Trump’s fault.

Thanks Bearcat. I don’t have a ladder on mine either, so I was wondering if that one could be used without the ladder. It’s cheaper and smaller than most I’ve seen, which I like on both counts.

I have a 90lb pit / lab and am also searching for a ramp that would work with a bass boat. I need to find something that folds up, as the boats only a 17 footer and I don’t really want to have a 6 foot ramp lying around all day.

Aaron, how did you like the KastKing? I just bought a spinning reel, baitcasting reel, one rod and 2 rolls of braid. The reviews I’ve read on their reels are positive, and the stuff was cheap enough for me to give it a shot. I’d like to hear reviews from guys on this site, as I think they would be honest.

Specs say it weighs 1580 lbs empty, and I have a 115 Mercury on it. Here’s a photo of the boat, although this one isn’t mine, it’s the same thing.

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   f1995_Bayliner_Quantum_Bass_Boat.jpg
   

It’s fiberglass, and I can’t think that it’s all that heavy. My TM is a 24 volt. Maybe I need to lower the prop a bit, I think I have 6″ or so that I could move it down. Maybe that would help it. Also, I doubt it matters, but I added I-Pilot to it years ago. Keep the suggestions coming, and I’ll keep messing with it.

To Denny O: Yes, I have 2 brand new batteries wired in-line specifically for the TM. They are Interstate size 29.

Bullcans: No, I haven’t checked for line around the prop. I will do that within the next few days. Thanks.

Again, I’d really like to know if you guys think the TM should be able to actually troll this boat at a reasonable speed (3-4 mph).

Thanks.

Sheldon, you’ve been of great help to me while I get my engine ready for the year. I hope my best wishes will be of some help to your and your lady. Good luck.

Thanks JoeMX, I’ve seen video on YouTube about using the coins, and actually plan on using that to level the transducer once I get to that point. Right now I’m just trying to figure out exactly where to put the thing. An earlier suggestion in this thread said to move it to the right of the livewell drain. I’m going to try that, as long as there’s enough boat there to attach it to. Then I’ll do the coin thing.

I think the standard transducer that comes with the Helix 10 MEGA SI GPS is the XTM 9 SI 25 T
From what I’ve been reading, it sounds like guys are able to use it at trolling speed as well as up to 40 mph. The transducer mount position seems to be very important as to whether or not the thing will work at fairly high speeds, which is why I’m obsessing over getting it correct.

I appreciate your advice. I hope to get it set up properly, since this is my first Helix SI. I assume I’m going to have trouble dialing in everything, and I don’t need additional interference due to putting the transducer in the wrong spot.

Thanks CaptMusky. I’ll get to the adjustments Thursday or Friday. I may have additional questions once I get back to it.

Thanks for the info. I’m still pretty confused. Some people are telling me that the transducer needs to be at least 12″ from the motor, which would be 12-18 inches to the right, and up a bit. Some, like you bullcans, say it’s ok where it is, but maybe just a bit higher. If I need to move it over, then I will most likely get the transducer mounting board, but if I only need to move it up, I think I can do that just like you said, but loosening the screws and sliding the metal bracket up. Maybe I should wait until I get it on the water before I try to move it around? Does that seems best?

If I move it up and right, to just below the hook where the trailer strap connects, will the little plastic tube sticking out right below where the transducer would be get in the way of the readings? That tube is the drain for the livewell, and I can’t move it. Let me know if you think that spot would work.

Thanks. I think I’ll be moving it to the right and up a bit. I expect I’ll move it more than once, but hopefully it won’t take to many tries to get it correct. How far up would you go?

On the Facebook group I posted this question, some say it’s fine, some say it needs to be moved. The majority feel that having it right on the bottom like I have it will increase the risk of damage due to a stick, log, whatever. The feeling seems to be that I should move it up and to the right a bit, around 12-15 inches. I just wprry it will be out of the water when running fast, which will keep it from reading while I’m running on plane.

At the risk of showing lack of knowledge, where is the hull? Is it where the white part meets the maroon part?

I was afraid of that. Thanks for the info.

The tach and speedometer are non-descript items that look like they are original equipment for the boat. I think the engine was also the original, but I don’t see any markings that would show these things are Mercury brand.

Thanks Iowaboy. I was hoping you would respond to my post, since you really seem to know what your talking about. I’m going to print your response, and hand it directly to the mechanic who will be doing the work.

Thanks for your help. I’ll take your advice and not go crazy with things that don’t really need to be done. Although it’s an old engine, it really has a low amount of hours on it. I’ve had it since 2002 and have probably only put 100 or so hours on it. It ran fine last I used it, so other than the gas issue, I don’t think there should be any trouble. I’ve already bought a new battery, cuz the old one was torched.

Thanks

Thanks Iowaboy. That digital one you listed looks like what I need. Is 52mm basically the same as 2 1/16″? The hole in the panel is 2″, or 2 1/16th, and I need to assure the one you listed will fit.

Good point B-man, but I’ve got a hole in the panel that needs to be filled, so I figured a cheap update would be this meter. The one on the trolling motor can’t be seen from as far away.

Thanks Dutch. I’m confident things will work out. I have been doing continuous research on the housing market up there for a few years. I’m sure that I know more about the properties in our price range than any realtor in the area. I’m not retiring for 2-3 years, so the only reason for us to purchase now would be if we found a screaming deal. For a run-of-the-mill deal, it’s smarter to wait until the actually retirement date is much closer. It will work out, it’s just a matter of finding the right place, right seller and right time.

Our offer on the place on Rainy got rejected, so now I’m just shopping and waiting. I won’t retire for 3 years, so I’m in no rush to purchase anything, but if the right place and deal come along, I’ll do it. The plans have not changed, I will eventually end up on Rainy, at least that’s the plan.

I am in the process of replacing the vinyl floor in my boat with new vinyl. It doesn’t need to be replaced, but some of the caulking around the edges is getting weak, so I decided to just replace the flooring. I’ve had it for 15 years and prefer the vinyl to carpet. Not slippery, much easier to clean, and I think it looks better for a longer time period. I don’t use it in freezing temperatures, so I can’t speak to the cold weather issue.

Chris Aker wrote:

Pats again. Brady & Bellichick. I don’t like it, but that’s my prediction.

Luckily, I took my own advice. I picked up a cool few hundred $ on the game. More to spend on the boat!

Now if the Vikes could get there before I die……

Thanks Randy. I’ll check the link out right now.

SuperDave, I made my purchase this morning, before I saw your post. I think I’m going to be fine with my decision though. I ended up getting a Minn Kota MK330 PC Precision 3 bank 3 amp digital charger. I had $50 on bonus money from West Marine, plus there was a $50 rebate from Minn Kota. Couple that with a couple bucks I saved cuz West Marine does price matching, and the thing only cost me $167. That company is having a 3x points deal right now, so I got around 750 points, which equates to $30, so I guess it cost me around $137. From the reviews I have read, and the info I received from guys on this site, I’m confident this charger is of high quality, and I’ve been a Minn Kota / Humminbird guy for a while anyway. With the deal I got money-wise, I’m happy with the purchase. Thanks to all who responded, I’ll have more questions in the near future.