Your info on those local landings is what we’re after. Thanks. Figured Phils for locked up…We launch there all year but great if not iced. Im starting to get info from around the lake. Sounds like most are open yet. Should be great weather for a final soft water run.
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Everyone saw you come on so we stopped talking and logged off……BOOM
Probably everyone is actually hunting and fishing instead of trolling sites that are heading in the wrong direction. ZAM!
Are you crazy? ZING
Yep… Zam…boom…zing
That’s the direction it was headed. Too many… Go have your coffee and join a adult conversation.
Thanks G….I see your still hanging and a few of the other friendly faces. And lots of new ones. Yes the format has changed alot..diversified. It was odd to see the general discussion getting very little press. When it used to be nuts with replies. Nice to see some of you guys are still around.
We got one today…20″ …find out tomorrow what the reward is.
Any updates on where the open water is at? heard the bridge in town…can anyone verify?
Have they changed the amount of oil they take recently? I don’t think topping them off full is recommended.
BIRDDOG
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Bird dog
I really appreciate the help. Was your yarcraft gelcoat solid colored or did it have the metal flakes? After a while did the spots where you took off the numbers fade to match the rest? If I am understanding you correctly, it didn’t hurt the gelcoat at all. I imagine a good wax job also brought it back to life.
My Yar was solid white, no metal flake. Didn’t hurt the gelcoat at all. Buffing the area blended it pretty good but could still see where the letters were…at least I could. Others probably wouldn’t have even noticed. Keep in mind my letters were on that boat for all of ten years! My new vinyl letters went in the same spot, once they were applied there was no way of telling or seeing the fadeing.
Depending on how long those painted letters have been on there the fading could be pretty minimal, a quick buff job, even hand buffing, followed by a wax job and it should blend.
I know other guys that have used the easy off on metal flake…no issues.
BIRDDOG
Easy off oven cleaner.
Spray it on the numbers, let it sit for a few minutes, wipe it off. You might have to repeat a few times. Just spray one or two numbers at a time as you don’t want the cleaner to sit for to long. Keep a bucket of water/sponge handy to dilute the cleaner each time you spray/wipe.
I searched this topic thoroughly when I needed to pull the numbers off my Yar Craft…Easy off was the overwhelming response, even the custom painters recommended it.
Be prepared though…you will notice your gelcoat has faded and where the numbers were will be like new gelcoat. After your done a buffer can help even out the faded/new gelcoat.
BIRDDOG
Zagg Invisible shield.
Spendy but about as tough and scratch resistent as you’ll find. It’s not like the standard protectors that will lift at the corners and show scratches after a few days. I’ve been impressed with it on our Nuvi’s and can say that it’s the only protector I will use on my new graphs.
BIRDDOG
Just about all my “plinking” ammo for my pistols and rifles is “WOLF”. Cheap, reliable…rarely a issue with misfires or jaming. Fact is when I do have a misfire or jam it’s normally because the piece is a little dirty.
I won’t use WOLF ammo for home defense, hunting or sighting but it’s just fine for goofing off…and it’s about as cheap as you’ll find.
BIRDDOG
I was up at moon motorsports in Monticello this morning… New 2010 sportsmans 500 for under 5K. That’s a smokin deal on a new machine, especially one that’s tried and true like the 500 sportsmans.
BIRDDOG
I have the electic/digital masterbuilt…great smoker imho. I JUST finished 50 lbs. of venni pepper sticks…16 lbs. at a time. Easy to use, the digital temp is within 3-4 degrees of my Brinkman “smokNpit” gauge. Simple to use, set the temp, set the time, drop the chips..easy. I’ve had a few other previous to this one, the didn’t work out. I’ve had this one for 3 years, have done 150 lbs. of pepper sticks, roasts, countless pheasant, ribs…etc. Works well. Masterbuilt
BIRDDOG
Change the hub fluid, go for a ride and change it out again. Generally that’ll fix it. Don’t overfill.
BIRDDOG
The 400 polaris motor is one of the most reliable motors they’ve ever built. Strong, reliable, fast…will leave the 500 sporty, HO or 600 in the dust. 
My bud ran the same machine your looking at for many years, he beat the crap out of it…just kept going! Keep the fluids full and run it.
I run a 98 xplorer 400, great machine that gets the majority of it’s use during the winter…plowing snow and ice fishing…never misses a beat. I’ve never had a need to change jetting unless high alt. Hasn’t given me a issue…knock on wood.
BIRDDOG
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Just a thought….Anybody ever check into or try the roll on truck bedliner material on the floor of a boat? Not slippery and very durable. I know they have a few colors to choose from. Could spray off with a hose.
My bud redid his 17′ boat in rhino liner, grey color. Looks great. He chose rhino over linex and other roll on brands…the rhino is softer. Cost was cheaper than I thought it would be…He did all the prep work, I think t was $400+ to have it sprayed. It’s sharp looking and functional.
BIRDDOG
I like the last week in March, first week of April. The females are as full as they get and are on the chew.
BIRDDOG
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Nothing much better than seeing the kids with fish!
I agree, and said the same in my original post. There was no reason to delete it. The following is meant to be helpful and with good intentions.
I gave a different option for weighing the release fish, and did so in a nice, helpful manner. Simply stated, rather than slicing a hole in the jaw of a fish your intending to release and weighing them off the jaw bone there’s a easier way that doesn’t cause permanent damage and will cause less stress to the fish. It can be weighed in the net, I believe that scale has “Tare” on it allowing one to weigh the net, push Tare and it will zero out. I say this in hopes it changes the way some may choose to weigh their release fish.
Sorry if this hurts anyones feelings, it’s not intended to. It’s stated with the best intentions, not only for the OP but anyone that may read it and for the future of the fishery.
BIRDDOG
Stock suspension in 1/2 tons sucks for towing/load IMHO, mine was terrible! New 05 silverado z71…I towed my 1850 for the first time and felt like a bobble head. Within a few days I was shopping for a fix! I looked into air bags, overload springs and the Timbrens. I didn’t want to deal with air bags, installing gauges, running lines/power. Leaks? I also didn’t want to deal with installing overload springs and the rough ride that comes with them.
After much thought I decided on the Timbren SES, real easy install, if you can change a flat you can install the timbrens. Stock unloaded suspension is the same, as soon as you put a load on, be it heavy tounge weight or load the box, the Timbrens suck up the weight nicely.
They’ve been installed since new, going on 5 full years. No issues. The loaded ride is great, no sag keeping the truck level, easier steering. Trailering I don’t get the sway. I’ve hauled some heavy loads with these installed, block, brick, etc., I was amazed at how well they worked. Unloaded it’s the same soft, cushy chevy ride, 100% satisfied! They’re basically a self adjusting air bag, without the air, power and gauges to install.
When I’m due for a new truck, if it’s another 1/2 ton, I’ll be installing another set of Timbren SES before that truck hauls a single load. Great product, easy install, no maintenence, lifetime warranty. I’d recommend them to anyone that does any towing or hauls loads.
Check them out. http://www.timbren.com/
BIRDDOG
You can fix it yourself or bring it up to a tire shop, they can take care of it. Always carry a plug kit in your tool kit, cheap insurance. A few things I also carry in the kit, a little foot pump that’s made for a bike, valve stems, cores and the tool that removes them. I also carry a small can of ether/lighter. I’ve been on a few trips where someone broke a bead or valve stem, the ether comes in handy. Other things I carry, spare belt and the tools to change it, spark plugs and a small tube of grease. The grease is used to set the bead. I know the above is more than “a tire leak” but, they come in handy when your broke down.
To find your tire leak…grab a spray bottle add a drop or two of dish soap and fill with water, shake it up good. Over inflate the tire a little. Remove your tire lay it flat, spray the entire bead. The leak will bubble, easily noticed. Spray the valve stem, both the base and the core. Flip it and spray the other bead. You can take care of bead leaks by over inflating a little but more often than not there is dirt, a rock or a stick jammed in it. They need to be removed, bead broke/cleaned, bead sealant and reset. A tire shop is your best bet if you havn’t done or know how to do the ether method.
If you don’t have any leaks in the bead or stem it’s in your tread. Roll the tire and spray the entire surface, watch for bubbles, find the leak, ream the hole and shove a plug in.
Speaking of ATV’s, going on a ride with about 20 guys next weekend! 
All the above tools and more will be in my tool kit/saddle bags.
BIRDDOG
Yes, they sell them. If memory serves me about $50 for a 6+3. They have them in their catalog.
BIRDDOG
A wheel cleaner should take it off, spray it on, let it work for a few minutes and take a bristle brush after it. Always works for me. Once you do get them clean, wax the rims. I use a spray on “wax as you dry” type product. Still get brake dust but the wax is probably the reason it comes off easier, acting as a protective layer.
You could try dust shields, I havn’t tried them but did read about them on a chevy forum. They’re supposed to help.
BIRDDOG
Are you talking about the “quadski”? Link doesn’t work but I’ve seen the quadski. Google it for a you tube link.
My thoughts…for atv use, the hull would get damaged without question be it from from rock chips, logs, etc. To easy to get high centered, not very nimble.
As a jet ski…better keep it in a straight line, I could see turning sharp and the wheels catching water and throwing the rider.
As a unit, to much “electronics” with the power up/down wheels. Surely the electric motors make more weight, more parts to wear out. How strong are the axles/pivot points when it’s a “atv”.
Kind of a neat idea but who’s gonna buy something like that? It’s not as useful as a atv and can’t be as fast or nimble as a jet ski. Maybe for the guy that has everything and money to burn??
I wasn’t impressed.
BIRDDOG
We lost because of Nathan. He’s been terrible since the AS break. Geurrier threw one bad pitch, the wild pitch. Fact is, he never should have been in the game. Nathan let the team down, seems pretty standard these days. .2 innings, 2 hits, 4 runs, 4 earned runs, 2 BB and 2 HR’s. Those 2 winning runs were on his shoulders.
Twins have been playing great baseball lately winning 11 of the last 15. Twins didn’t stink it up today, Nathan did.
Could have used this game but were right in the hunt, still have 7 games with Detroit….those games will be the decider. If we can win 5 of those I think it makes the twins the division champs. We can only hope.
BIRDDOG
I tried it a few weeks ago. I wasn’t impressed either, it was OK but I wouldn’t go out of my to make it. A few liked it(buzzed),”this is great!!” 
, the rest didn’t really care for it.
Sweet corn with butter, salt, and pepper….all it needs.
BIRDDOG
Duct tape or JB weld. 
BIRDDOG
Aftermarket oil and filter are fine. As far as the wrench light goes…it does turn on when your due for a service, “oil change”. I believe but don’t quote me, the wrench symbol will come on at start up and flash for a while (20-30 sec.) and turn off. That means it’s due for a “service”. The light needs to be reset or it’ll stay on…not sure the sequence to shut it off though?? If the light is coming on and staying on the machine needs to be looked at.
Check out and register on “ATV Connection”, great forum, great group of guys, especially in the polaris forum!! Any ATV question has an answer on that site! I think someone not long ago posted a cross reference for the oil filters, have to use the search function but I’m pretty sure it’s there somewhere…or just ask.
BIRDDOG
Sounds like your looking for a zach shack?? No nonsense, super insulated, very light. Basically just a insulated shell without the frills.
BIRDDOG
I’ve changed mine out…use the existing cable as a “fish tape”. A extra set of hands is helpful, even the wife. Disconnect the cable at both ends, pull a little up through the switch hole or start down in the bilge…what ever’s easiest, tape the new cable to the old and fish the new cable. Have the extra set of hands help it along. It took us about ten minutes total…easy job. Definitly not worth bringing it in.
BIRDDOG
“OEM” Original equipment manufacturer. OEM should be a factory lower unit.
BIRDDOG
Yes.
Just have to find the stock, one owner, adult driven, maintained machine that’s obviously in good shape and runs good. They’re out there.
Don’t buy the clutch kit, snorkled, swamp tire, under cariage beat to sht machine.
Ask if you can check and remove the belly pan, it’s just a few bolts and takes a minute with a socket. Mud, grass? How do the components look under(above)the pan? Easy to spot the beaten machines. Look under the seat, in the air cleaner, these spots hold dirt/mud as well. If there’s any doubt, walk away! Lots of nice, well taken care of machines out there for purchase.
I went through several before finding the one owner, babied, like brand new, never in the mud, driven by a great grandpa machine…they’re out there and there’s plenty to sort through to find it.
For some it’s best to buy new, for me used is just fine. Just have to find the nice machines.
BIRDDOG
