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Hi all, Got to our spot around 5pm, usually pick up a couple of whitefish and the odd walleye and pike before the bite turns on but it wasn’t until 7:20pm when the switch got flicked. We didn’t even mark a single fish before that, was getting worried… lol. Once they turned on it was non stop bites.

My wife and I spent the weekend at our daughters place in Mississauga but getting across the GTA on the 401 is always mind blowing with all the morons on the road. Speed limits mean nothing and guys just fly back & forth changing lanes without even looking. Worst I saw though, we were cruising along around Keele St.doing about 110 like most folks when the guy in front of me missed his exit and slammed on his brakes and stopped dead on the road waiting for a chance to cross 3 lanes. I always leave LOTS of room between me and the car in front but I was sure we'd get hit from behind but fortunately everyone behind me was paying attention. I left Toronto 14 years ago and moved to the boonies and now almost never travel the 401 for just that reason. Coming home yesterday morning I said to heck with the price and took the 407 and what a treat that place is, there were practically no cars on the road and it sure was nice. Won't get the bill for awhile and it probably cost me a small fortune but I think it may just be the way to go from now on. Or maybe I'll just never leave the peace & tranquility of the boonies again LOL

I would put my 5K away, and save another 5K for next year. I’d take up river fishing for smallies and salmon and trout for a season. Then I’d find a 16 foot bare hull with a 30hp 4 stroke and put a flat floor in the front if your that type of angler. I spent my first 7 or 8 boating years in a Lund SSV 16 with a 30. I did all kinds of fishing out of that boat, caught all kinds of fish, and towed it all over the province. Did a lot of down rigging out of it on big water too. I would not invest in one of these old tubs. I’ve watched too many guys at the ramp on various opening days praying to no avail that their motor would turn over, or that they wouldn’t have some other problem. And then they try the home repairs because marine mechanics are expensive. I’m a frugal guy, have 3 kids, one I’m putting through university, and 2 more to go. I understand the need for budgeting, but I’m far enough down the road that I don’t waste my money on crap anymore. My time is valuable, and when I want to go, I want to go.

Wasn't the injection system a big issue on those? A lot of guys bypass that and just premix before fueling. Still not a fan of 2 strokes. I'd remove that pass side console or even remove both and make that thing a tiller. Tonnes of deck space

I personally liked the chrysler outboards they were the fastest motors of their time outboard manufacturers rated horsepower at the crank but Chrysler did it at the prop so you got the full hp without the mechanical loss you get going through gears

I passed on it... will take my time and increase my budget... thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom..

^^this post talked some sense into me. Thanks for the wisdom. I’ve already got a 14 footer with a 15hp 4stroke merc with an i-pilot 55 LB thrust trolling motor on it. I fish walleye a lot but now I downrig for lakers on bigger lakes regularly with it and that’s mostly what I like to do these days so I’m looking for a bigger setup with more floor space and capability to keep doing that, but I’ll wait and get something newer thats got less wear. Appreciate the advice!

Last time it was 86 ? can you explain the meaning or the humour of it

I had a nest of bunnies in the yard a couple years back and while I was looking at them I noticed Momma 100' away watching me. Next morning they were all gone so I spose Momma came and got them so hopefully that'll happen with yours too.

beauty. For me April is just a dead month. The one month of the year where I do next to no fishing. Glad to see others catching!

Most here know the market. Toys have been inflated for 4 years now and really if anything, prices are down this year. You're also looking for a boat at the worst time of the year so everything is top dollar. 5K for that old worn out boat 4.5 hours away isn't worth it so a good pass imo. There will be deals on places like kijiji and marketplace.... but you better be refreshing a few times hourly because they're gone almost immediately. Happy hunting

Someone spent some hours on it for sure. The Evinrudes people are afraid of are the Etecs. Although people think because they are no longer made, there is no support. The emm's (computer) were the biggest issue and were expensive. At one point they became hard to find, but there are companies that refurb them with warranty now and much cheaper. As for the layout, most of the fun is making it your own. I'd be tempted to make it a center console. Take it for a water test. Nothing I hate more than a leaky boat. Just my opinion of course. My buddies boat is forever pumping water out but he's been pounding the crap out it for 30 years or more on big water. Doesnt bother him at all. lol

More what I cant see. lol Looks to me like some factory rivets around the transom. A quick trailer cleanup always makes things look nicer than they are. People tend to be decieving. I like the composite floor panels, if thats what they are. Ive never had problems with old mercs running good, but lower units make me nervous, Like shafts getting siezed in. Seals and gears, corrosion.