fishnguy

Thank you to all for the responses. I'm reconsidering my boat purchase (for now) and looking at getting a pickup and trading in my corolla. Having two big gas guzzlers is not ideal (the wife won't trade in the van), but like people say, you sometimes have to pay to play.

Haven't seen this posted yet. Kind of hard to believe they caught it on camera and the cameraman was so chilled out as it happened, but there it is. Be careful out there! http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/2014/03/03/snowmobiler-rescued-from-georgian-bay

hmmmm….wearing out the transmission is definitely a big concern

Can I ask what size boat you were launching and what the tow capacity was on the caravan?

No, it's a 17.5 foot

I've never owned a boat larger than a small 14 footer with small outboard but am looking at a significantly larger new boat. I have a question for people who do more towing. I own a 2012 Toyota Sienna with 3500lb towing capacity. It's front wheel drive. The boat I'm looking at has a hull weight of about 1450lbs, and motors that collectively weigh about 500lbs (115hp and 9.9 kicker). Not sure what the trailer would weigh, but I'm guessing that by the time you add in gear, it's probably all close to 3000lbs. For those who do a lot of towing, would this make you nervous? Thanks

Yeah that's a good point.

HAHA....love the pics. Some very good thoughts here. Thank you. Re-reading my initial post, there was a big typo there that probably gave away my profession. Only an economist would write "I'm looking for one with a GDP map" instead of "GPS map". At any rate, thanks for the feedback.

Great answers, thank you all. Lots of votes for the Scotty riggers. The 1116 sound like pretty good bang for the buck. Anyone tried the Cannon Digi-Troll 5? Looks very slick. The ability to pair it with the depth finder looks amazing, but not sure it's worth the extra dollars. Any thoughts?

Should probably add that I'm looking for one with a GDP map and sonar combo

Hope folks don't mind if I tap the wealth on this forum for another topic. What are people's thoughts on these three makes for downriggers? Is there one that stands above the rest? Thx

Looking at getting an upgraded fishfinder on the new boat I'll be looking to buy. If you could have any fishfinder on the market, which would it be and why? I've got a couple in mind, but curious what people will suggest. Thx

Great thread. Once saw a walleye caught on a Werther's candy wrapper on a jig head

Awesome story!

Congrats. Got a web link to the interview? It does get easier. I've had to do quite a few interviews in my line of work. First couple are always the toughest.

Thank you. Will look them up. I've been looking at some non current models (i.e. last year) that are selling at a nice discount to the 2014s. I don't see too many dealerships with standing inventory, but will check those guys out.

Appreciate the answers. I'm looking at a brand new Lowe boat. To make a long story short, and at risk of being the guy speaking badly of an Ontario dealer, I've been unhappy with my dealings with the only Lowe dealer of any size in the province. So I decided to look abroad. There is a great brand new 2013 boat for sale at a dealership outside of Montreal. It is a long haul for sure, but the closest Lowe dealership here in Ontario is quite a hike for me anyways. And like I said, I was a bit turned off there. Boat is brand new. They are the largest Lowe dealership in Quebec and seem to have a good reputation. All warranties should be transferable from what I've read. Just wondering about any issues in terms of running afoul of taxes or any other pitfalls to be aware of. Thanks again

I'm hoping folks won't mind if I ask for some advice despite being so new to the forum. The older threads have been extremely helpful in my new boat quest. I'm looking at my first boat in Quebec (long story). It is new from a dealer. I'm wondering if anyone has experience buying a boat out of province. What pitfalls should I know about? Any tips? Thanks. Really, really appreciate this forum and the wealth of knowledge here. -Ben

Sounds great. I know a lot of the inland lakes in the area pretty well.

Hello all I'm a long-time lurker. I posted a couple times quite a few years ago under a different name but couldn't remember what it was to log back in. Just wanted to say hi (again). I'm in the process of buying my first fishing boat and found a number of the older threads extremely helpful. This forum is a great resource. I'm in the Grey-Bruce region. I fish mostly inland lakes for bass and I do some stream fishing for trout as well. Will be getting into the big water fishing once I have my boat. Anyone in the area, feel free to drop me a line. Always looking for fishing partners. -Ben