MyFishFinder Forum
MFF US Northeast => Vermont => Topic started by: Perchbait on Feb 28, 2017, 09:29 PM
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Looks like the ice season is coming to a close. Who's excited to get the long rod's out and hit the liquid stuff?
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Here in NY at least where I fish it was over before it started so ive been playing in the liquid already..
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I'm almost there with you PB.
Hoping to get one more hardwater outing in this weekend if the weather allows the edges to firm up again, otherwise it'll be breakout the long rods.
In the meantime getting to the work needed on my boat so as to at least be ready for walleye opener, maybe even get in some early salmon trolling.
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PB ::) Registered my boats today. One is already parked in Grand Isle ;D Has your dad registered his boat and trailer?
Dick
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PB ::) Registered my boats today. One is already parked in Grand Isle ;D Has your dad registered his boat and trailer?
Dick
Nope, haven't even got it out of it's winter home yet. We're looking for a long stretch of promisingly warm weather before we decide to break it out.
I'm almost there with you PB.
Hoping to get one more hardwater outing in this weekend if the weather allows the edges to firm up again, otherwise it'll be breakout the long rods.
In the meantime getting to the work needed on my boat so as to at least be ready for walleye opener, maybe even get in some early salmon trolling.
I'm not sure if Crayfish2 and I are going to hit the hard stuff this weekend. My Mom saw all of the open water and broken up ice in Malletts Bay today and I think she would have a heart attack if we went ice fishing. We'll be keeping an eye on the long term forecast, looking for a stretch of 40+ degree weather to head down to converse for Salmon and Lakers. Good luck with your boat and let me know how you make out this weekend. Where you headed?
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I am. Come on salmon season. April 1 can't get here soon enough (in NH at least).
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It's been open water for me all winter....I've been out on Champlain at least once every month since November. I think I ice fished about 3 days total this winter. I have plans to go out on Champlain next week. My winter salmon partner gets busy in April so I'll have to find other options.
My boat is still covered, but needs work to get it on the water this spring. I have the first week of April off before opening day to tinker with it. I'm waiting for the bit of ice in Dunmore to thaw so I can at least run in open water. I haven't had it on the water for two years.
There are also steelhead options in streams as well.
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Good luck with the boat, Fish Farmer! Looks like winter isn't ready to release it's grip just yet ... I'm ready for some salmon fishing any time now.
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Boat hull is sanded and primed, now just need a little warmer temp to get the finish paint on it, then can get the floor redone and motor back on.
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Boat hull is sanded and primed, now just need a little warmer temp to get the finish paint on it, then can get the floor redone and motor back on.
??? Looks like the first of May for you?
Dick
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Boat hull is sanded and primed, now just need a little warmer temp to get the finish paint on it, then can get the floor redone and motor back on.
hull epoxy and painted, now doing floor.
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Boat hull is sanded and primed, now just need a little warmer temp to get the finish paint on it, then can get the floor redone and motor back on.
Can we get a picture when its done? Need to know how to recognize you?
Dick
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This is what it looked like when I bought it back last May.
Floor was rotten, motor needed carb tune up, but otherwise no leaks and good condition for a '69 deep V
Transom is okay, looks like it was replaced recently, but a hack job nonetheless...silicone caulk everywhere and the wood wasn't even spar varnished or sealed at all.
I'm going to leave it for this year as I'm running low on funds and out of time to get on the water by opening day of Wally season.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0731.jpg&hash=d426c2d73cdc6b05a1975710dc30c1d1) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0731.jpg.html)
The tapered main stringer. I'm replacing this with dual stringers since this was right down the middle and didn't leave any room for water to flow to the backend.
My idea comes from other pics I've seen of mid-sixty's Starcraft Jet where they have dual stringers, should help with load earing on the plywood too.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0729.jpg&hash=2ead64f5f1c5a26dab30bb641c933edf) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0729.jpg.html)
Old crap ripped out, was in bad shape, all the foam, what was left of it was waterlogged.
Pressure washed and scrubbed, putting new tapered 2" XPS boards in this weekend with the new aluminum .065 gage stringers.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0699.jpg&hash=50af4f9530f5189adffb34740ca6c96c) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0699.jpg.html)
New 3/4 ACA plywood floor all cut and dry fitted, sealed with 2 coats of spar varnish on bottom side, will be doing primer then non-skid porch deck pain on exposed side this weekend
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0723.jpg&hash=1cd28ad254d7f9fad9909cb6dd0c11b3) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0723.jpg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0721.jpg&hash=67c44a41cc3ca94c68ae0f8588e691d1) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0721.jpg.html)
After leak testing, I sanded the hull in my house garage over the winter, then used GOOP Coat-It on the hull, then primed it, and painted.
That 1 day in February when it was mid-70's, I pulled the wheel bearings on the trailer and replaced them along with the the lights
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0700.jpg&hash=42458a02b0ea2fc0fec7cabef84e90cd) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0700.jpg.html)
I'll post some more when I can...trying to beat the clock, hoping to get a lot done this weekend.
Will focus on motor overhaul and replacing the transom after I put it up for the season.
Just enough cash left to buy my fishfinder/GPS/chartplotter and I've got some gear to start trolling with. Need to save up for downriggers and more gear down the road...such an addiction!!!
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;D ??? mudchuck ? PB and I always thought of you as an old fuddydud with a row boat. I'm really impressed with your work on the "new" boat!
I hope for lots of stories when you get it on the water ! If I lived close to you I would be happy to give you some of my redundant rigger stuff and get you into salmon trolling! Before I retired on SS I got a bunch of trolling stuff for my son but he likes to chase warm water fish. Get your boat on the water and follow PB and crayfish up the river for the walleye opening day??
Dick
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Looks like your boat is coming along great Mudchuck! Hope to see you on the water soon.
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Thanks all, I'm looking forward to getting out there.
I bought this boat/motor/trailer pretty cheap knowing it was a project, but glad I did it, especially since I grew tire of paddling a 14' 2-man canoe around by myself to fish from...even though that was mostly enjoyable, it was wearing me out and I'm tired of fighting the wind most trips.
I still have a ways to go, as I need to JB weld all the holes in the top edges where past owners have mounted various items, and then prime/paint them, this is in addition to all the rest of the previously mentioned work I'm hoping to get done this weekend. Drove me crazy all winter waiting for temps to get good enough to prime & paint, now I feel like I'm playing catch up, but I know I'm in a good position to get things close to the end now.
I had it out last summer, but just a few times as the carb was giving me fits and the time spent out there was good to get a feel for things. And the water level was so low, that I tow it with my Subaru Impreza wagon that I had to submerge the rear of the car a few times just to unload/load it...car is near the end too, so a truck is in my future I hope, hence the project boat.
With a 40HP motor, she really scoots, and I had it dialed in to 2.3MPH at surface speed with my phone navionics while dragging a bucket behind me. Took me a little tinkering to get the carb figured out, and I learned a hard lesson never to go to the official dealer of the motor, who totally ripped me off with a $300 bill for less than an hours work to just put the main jet back in that had worked loose.
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Looking good, Mudchuck!! Can't wait to see you on the water with it. That is a complete rebuild right there ... lots of work but also lots of satisfaction, I'm sure, knowing you did it all yourself.
PB and I noticed a few more rivets this past weekend that need a rebuck job, but other than that we haven't had any issues with our '67 Starcraft this year. Hope that trend continues!
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Mudchuck one thing to consider is some pressure treated plywood can actually react with the aluminum and cause corrosion. I don't think it happens often and might be brand dependant but I wanted to let you know. Restore looks good so far best of luck!
"In 2004 the EPA made the treated plywood companies take out the arsenic and they put more copper in the wood. Well...copper and aluminum are dissimilar metals on the galvanic scale and once you add water it creates an electrical current, like like if your carpet and deck stays wet or a period of time, the copper will interact with the aluminum and eat holes in your hull and completely trash your boat."
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not PT plywood, I've done the research
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not PT plywood, I've done the research
I also work for a mechanical contractor and have been in the trade 30 years, so I'm well aware of dielectric metal and galvanic reactions, but thanks for the input.
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I also work for a mechanical contractor and have been in the trade 30 years, so I'm well aware of dielectric metal and galvanic reactions, but thanks for the input.
Wouldnt have suggested had I know that...best of luck with the restore.
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foam is in. sorry, didn't get a pic of the complete installation of all the foam, this is just the 1st layer.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0748.jpg&hash=e5ad9391b2be440696f220ab18d23274) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0748.jpg.html)
floor is down, anchored with stainless screws this weekend, prime wood tonight, finish tomorrow with anti-slip porch/deck paint.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0755.jpg&hash=9b427877a0dd4ffaa33bcbb31b273964) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0755.jpg.html)
side rails jb weld all old holes, ready to sand and prime the rails.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0756.jpg&hash=7c55f7aa7760e0e36ad625322db8648f) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0756.jpg.html)
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::) OK! mudchuck? Opening day of walleye season I want Perchbait to get a picture of your new boat?
Dick
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I'm struggling to make it for this Saturday!
A little background: my 85 y/o father-in-law, who has a really bad congestive heart condition (quad bypass and pacemaker), severe mobility issues with gout and arthritis and dementia/alzheimer's has been living with us for going on 6 years now due to him & my mother-in-law being in an auto accident that killed her, so we moved him up with us because no one nearby to care for him daily without putting him in a assisted living care facility that specializes in memory and mobility issues, so my wife stays home and is the primary caregiver.
She is out of the home 2-4 evenings a week with errands and other activities, so I'm the caregiver those evenings after I get home from work.
I've been trying hard to get things done on the boat all winter and last night I was supposed to prime the new floor to prep for the anti-skid coating, but wound up sitting with him for most of the night because he has gone into hyper-active brain mode and was babbling on for over 3 hours yet was very lucid some moments, and was very restless to the point I could not leave his side because he was attempting to wander and get into things. Needless to say, I'm behind schedule!
His dementia is bad in the evenings sometimes, with what's call "sundowner syndrome". I'm a little frustrated that some of my evenings are tied up not doing what I need to get done, but I know caring for him is the priority. We do have visiting nurse come in, but the scheduling sucks for my timeline to get the boat done and out of the garage into the water...
I did manage to get the 1st prime layer on the floor late last night, and the flex-a-seal I ran in the joints, even though says its paintable after curing (I let it cure 48 hours as directed), the stuff didn't take the primer paint at all, so I need to get another coat of primer on it tonight.
Goal was to get the anti-skid paint coating on tomorrow night, mount the seat pedestals and steering console. Sand the gunnel rails, prime then paint, apply the registration numbers and get it back onto the trailer by Friday night, then mount the motor and connect the steering cables, mount the light fixtures and rewire...and scramble to get the fishing gear all packed up.
So getting down to the wire here and not sure I'll be out Saturday, but gonna give it my best!
I also wanted to replace the motor mounting board because the old one is thin & looks bad, not matching the paint scheme (it's 3/8" thick old plywood, green and the boat is grey/blue and I want to put in 3/4" thick because I've got plenty leftover from the flooring job), but this means unbolting thru transom and a little more woodwork/prime/paint which takes cure time too,
Even if I do get all this done, I still would be hitting the water without a shakedown run to make sure no Murphy's Law conditions exist.
That said, if you don't see me it doesn't mean I'm not out there in spirit, it just means I'm behind schedule and the walleye will still be around the follow weekend (I hope!!!)
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Good man Mudchuck, nothing else to say really. Good luck with the boat. Im enjoying the thread.
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mudchuck! Hoping for family that will be as caring as you in the future years? I'm hoping the boat will go well and you will keep up this thread with pictures of boat on the water.
Dick
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Thanks everyone!
Last night was better than expected, I was able to get more stuff done. I read up on Flex-A-Seal, and thought it would be good to use on the joints between the plywood deck. The product says it can be painted after it cures, so I made sure to allow the full 48 hours to cure before applying the primer coat to it. I'm disappointed that the Flex-A-Seal wouldn't take the primer, even after several attempts it just rolled right off. finally last night I laid on a thicker coat of the primer over those joints and it looks like it took.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0772.jpg&hash=4395a0067c485d44f667d7867bf0a2a7) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0772.jpg.html)
The old motor mount board looks terrible, so I decided to pull it last night and will cut a new one tonight and spar varnish it.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0770.jpg&hash=f997f912d3fae69cfa231d125ab26532) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0770.jpg.html)
The PO's must've had stock in silicone caulk, and the motors they've mounted over the years all had different bolt patterns, what I discovered behind the old board were more holes than I expected, and now I'm debating on JB welding them before I replace the motor mount board.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0773.jpg&hash=b558b563de9720a46ca13867700d9955) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0773.jpg.html)
Also managed to sand the old holes I filled in on the gunnel rails and did prime paint them last night, but no pic.
Still have a ways to go, but with the lousy weather forecast for this weekend, I'm not rushing to get out on the water.
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Coming along great, Mudchuck! Can't wait to see you on the water in it. You are right ... this weekend is not going to be very good for walleye fishing with the high / muddy water and more rain coming. The fish will still be there when you get your boat back together.
Sorry to hear about your FIL's condition. Hoping for the best for him, you and your wife.
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Some pics of the old flooring & a close up of the old foam. Hard to believe a PO had used PT plywood, lumber & steel screws!!!
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0775_1.jpg&hash=da8c4be877fdc06b41f044f7d7700a4f) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0775_1.jpg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0777.jpg&hash=78f4130576da2f35a62225697098f470) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0777.jpg.html)
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Need opinion: Why would the motor be bolted off centerline?
in this pic, I've circles the thru bolt holes the PO had mounted the motor to the transom and mounting board. The lines are the true locations for the mounting holes based on the motor support flanges, so I'm trying to understand a reason for the motor being mounted so far offset.
Thoughts???
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2Fmotor%2520board.jpg&hash=2b0d6ce670fbe0248b4fc9b873e0a593) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/motor%20board.jpg.html)
I got the 1st coat of anti-skid down last night, I'm liking this. Putting 2nd coat on tonight.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2F1st%2520floor%2520coat.jpg&hash=444e1177db99d56911ce25742722e7e3) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/1st%20floor%20coat.jpg.html)
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Motor mounting board 3 coats of spar varnish and mounted, with a 1/4" aluminum plate on inboard side of the transom.
I primed the area for this season and will take the splashboard out and refinish it when I replace the transom wood this winter.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0817.jpg&hash=74b983c9d241a4432872cc775bf1fd8e) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0817.jpg.html)
Console tore apart, sanded, putty for the 2 small rot areas and 3 coats of finish paint, reinstalled steering last night and last coat of paint on the gunnel rails.
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0819.jpg&hash=66ecff6282299f841da6b261abfdc638) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0819.jpg.html)
Remounting tie off cleats and lights tonight, cleanup and ready to get back on the trailer, then mount the motor tomorrow after work.
Fingers crossed for shakedown cruise Friday after work, to hit the river on Saturday for some fishing!
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Looking awesome, Mudchuck! How big is this boat? It's got nice WIDE gunnels for mounting downriggers / rod holders / etc. Best of luck with her!
PB and I went to the Winooski last weekend and only caught 1 16" smalley. Would have gone to the Lamoille, but they were calling for strong south winds and you can't drift the Lamoille on a south wind. The water is still cold so the fish must be way upstream still.
Good luck!
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Thanks CF. She's 14'
My plan is to get in the water, work on other improvements for fishing/trolling later when more $$$ is freed up.
So far, spent almost $700 on the refurbishment and still need to buy my electronics...tight budget!
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mudchuck! Great job, BUT how the heck did you get it set on the tires in the garage?/
Dick
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DB there are tires in the back too, very stable I might add, worked out good!
Lights and cleats mounted and wires roughed in last night, now onto the trailer tonight and mount the motor!
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Looking good!
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??? ??? Mudchuck?? I can't even lift my 12 ft. Starcraft off the trailer?
Dick
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(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0838.jpg&hash=4df5ebce9cc943294c7e458cb02a457d) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0838.jpg.html)
(https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1223.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd505%2Fmudchuck%2FIMG_0839.jpg&hash=0c6d9c897ed1c8205d2bf2d401f87cea) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0839.jpg.html)
On the trailer, motor mounted, steering & throttle hooked up, lights wired, applying registration letters, just a couple minor things to get at the hardware store after work.
Did you know when you but a package of vinyl letters, they only have a single V in them?! All other letters are 2-3, but only a single V...Grrr, of course only in VT.
Need to replace the anchor light toggle switch and can get the shakedown run in tonight...fingers crossed for a Saturday morning fishing trip!
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Looks like a chatching machine to me! Fingers crossed for the first trip!
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Looks great, Mudchuck! Looks like PB and I will be heading to Carmi on Saturday morning. Haven't heard of much happening in the Lamoille or Winooski yet, so we're going to head to where we usually can catch walleye. The rain this weekend isn't going to help out the river fishing at all, either.
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;D mudcuck! I'm impressed! Now, I want to see some fish pictures. Maybe you should head to Carmi with Crayfish and PB?
Would love to see picture of you guys side by side??
Dick
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Bummer, launched Saturday but the motor wouldn't fire, bad rectifier...
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I don't have the slightest idea what rectifier is??
Dick
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DB, the rectifier is the electronic module - stator, it sends the signal to the spark plug to fire
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Has the rectifier been rectified? Im curious about what kind of speeds that rig does. I'd imagine its going to move along nicely.
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mudchuck ? How about a little Rustoleum on the trailer hitch?? Your new/old boat is going to look sad the first time you scratch it??
Lets hear about a successful next test trip?
Dick
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??? ::) mudchuck? Still hoping for your first fish on trial run? Headed for the IS next weekend and hoping that I might see you there.
PB is obviously being a good student?
Dick
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Crayfish2, my Mom and I are headed out on a charter on Champlain tomorrow and I still have to write up a report for last weekend. Tight Lines to ALL!
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Haven't made it out in the boat yet, went to launch 2 Saturday's ago and couldn't get the motor to fire, bad rectifier, now on order and awaiting install. Figured while it was in for this service, might as well get the other stuff done that I was going to defer until after the boat season ends, so ordering a new impeller, water pump for the lower unit and a tune up for the top end and carb...there goes my new fish finder/GPS unit money!
Dummy me left the canoe paddles in the boat, so I'm shore bound this week too.
Did get on some white perch yesterday from shore.
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mudchuck? Don't feel bad. I once got up at 4:30 to duck hunt the Conn. River. Decoys and gear loaded into the canoe at the river and it was still dark. After looking everywhere I realized I forgot a paddle? Tried a piece of driftwood and finally the but of my shotgun BUT! nothing worked.
Home by 6:00 AM for an early breakfast?
Dick
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Been there, Dick! PB and I had to break off branches / small trees one time so we could "pole" our way to our duck blind about 300yds upstream in a creek. Not fun in a canoe, in the dark, but we made it.
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??? trying to imagine setting decoy with a branch to move the canoe around?? Or even chasing cripples?? Sure will make a good story!
Dick