RodBuster

I was mistaken Rolmops, I meant to ask Bullet as his boat has an open self bailing bow. Bullet, what say you? BTW I now own a crestliner sabre so I am familiar with water shedding capability of a closed bow. Thats why I am nervous about the open bow.

Rolmops, How do you like the open bow? On a rough day how much water do you take over the front? I saw what I believe was a Hewescraft Pilothouse with open bow fishing next to me at the Oak last year, and I saw alot of water coming out of the drain holes. It was 3 to 4 foot waves. I don't know if I like that. TXS, RB

I just had my Sabre welded using TIG, done by a pro. I called Crestliner and asked about rods. They said use R5356 alloy rods. My welding pro said over time the aluminum "cold works" and gets fatigued, especially where the waves pound the bow. Good luck.

What I failed to mention is to install the primer bulb after the T, one would be for the main motor, one would be for the kicker. They have a check valve in them. If the primer bulb is in good working order they wont have any siphon issues. I have been doing it for years with no problem.

I like the sounds of 30 inch sides on the Steiger. But, I believe you have to go to the 25 or 27 to get those high sides. I was hoping to stay in the 23 ft range. The only thing I dont like about the steiger from the pics is the horizontal depth of the transom. I would like to put the back down riggers hanging straight out the back, with a bracket that is not full width. The smaller transom makes it easier to rig those back downs. That is the feature of the Defiance that i like. If i go parker or Steiger I am going to have the transom fish box lids made smaller, so I can wrap Traxtech around and at least have two or three feet of track on the transom. Thanks for the input, keep it comin'

Scott, I will be sure to give you a call in the next few days. I have many questions and appreciate getting feedback. RB

Simply install a T somehwere after your fuel/water seperator and run to the kicker.

I wood like any opinions on these boats. I have two concerns from my research; 1. Low gunnel height 2. Self bailing cockpits taking on water. I have fished on a grady white and there is always a little water at the drain level. I believe it might be due to the design being for saltwater, and it sits lower in the water in freshwater? I like to fish in the winter and I wouldnt want water coming in. Any opinions on these boats would be appreciated.

I am looking to upgrade my boat. I like the flexibility of a trailerable aluminum boat. I have been studying the Hewescraft, Thunderjet, Duckworth and Similar boats in 22 foot range with hardtop. One negative i have read about is the size of the enclosed cockpit being a "sail" on windy days, more so than a glass boat because of the lighter weight and less draft. I am looking for opinions from anyone that has this type of boat. I have only seen a couple out there on the lake.

My back up plan is to drop someone off on the beach or at the end of the pier and head for Hughes, Pultneyville, or Bear Creek. Never had to execute that plan, although once years ago the chute clogged up and then it reopened a couple hours later. But it is an uneasy feeling nonetheless...especisally when you are the only one out there.

The only ice that was floating around was the ice coming out of the chute. Not much, but some. Midmorning we noticed something that looked like a huge ice flow way off to the east. I wondered if it was ice from the easdt end, because the wind was out of the east. About 2:30 it appeared this "ice flow was working it way towards the chute. We were about 3 or 4 miles west of the chute. We decided to pick up and run back to port. When we got closer it appeared to be quite a bit east. We thought maybe it was ice flow from the east, with fog just above it. Not really sure. Water temp was 36.5 and never budged all day.

Good action today. Alot of quality fish, bigger than normal early season browns. Also caught seagull on stick bait, like flying a kite.

Stained but fishable. Not much ice right now

FYI, My buddy just went and looked at South End Launch behind the breakwall. It is wide open. Have at it....I may try on Sunday.

Coast Guard launch is open, no dock though. I will be there in the AM....

Headed west and set up just past Bouder Pt. On the first pass around Boulder started the day with a triple, only to have one break off and another drop off. A few more hits near Boulder, then trolled east and got a few more. It was a little bumpy and the boards were getting tossed around so we trolled down the chute a few passes...nothing in there. Most fish where on bright colors, orange and chartruese F9 Rapalas and JR Thundersticks. Water was from 38 to 40.5 degrees with some areas having nice color. Would love to fish tomorrow, but have another obligation.

lumberman, thanks very much for the info......on my way in a half hour!!

Meant Sodus Caost Guard LAUNCH. Thanks

Looks like others have the same idea for tomorrow. Can't wait any longer.... Thanks for any info.