How does that boat do with the 70hp Yamaha?

I believe garmin has the vision plus upgrade and on sale as well. That probably closes the mapping gap.

I have been shopping for awhile, no hurry and am starting to see inventory with new boats stick around. Used is still moving pretty quick.

Hi, what is the real life rod storage like? Will 7’ really fit in floor and 8’ foot on the side? Thanks

Thanks, yes the larger 2 cycle kickers are great. I am looking at the smaller single cylinder and hoping to find out which has least vibration and noise, appreciate all the help.

Is there still wood used in these boats? Looking at StarCraft storm, but a wood transom would be a deal breaker. Prefer to not have wood decking either. Unable to find the info on their website. Thanks.

Dutchboy wrote:

Wrong. Thelen does his own fiberglass now. How many boats a year he does I don’t know or care. He builds a very solid affordable fiberglass boat.

They look really nice. I fished out of a tuffy 17’ tiller for a long time. The smaller companies don’t always last, on,y down side. Worth looking into.

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:</div>
Those aren’t on my list.

Alumaweld, duckworth, North river, kingfisher, silver streak runabout, northwest, action

But what will you do without pretty plush carpet and candy fiberglass sparkles?

Willie Boats are worth a look as well.

I saw boats with wood floors and hatch covers all over last year at the shows so unless every Midwest manufacturer eliminated wood in every boat after year, it’s still out there in some models.

Was recommended to look at stabicraft, seems they have smaller boats that handle water and options like removable casting deck to cover most needs.

Coletrain27 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>BAR wrote:</div>
Can’t seem to find anything recent with reliability. I drive a Tacoma because it is reliable and the others don’t offer anything the Tacoma doesn’t have. If another truck had better features and last 300k miles vs 400k miles, I would certainly consider a switch.

You ask for people’s opinions then you want to argue with everyone that says go Vexilar.

You obviously already have your mind made up that you want the marcum so go buy it and be happy

I am not arguing, the only reason provided is the marcum will always be broke and the vexilar I can leave to my kids. I can’t believe they rarely are able to function. Why would anyone buy one and how are they in business? Trying to get clarity. Second guessing getting a mechanical flasher, seems the ones with needed functionality don’t ever work and the ones that are reliable don’t offer much functionality….Was looking to add another option to a helix 5 and 73cv panopix. Might already have enough covered and can pick up another helix for guests.

chuck100 wrote:

I’m not a fan of reliability either would rather have something in the shop rather than using it.

Can’t seem to find anything recent with reliability. I drive a Tacoma because it is reliable and the others don’t offer anything the Tacoma doesn’t have. If another truck had better features and last 300k miles vs 400k miles, I would certainly consider a switch.

Cam White wrote:

Have two, haven’t used them yet. Seem to have a great action. But no on ice use yet.

Thanks, does the tip seem pretty light?

Well with the marcum rebates, the m5l is $50 less. Any last thoughts? Tough decision.

Coletrain27 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>BAR wrote:</div>
I don’t need forever because technology is going to change especially with flashers is my guess, 5 years of solid service would do it for me.

Technology has already changed way above Vexilar but they are still very popular due to the reliability

I guess my issues is Imwould rather have dual beam reliably for 5 years, then 12 degree vex forever. If the marcum isn’t durable enough for realizable use for that time period I would go vex, I do think things will progress with flashers though as well.

chuck100 wrote:

But does it have the dependability the Vex has,for damn near forever?

I don’t need forever because technology is going to change especially with flashers is my guess, 5 years of solid service would do it for me.

Joe Dirty wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>BAR wrote:</div>
Both the same price. The features of the M5L fit my need more as out west I fish from 5 feet to 100. Not familiar with marcum really. Need a 3rd unit for hole hoping and when kids take my garmin and helix. Any insights would be great. I did a search but did not find anything recent with these models. Thanks.

I have the M5L and I love it. I just had it up on Lake of the Woods and it didn’t need to be charged for 2 full days of fishing. Great little unit and I like being able to zoom in on any portion of the water column as opposed to just the bottom 6 ft. The Superfine Mode is really nice too.

It seems to have better features at same price point,

Do you all still use a flasher or sonar with livescope or just live scope. Just pieced together a panopix ps22 for my 73cv and was curious if that was all I needed ro carry or just to locate the fish and switch. Appreciate it.

Brittman wrote:

The depth / fish locator is fine, but on a subtle bite you better be paying close attention to your rod tip and line. Just saying …

Yes agree regardless of flasher or sonar best to keep an eye on yiur rod tip/line.

mahtofire14 wrote:

You mean the same prices and 20% that the other retailers had them at? I just happened to be working with another company at the Reeds setup. They were selling the same all over the show.

I just looked at their website. Not the show.

mahtofire14 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>BAR wrote:</div>
You have to go with what you are used, but with changes in technology I am curious to see what vex can do to stay relevant. Not everyone is over 50 that ice fishes.

I was next to the Vexilar area in Reeds at the St Paul Ice Show all three days and I can tell you the Vexilars were flying off the shelf and it was the younger generation of anglers. People just getting into <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>ice fishing don’t buy a Helix 7 or Garmin with Livescope. They buy Vex. They command that lower end market easily and their top end units sell extremely well also. I know the comment was tongue in cheek but it’s pretty amazing what Vex continues to do even as the bar gets raised in the digital and live sonar setups.

Reeds certainly has them priced to sell, the discounts are substantial.

You have to go with what you are used, but with changes in technology I am curious to see what vex can do to stay relevant. Not everyone is over 50 that ice fishes.

brad howland wrote:

Do the G4 Helix’s have a faster response time than previous models?

I don’t know I was using a helix 5 G2

I run my helix on ultra speed and co believe there is a lag. At least next to a vex we couldn’t see it with the naked eye.

These interest me as well. Looking at 2 dozen max.

I love my pistol bit, it works great.

lindyrig79 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>BAR wrote:</div>
Are you able to tilt the screen to view from a standing angle? I can get it to fit, just doesn’t allow me to tilt it based on wires hitting batteries.

The instructions tell you to use the rear hole configuration. Which I did, but you are correct the cables would hit the battery and not allow full tilt. I thought that was stupid so I redid it using the front holes and it still fits in the bag and zips up just fine. Can also tilt fully.

Thank you, that is great information.

Are you able to tilt the screen to view from a standing angle? I can get it to fit, just doesn’t allow me to tilt it based on wires hitting batteries.

Set it up today, I do like it. The bag/case is weak. It looks like to tilt the screen I will have to mount it further up and no longer be able to close the bag. Going to pick up screen cover and skip the bag. Super light set up with amped 15ah battery.

Thanks, going to take it out this weekend and give it a go. Seems the lvs32 set up is on sale with the plus having come out.

Before I inbox the garmin 73cv does it lad or provide a lesser sonar experience than the helix? Reading mixed reviews. Appreciate it

I use the drill dewalt with 8” pistol bit. Super light and effective. Bought an adapter so don’t have to re-chuck between auger and ice anchors.