Gravyboat

You can put dual tanks in that boat if it worries you. Or, bump up to the 1650 Rebel XL. 5" wider beam and internal tank.

Other than posting the info, what is the OFAH doing about it? Seems they're more concerned about selling draw tickets. If this was the first lock down, I wouldn't be overly upset, but we're in year two of this. Marinas and launches are closed (yet again) until May 20th. But that's the day before the 2-4 weekend starts. So guess what's coming? You guessed it, another lock down. It never ends. Walmart and SuperStore were packed, international flights in and out, but that's ok. Boating and fishing are the main super spreader of Covid don't you know? Texas is down to under 2000 infections per day. Population of 29 million with a greater population density than Ontario. No mask mandate, and everything is open. Their politicians actually got the vaccine rollout going properly.

Forgot about that place! Just had a look. They have a good deal going on Shimano SLX rods..... Wish I saw that two days ago.

Ontario - Fishing world, Grimsby Tackle, Natural Sports, Canadiantacklestore.com, Ramakko's. I've ordered from these. pokeystackle.ca in Sask. Ordered some mounts and humminbird wires there. Cabelas when on sale and Sail.ca because they actually have stock of things I want. I ordered tungsten punching weights from a supplier in China. No way I'm paying Canadian retail prices for those. And a few things from the US that I can't find here.

If going up to 31s, make sure they have good enough amp/hour and reserve capacity to justify the upgrade. I've seen group 31 marine batteries with less juice capacity than the 27s I have.

Same. I looked at new boats just after Christmas. I was lucky enough to find a brand new 2019 Lund that a dealer still had in stock. Since then I've bought many of the things you listed because I had no confidence I'd be able to find them come spring. On the plus side, I discovered a few great fishing shops across Canada that I didn't know existed (and offer free shipping).

Sounds like a Ford/Chev/Dodge debate. Lol.

Like you, I'm trying to beat the rush. I bought a bunch of stuff from Angling Outfitters, Cabela's, Sail, Fishing World and Canadian Tire already. Canadian Tire actually had a certain soft bait I couldn't find anywhere else. I picked up all sorts of flipping and EWG hooks, lines, and baits. Had to order tungsten flipping weights from China (way cheaper anyways).

Not sure where you live, but Great Northern Battery (Hamilton and Toronto) is worth a look. I picked up two type 27 US Battery brand (they sell all kinds of brands) from them. Lots of power for the size. 105 amp/hour and 205 reserve capacity for $184 ea (no core charge, must have been in the price). They'll have a good cranking battery too I'm sure. https://www.gnbsystems.com/

This boat is a side console. But I'll look into the higher thrust 24v models. Thanks!

It's a 2020 Lund Rebel 1650 XL SS.

I could swing this one. Seems to have everything I'll need. Doesn't say V2 though. https://www.cabelas.ca/product/93694/minn-kota-terrova-55-bow-mount-trolling-motor-with-i-pilot

Well that's what I was pretty much thinking. Would have to stop casting to work the remote. The i-pilot i want simply for spot lock.

I'm looking at some bow trolling motors and I see they have a Power Drive with remote and i-pilot. The one with a foot pedal is about $500 more. I have a Humminbird Helix 7 and plan to use the i-pilot feature with motor. I'm wondering if I will miss having a foot pedal or if the hand held remote would be fine. Anyone have good/bad experience using the remote?

I have a 2015 Lund SSV16 with a 30Etec. I bought it new in 2016 for $11,200. I see those boats now are around $14-16k new with 30-40hp. I got a new boat coming and could probably sell the SSV for 10k. The Lund dealer told me he's trying to order new Lunds in but they won't arrive until July.