I bought a new Ariens on Saturday to assist with clearing the snowpocolypse this weekend. Rated high on multiple reviews. I was thoroughly impressed how well it moved the wet and heavy crap. It is replacing a 28 year old MTD that rarely let me down. It just needs a new drive belt. Anyone...
Boat in heated shop + heavy winter gear means about 6 more weeks of open water on Devils and hopefully extended more with trips to the River and Tailrace....
I am a PP guy; but question why any braid would break off on the cast. Do you have a knick in a ceramic eyelet that is cutting the line on the cast? Rub a cotton ball on all of your eyelets and see if there is a spot that catches a bunch of the cotton ball.
Sounds like a poorly ran event. I did the DL Casino and it had a few small hiccups; but overall ran well.
I think your math is accurate; but based on the need for a sanctioned tourney to turn 10% over to NDGF they have 100% payout. Or at least close.
Merc. 9.9 is not EFI yet. If you run a big Merc and want matching motors and an EFI kicker.... Weight difference is negligible, price difference is also negligible, and the EFI makes for a much smoother running motor.
I slip bobber many, many hours a year. My main setup from rod tip down:
-20lb power pro high vis yellow (heavy for timber on Devils). Not necessary for most other applications/lakes
-2 bobber stops (prevents slipping on the PP)
-stans slip bobber (got rid of thill gumballs) no...
My recollection of the Tracker Tundras of that vintage are more related to the 21 footer which had some significant transom issues. I don't recall hearing the same about the 18 footers.
I have been running Helix 9s for 3 or 4 years. Make sure to get MEGA. I have been happy overall. Pricepoint vs the equivalent Lowrance is great, customer service is decent, and if set up properly it is amazing what the can reveal.
I am hitler about break-in procedure and fluid change at 10 hours. The money these things cost a few hundred $$ is well worth the potential hassle. For me it is more peace of mind to pass on to the next owner each fall when I sell. I also have it done at a Merc. certified dealer so there is...
Vinegar/water for occasional use when spots get the best of me. Simple Green for more dirt and blood (fish or mine) related cleaning needs.
Every time I pull the boat out I use Bassboat Saver (cleaner/wax spray). Quick 5-10 minute spray and wipedown keeps sparkles looking good. Can get a 5...
Complete top-cap redesign from rub rail up. Look at the new big tiller for hints on improvements but it isn't just a lipstick refresh. New 220k sq ft factory being set up. Difficult workforce in the area (1 of 20 hired stay employed).
It has been a struggle for sure. I knew that I may be in the situation I am in; but many did not. In hindsight I should have ordered another 209; but didn't not knowing if it would be next up for refresh which may have made it harder to sell this fall. This is first world problems and I...