Raycaster

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!

Basic Athletic timeline: <20 yrs old - play every sport possible with the body always healing within 24hrs. <30 yrs old - play Slo-Pitch until the wife isn't impressed with the parties. <40 yrs old - Golf until the back and wallet aren't impressed anymore. Present - Fish, Fish, Fish until only trolling and jigging is possible. Future - White sneakers and Black socks playing lawn bowling.

Just an update: Hit Sparrow Lake Sunday morning and I had 2 pike and 2 bass before noon but my buddy had no luck. Left at noon and hit Balsam while the weather unloaded on us. I'm usually on Balsam first week of July and had trouble finding the usually weed beds. Whitecaps stopped any real venturing and I was only able to quickly unhook some OOS bass. The temps dropped to 65 in the lake and between heavy rain and wind we didn't have a lot of luck. Thanks again to all suggestions, much appreciated.

OK, Sparrow lake for starters! Time to look for a launch and motel and Tim's. Again thank you for help guys, I'm more than happy just out fishing but my friend gets out maybe 1-2 a year and is hyper...

Thanks for suggestions guys, appreciated.

Was hitting LSC Sunday Monday but weather says no. Looking for suggestion in Kawarthas (better weather) to catch and release as many PIKE as possible. I have a friend that has the patience of a 5yr old and just want to keep him happy. Was thinking Mitchel/Balsam/Buckhorn but I had a neighbor say Beech Lake was worth the extra hr drive North. Not really looking for monsters, basically quantity over quality. Heading out from Hamilton. Thx ahead.

I feel like a teenager decking out his first Honda Civic but after climbing up the front of my pontoon trailer to load and unload I keep seeing those beautiful new pontoon trailers with the steps built in to the front winch assembly with the blocker pads. Wondering about the cost and availability (Hamilton area) of picking up one. Yes I could have one done for me but if the price isn't too bad then I might be obliged to open the wallet instead. Any pointers to site or shops would be appreciated. Of course if someone has blueprints I might just fire up the welder too...

When I first saw the demo a few days ago I thought it was pretty cool but kept thinking of it hitting into things trying to follow you. Obstacle avoidance would push up the cost for sure. The faq says that there is a button to halt the unit and hover if you feel a collision about to happen.

I'm wondering if this will be the 3rd year in a row I get pulled over on Balsam. The past 2 years being the slowest boat on the lake I'm an easy target while the sea-doo's try to break the water speed record around me. Maybe I'll bring an extra coffee out with me while I'm floating around Ant Island...

So you could use the vexilar almost as a real time viewer for the go-pro if it was mounted right beside the vexilar camera? I thought the video would be a lot darker without lights, were you deep? Very Sunny day? BTW, did you use normal coaxial cable in your go-pro underwater hack or special coaxial cable? Sorry for the onslaught of questions but REALLY interested. Thx for the info

Awesome video, would it be possible to mount the gopro with the vexilar to compare? With the real time feedback on the phone I assume there is a transmitter on the boat relaying the video from underwater? Thanks for the review.

I was about to throw out a 18' dolphino pool when a light bulb went off (a cheap one). I cut the blow up sides off and had it ready for the fall. The vinyl is pretty thick so I just used a couple saw horses and threw the tarp on top. The pool uses heavy bars on each side to stabilize and it did the trick through the winter. I also zigzaged rope around the bottom to prevent the wind causing problems. Works great! BUT... Its a bi$%^&ch to take off as its pretty heavy and stiff in the cold. Might be coming home with me this year when I find a spot in the backyard for it.

1) I'd like to get comfortable with LSC and hone my planar board skills. 2) Help my buddy catch his first musky, he's driving me crazy. 3) Become a better Fall fisherman, being skunked every Fall is embarrassing. 4) If I happen to find my favorite rod/reel I left at the bottom of Balsam last year.... well I'd be a happy camper.

Big thanks to Mike for spending some time with this "musky newbie". Man, I had to get out of there or I would of badgered him all day. I felt like Columbo, " just one more question..." Also thanks out to the Bondy crew for setting me straight with planar board information. Jon spent a good 20 minutes explaining the LSC technique of trolling for the big boys. Pretty amazing being able to talk to the "Pro's" and realize they really do want to help and still enjoy the sport. Lots of great people there and anyone thinking of going should definitely run down asap.