Netbender

I am on the road today, but will follow this closer tonight. Thanks guys.  I want to correct this!

Dave

Thanks guys! If I go with trim tabs does anyone have a recommendation of manufacturer? I know I will have to look closely at location and size. Thanks, Dave

Thanks for all the responses. I am going to give a Balzout mount a try. I like the flexibility of the unit. Will let you know. 

If it doesn't work, I will be utilizing one of the above solutions. 

Thanks again, Dave

Good Day, I have for the first time brought my new FM196 up on plane. I understand there is the 9.9 kicker on the port side, but did not expect such a large amount of lean to that side. 

Are there any tricks to getting this to a more level plane? I have two batteries in the back, one port, one starboard. Are tabs the only answer? 

Thanks for your time.

Dave

Good Day, new FM196 love the boat, but am asking some guidance and info on the steering. Please see below:

Should the bolt on the steering linkage be loose in order to operate properly? I had binding more than I expected, tie wrapped some of the feed lines loosely and will give it a test run tomorrow. This bolt seems to allow play in the linkage for the control arm. When the kicker is raised to high it scrapes the splash well.

Thanks for taking a minute and responding.

Dave

Good Day, any advice on a Helix 9 mounting location on this new dash? I have hardware for the top and side curtains on the gunnel where I would like to mount the HB mount. I could use a RAM over the cup holder, but am thinking this may be too high and block viewing once completed. Small problem, but any responses welcome. 

Thanks,

Dave

Good Day, has anyone launched from Penn Yan lately? I have a Starcraft 196 and was wondering if the outlet channel to the lake water depth is above 24 inches? Clear? I have launched there many times before in my crestliner, but never with this boat. Thanks in advance for your response. 

Dave 

Good Day, looking for advice from any 196 owners that have an RGC hoist. I have not picked up my boat yet but have installed my hoist in the lake. My concern is with the width and hiegth settings of the hoist bunks. I have 101.5 inches, so the beam should be good. The weight is no issue. I just can't picture the hull sitting well in the bunks. Might just be me, but if anyone has this same configuration, I would greatly appreciate your experience. 

Dave

nice report reel doc.......looks great!

THANKS! Everyone has been helpful, greatly appreciate the time and responses. 

Thanks again, Dave

Thanks guys for the responses. B&B no need for pics as yours is a Crestliner. The head support is a must. 

Frogger, thanks for the response. Yes, I will be using it mostly for steering, as I troll mostly alone. 

Good Day, I have searched and found split opinions with which shaft length to use. I thought I would post with specifics and try to better understand any issues or concerns. I have not picked up the FM as of yet, so am unable to do any measurements myself. I will be trolling the majority of the time in the Fingers. Mostly on Keuka, Canadaigue and Cayuga. Have had communications with with Fat Trout (thanks!) and his recommendation is the 72 inch. My concerns are when the 72 is stowed, I have heard there may be issues with closing the windshield and sometimes with docking. Also, I will be doing some cast fishing out of the bow, and think the 72 may get in way. On the other hand, the 60 may be a better fit out of the water. But, can't go wrong with the 72 in the water. FM has a 150 w 9.9. Anyone that has experience with a GM 60/72 I appreciate your thoughts and guidance. 

Dave

Kinghunter - how long do you usually get on those Lithium batteries?

 I am starting to get the picture. Just don't touch the darn connection!...... Thanks guys, appreciate the response. 

Good Day, 

Has anyone found a better solution to their FishHawk battery wire connector? The connection from the battery pack to the three prong connector on mine just keeps breaking off. I get a few weeks out of it and then repair it. I have replaced the unit once so far, and do not want to keep purchasing a new battery pack every season. The wires are very brittle and do not last. Anyone else having issues? I do unplug the batteries after each use. 

Thanks for the feedback, 

Dave

All, I have two Cannon HS10's that are 13-14 years old. They are mounted on swivel mounts. A friend of mine just lost his, only 4 years old, broke under trolling and lost it all. I have the same set up and would like to prevent, fix and upgrade my pair. I have searched and came up with the SS mounts from cannon but these are a bit pricey I think. My question is, has Cannon addressed this with their new composit swivel mounts? Are they any improvement? Just get the SS version? Is there a second manufacturer? What works?

Thanks for your response, 

Dave

Good Day, water level is low, has anyone used the PY launch and the channel to the lake lately? Hoping to launch Friday.

Thanks, Dave

Good Day, I have a 2008 Merc 115EFI. I have been trying to better understand the VesselView App and its connectivity. Do I need a module in the engine (bluetooth)? If so, anyone use one? 

I would think that the App download and bluetooth device on the engine is all that is required. Part number for bluetooth, if that is required (plug and play?). Is it worth it? Thanks for your responses. 

Dave

Good Day, I am spooling my LC reels using PP Moss Green. I have used this for the past 4-5 years and have had no issues. I am more curious then looking for advise, what is your opinion on color of backing for LC? I believe it really doesn't matter as long as you are using a leader. In line boards, LC, leader is the set up. Discussion for a snowy day. 

Thanks, Dave

+1 trout hunter - invest in the DR's. You will use them overtime you are out. If not, you may find it difficult to get down where you need to be on a constant basis. 

+3 - under power

Excellent, thanks guys. Web page looks perfect. January project is in order. 

Dave

Good Day, 

I am looking for some guidance on what the best electric spooler would be for spooling 300/500 size reels with mono/fc. Is SCT a good product? If so, what size has anyone used? If there are other recommendations, please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help.

Dave

Thanks Jason, was thinking along those lines as well. I would end up with very long leaders I think. I just can't see dragging six planner boards with 20lb mono through the very clear water. Got to scare the fish a bit I would think. That is the main reason I went with the thin FC when I originally spooled.