Misty IV

I didn't get any new toys. I've only been seeing my new girlfriend for a little over a month, but she has caught on to what I do from spring through fall.......and she wants to be on the boat with me with a screaming reel in her hands!!! Maybe that is the best present of the year???

Heck, I'd even sign-up...and I've never done a lick of ice fishing in my life before. We don't have "big ponds" by me in PA. I'd do the drive in the winter for a derby!

Well said!

I'll be in the same boat (no pun intended) next season with my kicker. 1971 Johnson 6hp - purrs like a kitten and starts usually on the 2nd pull. One of the best outboards I've ever owned!!

Great pics, Tim. Makes me feel less gloomy and more anxious for spring to arrive.

I have a 2002 Expedition with the trailer towing package and it is my daily driver, as well as my tow vehicle. I tow my Islander 221 long distances (2) times a year - 5 hours to the lake in the spring and 5 hours home to PA in the fall. The boat stays at the lakehouse during the season. The Expedition is approaching 150,000 miles and still runs like a dream. She tows the Islander very well. I have been toying with the idea of getting a second vehicle for the daily commute and taking the wear and tear off the Expy. As you are finding out, though, getting a 2500 or F-250 diesel in decent shape for between $16-20k is difficult to do. If it were me, I'd look at a very economical car for my daily chores and when the time arises for the boat, use the truck. In the meantime, with the money you'd eventually save, put that towards the repairs to the Dodge. New or fairly new trucks these days are too expensive, in my opinion. I plan on keeping my Expedition until it dies or seriously starts costing me money. That's just my $0.02. Let us know what you do decide to do!

Wow, what a shame. I never met him, but have heard his boat's name mentioned many times. I believe he and I chimed-in on many discussions here on LOU, as well. The story behind the name of the boat makes it that much more difficult to deal with. Rest in peace, Duane. My thoughts and prayers to his family and all his friends.

Ah, bring on spring!!!!!!

Welcome to the site!

I love this video!!!! Screaming drags!!!

I have heard about the new gas causing problems more recently, but not as much during the season. Ever since the new fuels have been introduced, I purposely carry a few spare water separating filters onboard. Knock on wood, I haven't had to change any while on the water, but nice to know I have them if the need arises. Only other thing I can think of is something mechanically fuel related, such as the fuel pump. Perhaps it isn't putting out as much as it should. Do you have a separate fuel filter inline with the fuel line? Maybe check that and see if it is clogged and not letting enough fuel pass through when the engine is requiring more. I'm no mechanical genius but those would be the little things I'd look at. Sure the mechanical individuals will offer some more input soon. Good luck and let us know what you figure out the problem is. May end up being something we will all have to worry about next season.

Hank, So sorry to hear about the bad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Tag

Wow, that is a nice unit! It is heavy, but like a lot of the features, especially the alternator output ratings. Anyone know when Evinrude is planning on making the smaller outboards, like the 6hp's, 8hp's, 9.9's, etc? Since Johnson had that piece of OMC's market but are discontinued, figured Evinrude would have to pick up the line sometime. But, as of right now, yes, seems like all opinions are leaning towards the Yamahas or Hondas. Thanks for all the input & replies thus far!

Lots of information on that site. Thanks for posting the link.

Can't believe it's been a year since I was breaking the bulbs on purpose each time I logged on. Nice to see them back!

That's nice to know. I'm a little concerned with the weight of the 4-strokes, but the Garelick bracket I have says it is rated for up to a 15hp engine. Is there a real noticeable difference between, say a standard 9.9 and a high-thrust 9.9? I know the gearcase ratios are different, but aside from that, is the thrust that noticeable from a standard model? I was thinking of going with an 8hp model, since my current 6hp does fine. However, once the winds pick up, perhaps that extra oomph would be nice.

I'd definitely make the drive south to Delaware. I'm only about 10 miles from the state line, so it'd be worth it. Plenty of dealers in the northern part of the state, as well, which is nice. There's a West Marine in New Castle which has the Mercury's on display and available. Others around the Wilmington area which sell all brands. Decisions, decisions...

I've been contemplating the purchase of a new kicker for my Islander. The 1971 Johnson 6hp I currently run is an awesome engine and has never failed me. But, it is a short shaft model and a 2-stroke, so in anything over 1' seas, the prop is always coming out of the water. Definitely need a longer shaft. Have looked for the kits to make it a long shaft, but coming up empty-handed. I put way too many hours on the main engine this season because the Johnson was constantly coming out of the water in rolling seas. So, been thinking of biting the bullet, retiring the Johnson to the rowboat at the house and going for a new(er) 4-stroke which I can tie into the boat's fuel system. I've heard so many compliments on the Yamahas. What are everyone's opinions on the available options from Mercury, Honda, etc. I'd like to remain loyal to OMC, but seems the Evinrude line stops at the 25hp (nothing smaller) and the Johnson line is discontinued? Thanks for any and all input! Figure get started on this now over the winter rather than in spring when the shakedown run time has arrived.

Exactly. It will be too late in 3 years. They need to act now! I thought the Army Corp of Engineers were already working on a plan? Whatever happened to that?

While I did not know him, it is always sad to hear of a fellow angler passing away. My thoughts and prayers to his family and those who knew him well. Rest in peace, Captain!

Keith, any idea when the top picture of the power plant was taken? Kinda looks like my boat off to the left.

Here's the link to the museum, if anyone is interested. Lots of information, as well as the audio to that fateful night on November 10, 1975 between the Coast Guard and other ships in the area of Whitefish Bay. https://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My brother has an 18' Bayliner Capri bowrider with a 2-stroke Force 125. I believe it is a 1992. He has had zero problems with that engine. I helped him replace his water pump impeller this year, but other than that, regular maintenance and proper winterization, his engine has never let him down. I'd compare it to my old boat's Evinrude 75 "Stinger" engine, which was an incredible, dependable & extremely reliable outboard. I can't comment of your other questions, but while I have also heard mixed reviews on the Force outboards, from experience, I'd say you can't go wrong with them.

I'm planning to travel to visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum sometime next year once it re-opens for the season in May. Has anyone here visited the museum, and if so, is there a better time of the year you suggest I go over another time? I'm planning, right now, to go in May. I've had a great interest in the Edmund Fitzgerald since I first heard Gordon Lightfoot's song about her and the crew some 15 years ago. I only recently learned of the museum and what it has to offer. I've made the decision to go to not only see everything there, but to personally pay my respects to the crew of the Fitz. It may cut into my fishing time on the lake, but I need to do this. Some things in life, at times, are more important. Thanks for any info you can offer or provide.