Just ordered a 193 with 200 Merc, which is due Feb. I’ve got a few questions and hope the experience of you folks will help me. Thanks in advance….
1. Carpet – my unit comes with snap in carpet. My dealer is recommending that I do not have the snaps installed in the floor as they may break off causing problems, and he says the snaps are uncomfortable on your feet when the carpet is not installed. What is your experience / recommendations.
2. Kicker – I am not ordering it with a kicker, but will install one soon after purchase. I’m considering a tiller type, without remote controls. In my previous boat I simply locked the kicker in place, set the speed, and steered with my TM. I’m looking to do the same. I Plan to provide fuel from the spare connection on the water separator. And concerns with this idea? Any recommendations?
3. Kicker tilt/trim – tell me about manual vs. ele. start, and power tilt-trim. Are these functions available on a tiller without remote controls. Do I need either or both? On my previous boat I had to lean over the rear transom to lift the kicker. I’ll be 64 and this concerns me. Would electric start be powered off starting battery? Ideas/ recommendations appreciated.
4. Electronics – will be installed after delivery. I’m leaning toward Garmin. I’ve been told that shoot-thru-the-hull transducers offer advantages of marking at higher speed without problems of getting knocked around. Airmar model ??? was the unit recommended.
Thoughts on this set up?
5. Transducer board – should I have one installed for future purposes?
6. Marine radio & antenna – where should these be mounted? I’m looking at 8’ antenna, or can I get away with shorter?
7. What am I missing? This is my retirement boat and my last one. Previous boat was 18’6” Starcraft.
I realize there’s a lot here. If you think a phone call would be better I can provide my number. Thanks to all. Mike.
First, congrats on the boat, you will LOVE it.
1. I agree with your dealer. I think I’ve used my carpet maybe twice, and for the amount of time it’s in there, it’ll stay in place and do it’s job just fine without the snaps. I would opt to delete the carpet like Dean mentioned on my next one. I’m torn on the aqua traction, it’s nice, but in my opinion at least, the jury is out on long term durability, and it’s not cheap. I’ve got the desert sand interior, and yeah, all interiors get hot when it’s 90F out, but it’s not that bad. I’m not a barefoot in the boat guy though.
2/3. As others have said, get a Pro Kicker with power trim and tilt. The power trim and tilt are critical, it just makes using the kicker SO much more enjoyable and it means you’re far more likely to use it. Same with the EFI, effortless starting and idling is a real pleasure. I’ve had a tiller style mounted on my last two boats and wouldn’t go any other way. Add a iTroll unit for speed control and you’re set. If you want to get real high tech, add a PowrTran Python remote steering system for the absolute best and easiest in boat control.
4. A glassed in transducer is definitely nice to have and the factory does a great job. You’ll always have a reliable source for depth, and they’re far less finicky when trying to maintain a bottom reading at high speed. That said, a properly setup transom mount will hold bottom at full speed no problem, and their are better quality options available, ie Airmar.
5. YES. Get two of them, one on each side.
6. I know nothing about marine radio lol.
7. – Rod holders. You might want to think about having rails or tracks installed, or possibly a Slider Trax system from extrememax.com for rod holders, tool holders, cup holders, etc… I don’t troll the great lakes, so I went with rails and the Slider Trax. I’m very happy with my setup, but I’d probably go with tracks if I was a hardcore troller, especially on the great lakes.
– Ski pole. Even if you don’t think you’ll use it much, it can’t be installed after the fact, so I would advise having it installed as part of the build. You will easily make your money back on resale, and you can take the kids or grandkids for a ride on the tube when the fishing is slow.
– I’ve got the Fishini bimini top from Dowco, and it’s a really nice option to have on those hot summer days.
– Give some thought to upgrading to a Captain’s chair for the driver, they are so much more comfortable and secure, they’re worth every penny in my opinion. – Rear deck seat base is a must have for me.
– Splash guards/wave wackers. They’re another must have for me, but that depends on your fishing style.
– The new upgraded Warrior (Dowco) travel cover is the best cover I’ve ever used. SUPER easy and fast to put on/take off, excellent fit, and it’s very durable.
– I don’t have them, but you might want to think about trailer steps. They do make it far easier to get in and out of the boat.
– A rock/gravel guard if you do a fair bit of towing. I swear by the Trailer Tux, it’s the best option available in my opinion
That’s all I can think of off the top of my head, but I just spent a lot of your money with that list LOL.
Waxy
