mudflat

Only 61? HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANK !!

You need to determine where the interference is coming from, is it electrical or is it turbulence around the transducer from the kicker prop? Since you don't see any while running the I/O try just starting the kicker up without putting it in gear and see if you get the interference, if you do it is probably some kind of electrical interference. Then put the kicker in gear and see what happens, if it shows up then you might have to just relocate the transducer to the starboard side.

Like Smallboat said, the "blisters" just need to be ground out, dry the hull and fill them in. Not a major structural issue like the stringers. If your trailering and not leaving the boat in a slip then it's mostly a cosmetic thing. After the blisters are repaired then make sure to apply a good barrier coat, like 4-5 coats of Interlux 2000E or equivalent. This will prevent any further water absorption so that you don't have the same problem again, particularly if you're going to slip the boat for an extended period of time. Anti fouling bottom paint will prevent hull fouling but will not stop water absorption by themselves. Check out Interlux's website for a full explanation. http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/diy/default.aspx

I just had a drop curtain made for my Penny by John Mann. He's in Sodus Point and works out of Arney's Marina. Excellent work, super nice guy and very reasonable IMO. Give him a call: 315-871-6400

Hank, my boat runs great and no more gas fumes to deal with. Shifts much easier, makes docking a breeze. I've officially joined the Hank fan club and just want to say thanks for a job well done at a reasonable cost and for taking the time to fix a few extras. It's a pleasure to have met you and it's great to know a place where you can trust the guys to do the job right the first time. Roy

Traxstech also makes adjustable rod holders for Scotty's, really like mine but they have gotten a lot more expensive since I bought them, like everything else these days http://www.traxstech.com/Downrigger_Rod_Holders.html I think Fish 307 would have either of the Scotty models available

Here's another webcam with a wider point of view http://lighthouse.selfip.org:81/top.htm If you activate Java the camera will update every few seconds so you can actually see the wave action

No. 425 Hammer Head Rod Butt Cushion Click on Image to Enlarge - Now available in WHITE and BLUE! Attach No. 425 Hammer Head to the end of your fishing rod for ultimate comfort when fighting that fish. More comfortable and easier to use than most fighting belts, with a universal rod butt tube allowing for simple rod to rod transfer.

Correct, generally the narrower/flatter end goes towards the front. If the paddle has fins on it they always go towards the back. If your not sure if you have it right just check the action by running it next to the boat before you put it out, same way you would check the action on a spoon or cut bait after you tuned them.

The Wander Fin has two rudder like plates that hang down in back of the prop so that the thrust from the prop is directed against them like a rudder. This is what improves the handling at low speeds. Fixing, or covering up, the cavitation plate was just an added bonus to installing the fin which mounts to the outdrive by bolting to the cavitation plate. In my case I either had to repair the cavitation plate by welding in a piece or cover it with the fin so it helped me to justify the cost of the fin in my mind ( and to the wife ). Look it up on the website and I think it will make more sense to the engineer in you.

Some deep vee boats just seem to wander a little to port and starboard at slow speeds, nothing wrong with the steering or outdrive and not caused by wind or waves. I always said it was because the boats are female and can't make up their minds which way they want to go . You constantly are trying to correct this by counter steering which sometimes just makes it worse, can be aggravating particularly in tight channels and makes it difficult to relax when driving. My Penn Yan wasn't too bad and I installed a Wander Fin mainly because a corner of my cavitation plate was broken off on my outdrive and the fin covers that up which helped me to justify the cost. However the fin definitely improved the handling characteristics at slow speeds. This problem disappears once you throttle up a little or put in your trolling bags. Some boats wander more than others

If adjusting the anode fin and/or weight distribution doesn't solve your problem you could try this: http://www.wanderfin.com/main.sc I installed one on my 25' Penn Yan and it definitely helps the low speed handling and really improved the manuverability around the docks.

Adk, make sure you have room in the boat for whatever cooler you get, a 150qt is big. Check out Sam's/Walmart for a 120qt for $50-60, probably big enough unless you find the mother load and it will do double duty as a seat if needed.

+1 Nick, Don't use up all your VooDoo, save some for the Salmon Slam! Adk1, Lake Ontario is a lot different than Sacandaga or any of the inland lakes and just because you think you can go out and get back in doesn't mean you should go or that you will enjoy it. It's hard to sit on the shore on blow off days when your time on the lake is already limited and you want to fish but hopefully wisdom comes with experience no matter how big your boat is. The fish will still be there tomorrow.