Stoty

Ya, def dont let a "cosmetic" issue with two boats turn you off a brand name. Nothing a wrap cant fix I like the opti, but my personal preference would be to move to a Yamaha (SHO is by far the best engine available, IMO). I had a 4-stroke Yamaha on my Ranger, and loved it! I'd highly recommend looking at them if possible.

They're telling you to stay away because of paint bubbling?????

With a $20,000 budget, you'll be able to get a much bigger and more powerful boat than your buddy. (I just bought a 20' Nitro with a 225 Opti for that price) Whoever said to stay away from Nitro.... clearly doesnt know what they're talking about as they are def one of the top brands available (hence why KVD still runs one) Ranger, Nitro, Skeeter, Triton are all very similar but it all depends on personal preference and what you're looking for. Jack plate, hotfoot, electronics are all personal preference and everyone will have their own opinions. My boat came with a Jack Plate and hotfoot and love them both but they def aren't a "must have". I've always used Lowrance units, but this boat came with two Humminbirds (which I love now), so again... all personal preference. Major things to look for: - any visible damage to the hull, especially the transom. If you see ANY cracking in the transom... WALK AWAY. - deep scratches that are through the clear coat and into the fibreglass are a red flag for sure. - also, if you can get some diagnostics done on the engine DO IT. Those show you the stats and aren't just an educated guess from the owner because chances are they are taking off a "few hrs".

hahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahaha Roy... I must say... quite the figure you have there!

No, because the way my boat is setup with the built in ropes... they are much thinner than a regular rope, so the cleats are actually about half the "height" of a regular one so a tow rope wouldn't be able to wrap around the cleats on the side. Like I said.. I'm new to the towing thing, but doesnt it make more sense to have the tow rope centered off the back, then off to one side?

My cleats are very short ones, because it has built in auto-retracting ropes to tie off the boat with that are quite thin, so the cleats don't need to be as high as normal ones. The only things that are strong enough (and large enough) to tie a tow rope to are the tie down hooks at the back.

LOL - ya she'll move that's for sure! Sweet, thanks very much for the link! At least I kinda know what to look for now! I'm hoping that Cabela's or Bass Pro have a sale on while I'm in Michigan next week. Yes, it WILL only be happening a couple times a year! hahaha

The rope will be under the water off the back of the boat I believe. I currently have a 4-blade 26P prop, which should do the trick, no?

As a former guide myself... any tip is much appreciated, whether it be $100, or $10. Everyone's financial situation is different so it varies from trip to trip. But if you'd like a ballpark percentage... I'd say 10% is a decent place to start and based on the service go from there...

I like the way you think!!! LOL Ya, there's a tripod thingy that can go inside the rear seat mount, but apparently those are for skiing, and would either snap or rip the deck apart if you try to pull a tube behind it. I guess that's why most people opt with the tie downs instead. I'll make sure to get a rope that WELL above the recommended strength. I'm more worried about it getting caught in the prop... not sure which setup to go with.

LMAO!

In the fall of 2010, I had the pleasure of fishing with some of the biggest names in the industry and fished in the FNC boat with Pete out on the bay of Quinte. Pete is a total class act and he sure knows his stuff! He had me laughing all day long! By far one of the best/coolest few days I've ever had. If they're still looking for their next host.... I have one thing to say... "Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!"

Well... part of the "deal" for me to get a bass boat, was that I would purchase the setup to be able to two a tube behind it (on RARE occassions). Yes, I know what you are all thinking... and believe me... I cringe at the thought of pulling a tube with a bass boat as well! But, a deal is a deal so I am in the market to purchase a tube and tow rope. I've done some research and it seems that a lot of people just use the tie down hooks at the back of the boat to tow with. Does anyone have any experience with towing this way? They've all pretty much mentioned having a "float" on the "Y" rope to keep it elevated enough to stay clear of the engine. I'm completely new to this towing stuff, so any recommendations on tubes/ropes/tow kits etc would be much appreciated!

That drives me nuts.... whoever nicknamed them "Pickeral" in the first place needs to take up a different hobby! A Walleye is a Walleye... a Pickeral is a Pickeral....

As a Red Wings fan... I am also in the lottery for those tickets, and yes that would be a repeat trip if that happens too! LOL Cabela's are insane!! By far superior to anything else, IMO.

I'll be in Detroit on business all next week and I'm DEF hitting up the Dundee store!!! Can't wait!

That's awesome!!

I located a campground this morning and have booked the trip! Can't wait! Thanks again for all input!

I have the KVD Flack Jacket Oakley's and they are AMAZING. Unreal polarization and super comfy! I'd HIGHLY recommend them to anyone!

Do they have tent sites available, do you know?

I'd be totally down for crown land camping....problem is can't charge batteries.

Do you have the names or links to any of those on Otter?

I was thinking about doing a weekend trip to Weslemkoon Lake later this summer and was wondering if there are any campgrounds (for tents) on the lake at all? Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks for all the responses!! I'll be sure to check CT first! If not... then another excuse to head to BPS!