Raycaster

As a new boat owner I was wondering if there is such a map? I have a beautiful laminated map of the area but one with boat launches marked would be really handy.

Boat is finally in water but already looking at the next stage of fixing. I have the original bimini top rails which seem ok but the tarp is becoming ripped and frail. Originally thought since I had a "template" I could buy the material (Sunbrella seems highly rated) and have a relative sew it up for me. Then noticed on ebay some units for under $200 but shipping costs are questionable. Phoned up a local merchant in Fenelon Falls which was very nice and accommodating but gave a ballpark est. at $500 -$700. The woman also remarked that the old tarp wouldn't be of great help and I'd need to bring boat in for measurements. My fixer upper pontoon boat is only 16' with the bimini probably 6-8' long and approx 7' wide. Of course getting it done by the pros would be ideal but the wallet is a little on the thin side just getting the boat in the water! Probably head downtown Hamilton Ottawa street where I bought my boat seat vinyl and see what is available but any suggestion are more than welcome.

Just finishing up console of boat and decided to recess a square area which will eventually have a plexiglass door with breathing holes etc... Anyways I'm looking for thin plastic corner molding to clean it all up. I've seen 1/2" plastic corners at home depot etc. and have seen the rubber stuff for bathtub/sink corners but not exactly what I had in mind. Any ideas would be appreciated. I've included 2 images - one of rocker panel and one of my idea... Basically cutting the top off a plastic waste basket exactly 9" X 12" would be perfect but the dollar store isn't taking custom requests!

Just thought this may help others (If a Pro sees problems let me know)

Craig Veltzen 99 Looks like a good solution. Also probably have to replace the wire with heavy gauge...

Made a rookie mistake today rushing to get 16' fixer upper pontoon ready. Decided to rewire lights etc. and add a rocker switch panel on the console for aux/fishfinder/USB 5V etc. The original owner had a set of fog lights that he never installed so I thought no prob, just add to panel, nice and clean. I'm totally embarrassed as in my hurry I forgot about the 55W bulbs. The rocker panel has fuses inline (5A I think) and of course it blew immediately. I slowly remembered a relay in the fog light package that I ignored! Any boating/foglight instructions online? I have no instructions with it and will be hitting google but thought I'd ask the pros here.

Thanks a ton! Its a simple dash with no instruments so I guess they block the ends to avoid shorts etc. I'll see if I can find a replacement block as the rubber is long gone.

Just finishing up the pontoon... Cleaning up all the wiring/switches and connections and I have this hanging off the control. Going to look for a manual but thought I'd post here by chance someone might know. Added image of control. Any help appreciated, thx guys.

Thanks guys for the quick replies. Awesome, bought a 6 switch panel with fuses to clean up the wiring. Just have to: rebuild console Rewire basics mount furniture Maybe a quick run on the Grand for a test with week...

I have a Portable Humminbird 160 that I want to permanently mount on my used 16' pontoon. I have no problem mounting it but wondering about the power supply. The fish finder battery I have lasts for days without needing recharging so hoping I can simply add to the accessory panel (separate switch and fuse). I have an older 30hp Yamaha that I assume recharges the battery when running so would the fishfinder be a huge drain and require another battery? I could just put the fishfinder battery in the console and use if needed... Almost there...

Isn't there a free launch right in Balsam where it meets Mitchell? You have to drive slow for 15 mins to get to Mitchel thru the channel though... I could be wrong, first time visiting Mitchell last year from Balsam.

Thank you for the replies guys. I have not been up to see it this year so hoping its not too wet underneath. Its a tandem axle trailer so not the easiest to tilt. Great ideas but still holding out for a 5 min. scissor trailer rental! "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth"-Jack Reacher

Wile E Coyote, crane, helicopter, Jedi, blood sweat tears or scissor trailer. Email has gone out looking for rental.

Its a tall order but couldn't hurt to ask. I have a 16' pontoon boat sitting on 2X10 planks that needs to be moved. Its a fixer upper that I'm taking home to put the new seats in etc. It sits 100' from the water but I need it on the trailer. Either it goes into the water and than on the trailer or straight on the trailer. I've been coming up with all these ideas (winches/jacks,blocks etc.). Last year there was a scissor pontoon trailer 50' away that would be perfect but not sure if its there and never been able to find the owner. Hoping someone in the area can help or I can start looking for a scissor trailer rental. Or I can get my old school geometry books out and jack it up, put a block under, jack it up, put a block under, winch, etc.

Navionics... Depends on your location. Also, buydeeper looks cool as a fishfinder...

I will be driving a SUV and the trailer is 22' with 2 axles. With the pontoon bunks the width will be 8'. The pontoon is a small 16' with 30hp. Not exactly sure on towing capacity of trailer but if anything I thought it would be overkill for the light pontoon.

I went by the mto site and now feel pretty confident what extra lights I'll need. My short - wide trailer requires 2 yellow forward clearance lights and 2 red rear clearance lights, and a red light array across back frame between signals. Also need a license plate light and of course the 2 front yellow side marker lights. Now wiring it all "clean" is another story as I'll be looking for nice metal clips to secure the wiring to the 2X2 metal tube braces. If I find 2X2" 1/4"thick steel tubing PLASTIC end caps I guess I could route through them but I planned on welding metal caps on...

That MTO link is perfect, thank you.

Just finishing up tandem trailer converted for Pontoon use. I've been looking over the mto stuff on the net but have not found a definative page regarding safety rules / lights etc. Its a pontoon trailer 21' long 8' wide and want to make sure all the regulations are covered. Thx ahead.

Heading up next week and have been searching the net for ice/water conditions. Would be interesting to see any pics from all the local lakes (Scugog/Pigeon/Rice) etc. Chomping at the bit... Is there a site that hosts this information? Water level information is great but "Pictures are worth..." Thanks.

thx guys!

Gotta get this boat and trailer ready soon! Looking for affordable outdoor carpet to cover some 2X6X16's. Went to Home Depot today but didn't see the usual "green astroturf"... I see some outdoor carpet but not sure if suitable. Also, redoing boat furniture and have purchased vinyl and foam and built the furniture but seamstress says I'm missing "outdoor bunting"? It goes between the foam and the wood... Hoping to avoid online stuff and would like to pick up in the area. Suggestions are more than welcome!

First, want to thank everyone that has helped and made suggestion, very much appreciated! My question is that I have stripped down a tandem boat trailer and ready to place support bars (4) across to hold the bunks. The pontoon boat is a small 16' and was wondering: 1) Should the bunk lengths 2X6 be 16'? Planned on 16' but saw some pictures of pontoon boats hanging a foot or so behind the bunk? The trailer is a 20' tandem trailer but I guess any extra space at the front is nice. The boat is a relative light one and its a tandem trailer (probably overkill) so weight balance isn't a huge factor. The inner guide bunks will be installed soon also.

Thanks guys for the heads up. Went to MTO, they gave me a simple bill of sale to fill. Ran the sellers plate without VIN and used a file# instead. Once the sale is done its $10 for new ownership. Sweet.

Got a good price on a used trailer and will pick up today. Its a regular old rusted trailer that needs sandblasting and a new paint job and wiring. I'll need to go through the usual with the axles and probably replace tires. Problem is that it has no ID or papers etc. and a little concerned about getting a license for it. The gentleman selling it is very upfront and obviously not trying to hide anything. I have his address, home number, cell number, license plate etc. Is there a protocol when purchasing to avoid hassles? Thank you.