ8)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RWCNMT6Y/thumbnail-IMG-8019.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RWCNMT6Y)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bGsrnNRH/thumbnail-IMG-8020.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bGsrnNRH)

(https://i.postimg.cc/PPQCs7xZ/thumbnail-IMG-8021.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PPQCs7xZ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/CRvddfbx/thumbnail-IMG-8022.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CRvddfbx)

(https://i.postimg.cc/TyFwJM78/thumbnail-IMG-8023.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TyFwJM78)

(https://i.postimg.cc/S29KZT3n/thumbnail-IMG-8024.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/S29KZT3n)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 12, 2023, 04:49 PM
Thought this was a fishing boat….not the SpaceX shuttle.

Good grief!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 12, 2023, 05:38 PM
Thought this was a fishing boat….not the SpaceX shuttle.

Good grief!

This is Donna’s pontoon.
But I can fish from it.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 12, 2023, 06:15 PM
My son Jeff wanted me to outfit it with newer technology.  Live, or even Carbon.  Heck, he woulda been cool with Gen3 touchscreen.

But I’m on a fixed income now.   ;D

My thought here was to use what I’m comfortable with.  Gen2 stuff, connected with both Ethernet and NMEA2000 gear.  But jacking it up with StructureScanHD that will give me both sidescan and downscan in addition to my old 2D sonar that I’ve used very successfully over the years.

Trolling up north we fish deeper waters, rarely running less than 30-40 FOW, and generally deeper than 50-60 FOW.  Sidescan and downscan wasn’t as advantageous as simple 2D.  Especially when we pretty much looked for temp breaks and bait; not fish per se.

But down here I’ll be fishing shallow water.  Generally less than 25 FOW, and often less than 15 FOW.  So the sidescan  with be of significant importance and use.

However, I now need to learn, and read, sidescan and downscan.  We will see how this works out.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 13, 2023, 03:27 PM
I finished things today.
Came out pretty good.
I cannot find my grease gun and really want to get a shot of grease into the bearing buddies.
I really don't care for bearing buddies, but probably won't swap them out because I won't be doing any serious transport with this trailer.
I need my shed enlarged so I can bring all my toys home from the storage facility and put them where I can find things.
However, it won't be happening anytime soon.
We are still arm-wrestling with the insurance company over the settlement.

Kelly arrives Friday morning.
I really want to take it out for another test run before I take her out for an all day session.
We'll see.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 13, 2023, 05:59 PM
Going to take it out Thursday morning to test everything.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 15, 2023, 04:07 PM
Going to take it out Thursday morning to test everything.

Change in plans.
 :'(

My neighbor, a retired priest, needs me to take him to the doctor at 1pm.
And I have 9am dental appt.

So when I take out Kelly, that will be the test run.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 17, 2023, 03:05 PM
Kelly is here.

It was decided we will go out in the boat on Wednesday.  No poles.  Just a ride.

Later that day, around 2:30, I have to take my neighbor to rehab again.  And it looks like every Tuesday and Thursday here on out for the next few months.  Yay!   :-\

He’s a retired priest.  If I wasn’t such a lost case, I would think this might get me brownie points upstairs.  Lol
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 21, 2023, 05:12 PM
We took the boat to the launch today.
Tide was major low.
Turned around and took the boat home.
Sucked!
We were stoked.
Tomorrow I have to take my neighbor to rehab in the afternoon, at high tide.
Thursday Kelly heads back north.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Mar 14, 2023, 08:35 PM
Finally took the boat out.
Everything seems to work well.
I have to dial in the head units.
Awesome day - got up to about 78-79 and we had a nice little breeze.
We had fun.
No fishing was done.


(https://i.postimg.cc/dL7GGj6x/2519-DAF9-B11-F-403-B-BC34-4-E82339-CE287.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dL7GGj6x)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Bartman44 on Mar 15, 2023, 10:52 AM
Nice set up, enjoy the rig, you've put plenty of time into it.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Mar 15, 2023, 02:37 PM
Sweet ride  :thumbup_smilie:
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Jethro on Mar 30, 2023, 08:40 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/dL7GGj6x/2519-DAF9-B11-F-403-B-BC34-4-E82339-CE287.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dL7GGj6x)

Looking good Mac! Back on the open water forum now. Nice rig, I bet a toon is the perfect rig for Florida waters in retirement when you can pick and choose your days. Glad to see you're enjoying it!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Mar 30, 2023, 12:33 PM
Thanks Geoff.
I was just over working on it.
Installed a new bow eye.
My daughter Kelly will be here Sunday.
We will take it out next Tuesday.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Raquettedacker on Mar 30, 2023, 01:51 PM
Looking great.  👍👍
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Apr 01, 2023, 11:07 AM
Finished a few repairs and upgrades.
Couldn’t hook the winch strap on the bow eye without going into the water.  Seriously into the water!  And the bow eye was mounted 14” under the front deck.
So I fabricated a plate to move and mount the bow eye on the front of the boat instead of 14” under it.
I also figured out a way to use my boat hook to extend the winch strap and hook out away from me to reach the bow eye from further away.  Hopefully staying dry.
Today I mounted a mooring cleat on the bow for a 25’ dock line I have.  This will allow me the ability to pull the boat in straight further up and onto the trailer, closer to the winch.
Lastly, I installed a safety chain on the trailer with a hook for the bow eye.  I have had a winch strap fail in the past and the safety chain kept the boat from coming off the trailer.  I cannot believe this trailer didn’t have one to begin with.  I cannot believe it’s legal without one.
Tuesday we take Kelly out in the boat and I’ll get to full test everything.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: taxid on Apr 02, 2023, 08:45 PM
Looking forward to your report!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Apr 02, 2023, 09:53 PM
Looking forward to your report!

Thanks - I responded to your pm.

To be perfectly honest, the boat hasn't worked out as planned.
I wanted a house on the water.
So I could have a dock and a lift for it.
That didn't happen.
For many reasons that I won't bore you with.
So, we have to launch it each time.
I have owned probably a dozen boats since the late 70's.
I can launch small or huge boats alone.
However, I'd rather not.
The older I get, the more I want things to get simpler.
Like walking down to our little fishing pier and throwing Cleos.
Fishing for perch instead of trolling for walleyes.
That is simple.
Far easier than all that's involved with launching a pontoon boat at a public launch ramp............especially when you take into consideration the tides.
I'm keeping an open mind.
A small open mind.
 :laugh:
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Apr 03, 2023, 05:41 PM
Tomorrow’s boat ride is cancelled, or maybe postponed.

I got front row tix for the Sabres game on the other coast.  Will be a long day, but fun.  And hopefully a win!

 8)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Apr 04, 2023, 07:29 AM
Enjoy the game  :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie:
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Apr 04, 2023, 08:49 AM
Thanks Wally.
We probably will now go out on Thursday with Kelly.

I'm too big of a Sabres' fan to pass this up.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Apr 05, 2023, 12:19 AM
I shoulda took the boat out.  lol


We had fun.
Too bad they lost.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Apr 05, 2023, 02:26 PM
 :'(
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Apr 25, 2023, 11:45 PM
We went out today for a bit.
My youngest son Christopher and his son, CJ, are here and came along.
It was fun.
We trolled 2 rods with shallow diver Rapalas.
Had something decent on but it came off after a few minutes.
Would have liked to see it at least.
Had another something on for a few minutes and, like the other, it came off.
That one was a lot smaller fish than the first one.
A good day on the water though.
It was in the upper 80's but we had a nice breeze out there all day.

Afterwards, Donna and I both agreed we are going to sell the boat.
It's just too much work to get it ready, launch it, load it back onto the trailer, and then put everything away.
We spend more time in prep and cleanup than we do on the boat.
It would be different if we had gotten a place right on the water like I wanted.
But that didn't happen and I'm not moving ever again.
So somebody is going to get a phenomenal fishing pontoon.

Here's some pics from earlier -


(https://i.postimg.cc/cgTnnD2J/thumbnail-IMG-8291.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgTnnD2J)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ctH8MRGB/thumbnail-IMG-8292.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ctH8MRGB)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kDX8mmRR/thumbnail-IMG-8293.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDX8mmRR)

(https://i.postimg.cc/tYsxsN5X/thumbnail-IMG-8294.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYsxsN5X)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9z89Xny8/thumbnail-IMG-8295.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9z89Xny8)

(https://i.postimg.cc/PP08Yv31/thumbnail-IMG-8296.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PP08Yv31)
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: iceman260 on Apr 26, 2023, 02:51 AM
Sorry to hear that Mac, why can't you leave it docked at a marina so you can drive to it and go fishing. Don't they rent dockspacedown there?
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: rgfixit on Apr 26, 2023, 06:08 AM
Bigger is not always better I guess.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Apr 26, 2023, 08:07 AM
Sorry to hear that Mac, why can't you leave it docked at a marina so you can drive to it and go fishing. Don't they rent dockspacedown there?

Yea.
I have researched things 100 different ways.
Docks rent for about $400 to $450 a month.
And that means the boat is in the water 100%.
It's saltwater, so that means bottom paint and hauling 2X a year or more to clean the bottom.
Hard work, or costly if you pay to have it done.
And the aluminum tubes will still rot out, only slower.
A lift is $450 to $550 a month.
No bottom painting but more costly.
Then there's the security thing.
Leaving all your "stuff" out in the open for the public.
And this boat has a ton of "stuff".  lol
It's just not a monthly cost that we want to add to our budget.
I've done nothing but work on the boat and add money to it.
I finally got it to where it's a killer rig, but we just don't use it because it takes more effort to prep it and put it away.
Even my son Chris said yesterday it wasn't worth the effort.
We had fun of course, still..........

And here's the kicker.
I can rent boats down here for $450 a day.
Pontoons, center consoles, speed boats, etc.
I have done this about 6 times now over the past few years, and it works fine.
Not the same "stuff" as I have on my rig, but it works pretty easy.
And I have ZERO work to upkeep the boat.


Anyway, that is what we kicking around.

And yes Bob, years back I downsized from my 25' Sportcraft to the 16.5' Lund for the very same reason.
The Sportcraft was nice, but a LOT more work.
More effort to maintain it, more to launch and retrieve it at our launch ramp.
And more $$$ in fuel - a LOT more!!!

This 20' pontoon is actually 24' long.
But it's the height of it off the ground that causes the problem.
I need to back things a lot further into the water at the ramp to float it off or onto the trailer.
I'm standing in the water at the trailer winch and it's up to my waist.
People launch and retrieve pontoons all the time but they have to go deeper into the water and just accept it.
We need steeper launch ramps.

Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: taxid on Apr 27, 2023, 09:18 AM
Wow $450.00 to $550.00 a month for a bert?? d**n!
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jul 11, 2023, 02:43 PM
Sold it today!

Fishing from here on out down here will be from piers and shore.
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: wallyworld on Jul 11, 2023, 05:54 PM
Congrats on the sale Mac  :thumbup_smilie:  sorry things didn't work out the way you planned  :-\
Title: Re: My new (Florida) boat.
Post by: Mac Attack on Jul 11, 2023, 06:44 PM
Ship happens.

Thanks bud.