[Jonathan]

I get survey emails from LDWF and from Florida wildlife and fisheries. Never had an email from either say they were going to call me if I didnt take the online survey.

[Jonathan]

I flush the motor out as soon as I get back while I empty the boat. Pull everything out of the boat and clean out any trash. I’ll usually wash it the same day if possible but if I get back too late it gets a complete wash within a day or two at most, boat, motor and trailer gets washed down. Rods, reels, and any hard lures get laid out and washed down same or next day. I also just started using Salts Gone on everything.

[Jonathan]

Im jealous of yall that can slide under those bridges. One of the only times I dont like the T top on the boat.

Funny video.

[Jonathan]

Sounds like a great time. Make sure to post lots of pictures.

[Jonathan]

I have a small spot an a hatch that needs a little get coat repair. Maybe its time to see how much trouble youtube can get me in on this one.

[Jonathan]

That sucks. Its nice to be back on the water though. I carry a couple different antiseptics on the boat. I have iodine and maybe hydrogen peroxide for the just in cases. Thanks for the report.

[Jonathan]

Not the first thing that came to mind when I read the title. I thought I was going to see pictures of a new Contender bay boat.

[Jonathan]

I went with fiberglass. Its a little heavier and rides a bit better with the front V. Also because it has a bit higher sides. Downside is that it drafts a little lower than aluminum.

Also went with the T top. It is nice to have to get out of the sun. I just have to plan my routes around bridges. So far it hasnt stopped me from getting anywhere, I just have to take the long way around. If you dont get a top, you can always get a bimini top. take it off and on or put it up or down as needed.

If you starting from scratch as far as electronics, plan it out and get brands that work and communicate together. I went with the Garmin MFD and the Garmin trolling motor so they work together. Still learning all of the features and functions of both.

I use spot lock much more than power poles, but have never though my power pole to be in the way of anything. You can use spotlock in place of a power pole but your cant use a power pole in place of a spot lock trolling motor.

[Jonathan]

I replaced all of mine last year with Interstate so I havent went the lithium battery route yet. I have read good things about the Duracell batteries from Sams but no 1st hand experience.

@Boyce made an good post on switching to lithium not long ago.

https://www.lafbelite.com/forums/discussion/lithium-batteries/#post-43893

[Jonathan]

Good list. I dont know how often or far you pull your trailer, I grease my bearings more often. About every other or 3rd trip. I have the easy lube axle that has the grease zerk at the end. It always takes a few pumps. The shortest trip is an hour and a half to longest is about 3 hours one way. My intervals would probably change if I had to pull the hubs though. I dont know your setup. I learned this habit the hard way after loosing a wheel & hub on the interstate over an hour from home.

I dont know the maintenance schedule for the Tohatsu. Is changing the oil but not the filter standard?

I also keep a volt meter on the boat and just started using a salt gone product as well (not to flush motor yet).

[Jonathan]

Two sites I use for converting KML to GPX for Garmin are:

https://www.gpsbabel.org/

https://www.gpsvisualizer.com/

I use the GPS Visualizer more often just because its what I started using. I dont think either has asked for payment.

With Garmin, depending on the age, you can also use the active captain to mark and transfer waypoints. I havent used it enough to be proficient with it though.

[Jonathan]

Thank you. I searched yesterday and couldn’t come up with anything near that. That is very helpful.

[Jonathan]

Thanks for that information. I just ordered some spray bottles for the bleach solution (I read 1 to 4 as well as 1 to 10 bleach to water) as well as the Betadine. Does the Betadine and Hibiclens do the same thing, should I have both or will one or the other work?

[Jonathan]

I love the Blazer 2400. Almost settled on two different ones. One was bought before I could make the deal, the other inspection showed a few problems with the hull so I backed out. With the splatter paint, high bow, and shallow draft they are fishing machines and hard to beat in South Louisiana waters.

[Jonathan]

Here are a few. I think they have since been marked with PVC. First one was the one I hit. It was a pole completely submerged. Headed to a buddys camp off of that canal. Water was extremely shallow and had to come in on plane. Buddy told me two other boats lost lower units the same month in that area. I was lucky enough to gouge from mid-ship back, rip the bottom area with the drain plug off, take out the lower unit and crack the front of the cowling. </div>

29°12’33.09″N 90° 3’43.94″W

29°12’30.04″N 90° 3’49.89″W

29°12’29.54″N 90° 3’46.69″W

29°12’31.67″N 90° 3’39.58″W

• This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  Jonathan.