FishFinder17

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Title says it all. Any help is appreciated! Thanks, FF17

Congrats! Great looking fish I’m still trying to crack the code for catching big bass on lake o...looks like you’ve got it figured out!!

Oh and I also caught my first Muskie on Sunday, after many many failed attempts over the last few years. My first fish on the new boat! 42” and 15.5lbs

So far have managed to get a lot of work done to the boat and it has been running great. Here are my latest additions: -fully replaced casting deck at back with single piece of plywood wrapped in nautolex vinyl (pics below) -swapped out old minn Kota Maxxum for a newer motorguide wireless 24v 75lb -removed two old humminbird fish finders (and an absolute mess of transducers on the stern) and replaced with new lowrance hook7 tripleshot -mounted four Scotty rod holders and ran wiring for my Scotty electric downriggers -added USB charger and ran wiring -added blue sea systems fuse panel under helm -added 50amp circuit breaker for trolling motor -purchased new cover from Canadian tire took the motor in for a tune up at Randy’s Outboards in Georgetown and it’s running great. Only issue I’m having is with the trolling motor but I think it’s because I have two different size batteries (one group 27 and one group 31) of different ages (one brand new one 3 years old) so I’ll have to sort that out. Thanks again for all the help. FF17

They have some good deals on Lowrance too. Likely going to pick up the Hook 5 SI/DI/Sonar/GPS...it’s on sale for $473.99

It doesn’t but I’m going to redo the whole back casting deck with vinyl. The previous owner tried to add more storage, but when you lift up the two compartments he added they are both full of buoyancy foam. Plus the vinyl is peeling where he made all of his cuts i don’t think I’m going to have the front piece lift up/fold back. Instead I’m going to put in a hatch over the battery which is directly in front of the engine.

That’s amazing! Do you have any pics of it? I’m assuming you’re pretty handy if you can keep a 45 year old boat going! That would be well over my head lol

Hahah thank you very much! I’m no stranger to older boats. Last one was a 2004 princecraft 176, and before that I had a 1989 tracker 156 with a 30hp Johnson of the same year...still no idea how that got me back to shore each day lol.

Here’s a couple more pics of the boat:

Managed to confirm that yesterday! Went up to muskoka with a couple friends and had a great day. Two on the boat, two lost and four follows. Was incredibly hot but a mid day dip in the lake helped with that. So happy to have a boat and be back on the water!

Finally managed to scoop something up! 2000 16’ Starcraft Fishmaster 160 with a 40hp Merc ELPTO of the same year. Has a couple older humminbird finders on it but both are working. So is the Minn Kota Maxxum 45lb on the bow despite being about 15 years old. Has livewell and bilge and vinyl floors and I bought it from the original owner. He gave me his original receipt and all of the paperwork and manuals from 20 years ago. Happy with the purchase and think I got a good deal. Now I need to fix a bit of the vinyl that is peeling on the back casting deck. Any recommendations on where I can buy marine grade vinyl for a decent price? Thanks again for all of the info and suggestions here. FF17

Went to see it today. Waited 20 mins on the road while he showed it to another guy. Boat looked okay for its age but really the only nice thing about it was the floors. Then once the guy told me it leaks I lost all interest. Went and did some running around afterwards then headed home. While on the QEW I look to my right and there’s the boat I just looked at. The same guy came back and picked it up haha. Hope he enjoys it. May have to up the budget by $1-2k to get what I’m looking for..

Thanks for all of the options folks. I’ve seen a few of them already. What are your thoughts on this one? Price is right and looks clean Fishing Boat - 17.5 Ft Springbok with 70hp Evinrude on Kijiji https://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-motorboat/oakville-halton-region/fishing-boat-17-5-ft-springbok-with-70hp-evinrude/1503688245?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=sms

I don’t disagree with you but I am seeing options that aren’t 40 years old that will fit the budget. Usually they go too fast or I live too far away so I’m now ready to move quick and willing to drive.

You’re definitely right. My search has been tougher because of my budget. I know waiting would likely pay off but I live right on the water and I’m running out of patience haha. And I definitely have to be aware that with my budget there’s risk for repairs but I’ve owned used boats for 20 years so it comes with the territory. Thanks for your tips, FF17

That’s amazing advice. Thanks very much. I had a 9.9 Yamaha 2 stroke in the late 90s and it was arguably the most reliable engine I’ve owned. And I’ve owned a few with too many issues to count. Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts

Thanks AKRISONER, those are definitely good tips. The budget is definitely tight which is why I’m looking for some advice. Im realizing if I had $5k more I would have had a boat a month ago... I missed a good opportunity on an 19ft crestliner with a 2001 Yamaha 2 stroke 115. Seller wanted $5k and it went quick. You’re absolutely right about the prices going up. I was lucky to capitalize on that last fall when I sold my boat for $18k when I purchased for $11k two years earlier. I did some work on it so I’m not shy on finding something that needs TLC. when you say Japanese motors are you referring to only Yamaha or would that include Honda too?

Hi folks, I’m in search of a new (to me) fishing boat for this season. I enjoy Lake O salmon fishing so had planned on buying a 23ft cruiser but with COVID I’m looking at something smaller...which is why I’m now looking for some advice. I’d like to have something 17ft or bigger that I can still tow with my V6 Jeep Cherokee. Ideally I would be able to mount a trolling motor to the bow and downriggers on the back. Would like to be able to hit smaller lakes for pike and muskie but also fish Lake O on her good days. Budget is $6500 max so I’m likely looking at something 15+ years old. What would the anglers here recommend? I have seen side consoles, centre consoles, and walk thrus but not sure what would be best. I have also owned nearly every brand of outboard at some point but curious what you might recommend for something that age? I have been covering Kijiji for over a month but is there anywhere else I should be looking? Any help would be appreciated. Also, if you have a boat for sale that fits the criteria above shoot me a pm. Thanks in advance, FF17

Now that I've purchased a vehicle that can tow my boat I'm looking to plan a fishing trip with two friends. We've considered places like nippising, BOQ, St Clair, etc but haven't beeb to any of the three. Would love to get some recommendations on lakes, locations, accommodations, fishing etc. Here's the details we are looking for Date: June 21st - 23rd Location: Anywhere within 4hrs of Toronto Fish: Not too picky but preferences in order - Muskie, Walleye, Pike, Bass, Lake Trout/Whitefish, Boat: 17ft Princecraft 174 Pro Series w/ Merc 115hp and Merc 4hp kicker, Minn Kota Terrova 80lb, 2x Scotty 1106 Depthpower 60" Electric Downriggers, Humminbird Helix 5 & Helix 7, full bimini top Accommodations: Nothing fancy - prefer a motel or Airbnb but will camp out if we need to Because I have the boat I'm not looking to hire a guide. I think we'll keep the accommodations simple and try and spend full days on the water, have shore lunches, etc. Let me know if you have any recommendations. Would really appreciate the help. Thanks in advance, FF17

Best bet is to always call the ministry tip line. In my experience, if they have the resources they will come investigate. As much as I wan't to protect our fisheries, to me it's not worth risking a confrontation that could end in lawsuits, injuries, etc... But I would definitely make the call if you think someone is breaking the regs

Congrats on the win! I was lucky enough to have a work trip to Sonora Resort in BC a few years ago - similar idea, fly to vancouver, take a float plane/heli jet in. We did a 6 hour fishing derby and it was incredible. The scenery is like nothing we have around here. Managed to catch a 15lb salmon and they cleaned and freezer packed it for me...took it home as a carry on and was still frozen solid when I got back to Toronto! You'll have a blast - be sure to post some pics! FF17

I've done a bachelor party trip on the happy days luxury (the red and white one second back in your pic) Amazing people to deal with and an exceptional houseboat. We had an incredible time and I would definitely do it again. Only challenge was backing that thing out of the locks in bobcaygeon while the nervous yacht-owners watched...won't do that again lol!

Great fish! That first pic is amazing!

These were our catches from the same day. Smallest was 11lbs and biggest was 16lbs Was a great day to be out. Can’t wait wait to hit the water again this weekend BillM - can I ask what baits you were running?