Misty IV

I have power steering on my Islander and have no problems steering my kicker when the main engine isn't running. I use an EZ-Steer system and it works great for me.

It's definitely not headed in the right direction. The last level reading I received for the Eastern Shore showed the lake was at 246.2ft. The danger level is 246.7, which would prove catastrophic to many areas during a gale force storm. The St. Lawrence Seaway people seem to be aware of the imminent danger if anymore water is allowed to enter Lake O, but who knows what they will do if push comes to shove. We had to have rip-rap stone installed along our breakwall 3 years ago to protect our property from the storms. The Labor Day storm last year had waves crashing ON our stones and the lake wasn't as high then as it is now. Definitely going to be interesting...

Awesome video!!!! Nice job. Looks like the girls had a blast!

Nice Brownie!!!!

I love my Traxstech system. Able to move the rod holders around as needed and very durable components. Any of the track systems are quality items, including the Bert's. I'd definitely consider doing some form of a track-mount system, though. Makes life so much easier.

My Sprint service is very hit-n-miss. One minute it is awesome and very fast, the next I have no service or signal at all. That is for the Mexico Bay area, so doesn't really help you. I learned the one main reason my service is so sporatic is there is apparently only (1) cell tower for the area located along Rt3 in Mexico.

She gets my business, as well. First King mount I ever had done was by her and it still looks fantastic 13 years later.

Happy Birthday, Rob! Hope you have a great day!!

Best time is probably mid-July through September. I fish out of Mexico Bay and around Nine Mile and that's when we have the best luck. Although, after last year's fiasco, who knows.

When I bought the boat in 2005, it had a fresh engine and outdrive on it. The previous owner didn't winterize the engine or outdrive in 2004 and the engine block cracked, as did the outdrive case. When I bought the boat, the combo had 10 hours on it. He didn't have any paperwork on the rebuild, other than it was a Jasper engine.

I wouldn't want to pull up next to a boat in 5 footers either...........oh, wait, that rockin'!! LOL

Yes, it's always been on the high side. When the engine starts, it jumps up to about 50psi, then rises and steadies-out around the 80psi mark. I've always used the Purolator filter when I change the oil 2x each year. Wasn't until lately that I thought about the high pressure and got curious. Never had any issues with the engine or excessive usage, so didn't think much of it.

Thanks for all the responses so far. The Marathons were listed at $90 per tire, which seems like a lot for a 13" tire, but may be worth it since they are the last of a good breed.

I wonder if that is my problem, too. I have been using a Purolator oil filter. I've seen the MerCruiser filter and noticed it wasn't as long as the Purolator. I just changed the oil in the fall before winterizing the boat. Maybe I'll also try the Merc filter if the manual pressure test that Hank suggested I do doesn't change things. Good point, fish-on!!!

Hank, I was actually thinking about doing a pressure test at the engine after I originally posted to rule out the sending unit and/or the gauge. Good advice! I thought about changing to a different grade oil, but my manual specifically calls for the 25W-40, so feel I should stick with it, unless anyone feels it isn't necessary. The engine sees a lot of trolling time, especially when the winds come around and the kicker can't hold course anymore.

I'll take a look at them, as well. I was also considering the Carlisles that are USA made. Less expensive than the Marathons, too. My boating store has a huge inventory of the Load Star K550 tires, too, at about half the price of the Marathons. The dealer told me they're made in Korea, but are an excellent tire. Sure he was trying to get me to buy a set to lower his inventory on them. My trailer uses the ST175/80R13, load range C.

My trailer is going to need new tires. I have the Goodyear Marathons on now and have been very happy with them. I know they are now made in China and have not been getting very favorable reviews since the change. I was in my boating store this weekend and they have (4) of my size Marathons on the shelf with the Made in USA on the sidewall. I was going to get them, but the sidewall DOT markings say they were made in 3/09. Should I be concerned with the tires being over 2 years old already and using them? I know typically trailer tires last 5 years. Input?

My Islander has the 4.3L MerCruiser with about 225 hours on her (new engine in 2005). My question relates to the oil pressure. When the engine is running, the oil pressure stays the same on the in-dash gauge, around 80psi. It doesn't change between idle or full throttle. I know the pressure shouldn't stay the same throughout the RPM range, should it? The engine purrs like a kitten, doesn't overheat, so I know it's getting oil. Any ideas about the steady pressure and what it should be through the RPM range? The wire is connected to the oil pressure switch on the engine and to the back of the gauge in the dash. I'm using the MerCruiser 25W-40 oil.

I agree with FX's comments. I learned it all on my own, talking to other fishermen at the launch, looking at other boats, and researching the tactics. That was almost 20 years ago, and the act of trolling comes naturally to me now, although within about 2-3 years after starting to learn the process, I had it down pretty well. There are also seminars given by charter captains throughout the year which are very beneficial. Lots of information on here and online. Also, look at charter and product websites, like A-TOM-MIK. Many will give tips on what to use and where to target the salmon throughout the season.

Nice looking fish! Great job, guys!!

Nice job!!

My old boat had a 75hp Evinrude that threw a rod. I searched high and low for someone reputable to handle my older O/B and ended up at Bersani's Marine in Cicero. I dropped the boat off Sunday evening on my way home to PA. Monday morning, they called me at 9am with the diagnosis, cost and down time. He promised me he'd have it ready to go by that Friday so I wouldn't miss any derby time that weekend. Thursday morning at 10am, they called to say it was done. They ended up doing A LOT of work to that outboard, yet gave me a huge deal on all the parts and labor. Bored the cylinders, new pistons, connecting rods, used crank, cleaned and tuned all (3) carbs, plus a lot more. I know there are a lot of places capable of doing the work, but if you're near Cicero, I highly recommend Bersani's for Johnson & Evinrude work.

Another vote for the 22 footer. I've been out in a 19 footer in some pretty snotty weather and will never go backwards. Had my Islander 221 in 4-5 footers last year after a storm came out of nowhere and I never felt unsafe or fear we wouldn't make it back to port. Very solid and secure-feeling boat.

Number saved to my contacts, as well. Thanks for the info.

Now, that's a brown!!! Wow, nice job!!!