Raycaster

Its time to replace the old fuel line and bulb as the rubber is way past it prime. (sorry couldn't help myself). Probably just make a custom one as its for a pontoon and not even close to any 6' or 7' advertised. I have the old one but anyone just happen to know the size? (3/8" inside diameter I think but 5/16" mentioned also) . I see some connectors have 5/16" barbs... Time to get the ruler out. Thx ahead.

I usually don't forward-forward sites that people email that "I just gotta see" but these are awesome. http://www.rivermenrodandgunclub.com/cool-and-different-pictures.html I'm not a member of that site or trying to promote anything, just thought guys would enjoy the shots. If its been posted before, apologies.

Bought 2 group 27 at Ancaster Costco 2 weeks ago. Didn't see any 31's but the 27's are already heavy enough, the 31's would of killed me. Bought nice 6g 16' battery cable at Walmart ($29) for trolling motor wiring and put new connectors on. Only need 8' run so hopefully everything will be ok. Not sure about buying 6g adapter for Minn Kota connector or just trimming some cable strands to fit in without it. Yes, not really the pro way to go but heard the Minn Kota 6g Adapter is cheap plastic anyways.

At least LSC mayflies don't bite... I think.

I have a cheap bimini top that I needed 6" wider to fit properly. So I cut it down the middle and bought some matching material to add a 6" strip in the middle. Its in the middle to avoid all tapers etc. and the easiest way for a quick sew job. Unfortunately my sisters sewing machine is in for repairs so she unable to sew it for me. Does anyone know of someone in the Hamilton/Burlington area that could do the job? The material is not thick, just plain tent material. (grey water resistant fabric) Not looking for a super duper fancy professional sewing operation, I'm not picky, just would like done in the next 2 weeks. If anyone knows someone good with a sewing machine that's interested just pm me and we can work out the $ details. I've included pic in case I have made it sound tougher than it is.

I thought I'd buy the IOS version of Navionics as I had an old ipad tossed my way that would mount nicely on the boat. I have the Android version but my Samsung Galaxy 10" is very sluggish and the battery life is poor. Bought the original Canada lakes for Android (my phone) a few years back for $15 and we all got shocked a year later having to buy the new $50 HD edition because the original no longer worked and was not supported. Anyways went to purchase the IOS version and noticed it is $75! And then noticed it has in-app purchase of another $50! Navionics+ = $35 Am I going to have to spend $75 to find out I need the Navionics+ or other features also? Hey, I'm a fanboy of Navionics mobile apps from the beginning but YIKES!

Mitchell is a scary place until you get the used to it. Pontoons, jons or small tin boats are basically the norm around Mitchell due to very shallow parts and stumps everywhere. Any of course by mid summer you have to deal with the heavy cabbage. It makes for great bass/pike fishing but you really have to watch your way and pay attention to the markers. Keep prop as high as possible... The problem right now targeting pike on Balsam is that for every pike you catch you'll probably bring up a OOS bass and wally, no matter what your lure is. I'd hit Mitchell for pike and go very, very slow with someone at the front spotting.

One plan was to wrap it in 1/16 white plastic panel. With a heat gun I could slowly wrap the console and bend clean edges etc. I built an enclosed shower kit which came with a few sheets 4X8 of durable white plastic that would work perfect but I have yet see the sheets on sale by themselves. I've seen semi-plastic panels with a cardboard type backing but none of them just plain plastic at HD and lowes. New thought of wrapping in aluminum due to the cost. BTW HTHM, your post reminded me of painting cupboards to get a plastic like smoothness. I sanded and painted, sanded and painted, X10. It ended up with a orange peel texture after all that work. Your 100% right, its just a old boat anyways but don't want it total ghetto either...

Hthm, did the paint come out relatively smooth? Also, wondering about the cost. All the youtube examples are from the states and i've seen $100 diy jobs turn into 3x the cost in canada. Maybe my best bet would be to find a fixer up console in a boat graveyard... Im going to head down and talk to a local supply shop to see whats involved.

I redid my pontoon a few years back (with help from forum) rebuilding the mostly plywood furniture and console and then new vinyl with foam etc. Everything is OK (a little worn) but the console needs doing. A friend suggested just to fiberglass over the plywood, sand smooth, paint and voila - I'd have a professional console looking like the expensive molded ones I'm avoiding to buy. I've been You-tubing the subject for awhile and of course its not that easy. Besides the cost of a molded console (> $400) the boats steering cables gives me no wiggle room for adjustment and I have to mount the steering wheel exactly in the original location and angle. Ideally I'd like to redesign the console (keeping the steering measurements exact) but changing the instrument area and allowing for a windshield. Has anyone here tackled a fiberglass job?

Been looking ahead to install my Minn Kota Terrova 80 24V and besides scrolling thru pages and pages of the arguments of 8 or 6 gauge wire I was wondering if anyone had suggestions of connectors beside the MKR-18 that can only handle 8 gauge without another adapter. Lots of complaints that the MKR-18 are junky and cheap plastic, just wondering if someone came to a better solution. Not going into the whole 10 - 8 - 6 - 4 gauge argument, probably just go 6 and do it properly once even if it is overkill. In all the forum feedback the only agreeable fact everyone states is that the connectors always end up being the weak link, either not waterproof, or cracking -rusting or cheap terminal screws etc. I have Anderson connectors at the battery side already, maybe the same for the TM side? Suggestions, links, pics are welcome.

If anyone has applied for any Minn Kota rebates and are having problems they should contact : Minn Kota rebate customer service specialist at 1-866-253-3704 (Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm). Its almost been a month and I had yet to receive even a tracking number so I contacted the above number. I was inform there was 3 errors on my application for rebate - (on Minn Kota's side) as they confirmed my submitted information was perfect. 1) wrong rebate ($5 instead of $80) 2) invalid serial number (I included a photo just in case - they still made mistake) 3) wrong email address (cogeco.com instead of cogeco.ca) They were very polite correcting the problem, gave me a tracking number and expedited the rebate. It still was a little disappointing to go through this as I double and triple checked my rebate information and even included printed photo's to negate any chance of mistakes causing delays.

Thank you for the replies guys. I'm thinking of building a cradle for the 2 batteries and use a dolly to get them around. My back won't be happy but I guess its a trade off now that ipilot with spot lock will be doing most of my anchor chores!

Steve, do you leave your batteries connected in series when you charge them with 2 separate chargers? Just wondering if it causes the separate chargers any problems. Taking them from the boat is solved with a nice anderson connector (suggested by forum members) but of course I would like to leave them connected in series to and from the cottage every day without having to remove the one jumper between the batteries enabling a series connection. Here's a simple pic.

Will need a 2 bank charger this year for a Terrova 80 and thought I'd start looking early. UN-fortunately there is 100% no way to get power to the dock/boat. (Generator/Extension cord/Solar options not possible). So I will be hauling the 2 batteries out nightly and will probably make a easy carry cradle for them and a quick disconnect with Andersons... Basically I'm asking for suggestions on chargers and if I should just purchase an on-board one anyways if a miracle happens at the dock in the future. Almost zero chance of that happening but you never know, well I know, but I can dream... Anyways, after some research the MK 220D looks like a good solution with 10A a bank, if I was to go with a on-board unit and just leave it in the cottage. I would certainly be happy spending less on a portable also. I have a car battery charger http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-eliminator-intelligent-battery-charger-12-8-2a-0111518p.html#.VtdcDOZ3on4that I'm pretty impressed with so far and I could just purchase another and have a backup? Thinking that may not be the best idea... Since the two batteries with be remain connected in series while charging I think a 2 bank charger may be best... Thx ahead.

G.Mech I appreciate the reminder but.... Bought yesterday and rebate sent today! I was waiting for the 15% sale because I was loaded up with Gift Cards from there. The 80 also had US2 (not really needed but nice option) plus the $80 rebate. Sucks that the $80 rebate is in Canadian dollars if unit purchased in Canada... Now I'm just nitpicking! I'm a happy camper and have the 8' box secured away until spring. Now time to squirrel away some loonies for the QUICK RELEASE BRACKET and 60A breaker too.

Anyone know if Trolling Motors are included in the 15% sale at sail.ca? Can you say Anxious?

I wish I could use an extension cord but just not possible. I was thinking of making a convenient dual battery tray holder to haul them out when needed. The above battery connector sounds great but wondering if a dual bank charger requires the batteries UN-connected from each other when charging? Everyone says go with a 3 bank but my "boat" battery basically just gets a charge in the spring. Another battery question... Re-charge after every 4 hr outing or wait till they are almost dead. I noticed Minn Kota has several brackets including the mk-32 which has a cover? Is the mk-32 the only Terrova lockable unit? Also noticed some front door adjustment will be needed on the boat for the Terrova to function properly and keep front waves out. Can you guys tell I'm getting excited about the Terrova? I'm the only guy on this whole forum smiling about no ice on the lakes... Spring can't come soon enough!

I have a humble 16' pontoon that has served me well (30hp) for fishing and keeping the family happy too. Finally got the OK for a trolling motor (Terrova 80) but want it setup as clean and hassle proof as possible. A few details including batteries, cabling and possible quick connect plates could use some ideas. 1) Not 100% sure where I will put the 2 batteries. As long as I'm using heavy gauge (6?) does it matter if they are in the back of the boat close to 15' away? A pontoon boat is like drop ceilings in the basement making out of sight clean wiring easy. 2) My dock has no electrical feed or access to cords so the batteries would be required to be removed for charging. I thought "no prob" I'll make a clean box/tray for easy removal, but then started wondering about the battery clamps needing constant on/off. Does anyone use quick connect plugs to accomplish this? They would need to be heavy duty for 24V? 3) The TM is a big investment for me and I'd like it secure and removable for simple family trips. Any suggestions for which plates would work best? My boat is usually the oldest and ugliest in the marina but I'm still paranoid of theft, is there a way for easy lock down or just put it in the truck? Thanks ahead for any suggestions.

Thx for reply, maybe new spring stock will bring new options, a sale would be welcomed too! Just need a 80 terrova with ipilot, not us2 as I have a wireless transducer vexilar setup with navionics for my iPad. Man that fortrexx is huge btw.

Big curve today, talking to burlington sales rep said basically I'm sol as from his experience they stock almost nothing and what they have is what you get. He said the website is inaccurate and good luck even getting close to options i want as they wont order something to exact customer needs. I will phone headquarters as being told that the 3 minn kotas on display are my only choice is brutal. Originally suggested sail to family as they are the closest and a minn kota Supplier. Of course no returns on gift certificates....

Thank you for the replies, awesome forum. I originally targeted a Terrova 80 with 60" shaft & Ipilot but have been looking at the xi5 too. Still just giddy with the idea of not needing to toss an anchor overboard all the time and throw the back out! I love the way everyone looks away when the anchor has to come up... Thanks for the other points - got to factor in batteries + breaker + cabling + bracket costs. Yes, my boat does sail in the wind with the bimini up for sure.

I have a 16' Pontoon for fishing with a old 30hp Yamaha that gets it around fine but always planned for a trolling motor. I've been saving up and Santa also came thru big time this year with almost every family member helping out too! The small detail is that I have 2/3 the cost of a Minn Kota 80/ipilot but all in SAIL gift cards! Sail most of the time price matches so I'm not overly concerned about the price but their online/store selection is very small. I think they can order almost everything but again I'm not 100% sure. Didn't want to turn this thread into a Minn Kota vs. Xi5 thread but I don't even know if they supply Motorguide equipment. My main question is just SAIL information, just thought I'd post here before venturing to the store for a chat. A 80 thrust is overkill for a very light 16' pontoon but I see myself using it more than the gas guzzling engine most days. BTW, if any one has custom fit one of these motors on the front of a pontoon I'd love to see the different options. I'll probably set it up to detach and lock up as it will be worth more than the boat!

I love using Navionics on my cheap 10" Tablet especially with the real time fish-sonar mapping option. I think the real cost is actually closer to $200 now that Navionics forces paid customers to close AD windows after Ad windows blocking the actual maps! Basically $60 just gets you an ad filled map app that will only go away after you purchase all the other map options. Paying for the app twice (original owners know what I mean) is one thing but the unwanted ads are sleezy.

I've had a bare basic small 16' pontoon (30hp) for 3 years now. Awesome for fishing and able to take family for easy cruises. I've had it on LSC, Balsam, Mitchel, Canal, Sparrow, Scugog, Gull, Buckhorn (everywhere) but weather is a big component on launching. Biggest problem for me are speed and gas. I try to always scout ahead and launch close to the fishing area I want, never going to circle lakes... Towing basically kills my mileage even with a light boat. The boat is so high up on the trailer its like pulling a Billboard deadon!