Fat Trout

Personally I believe there is no such thing as a light W or NW wind when it switches around to that direction. I see the current forecasts are North 5-10 or NW less than 10 depending on what you look at. You have to go into that expecting it to be bumpy at best and getting blown off at worst. At least you don't have to go really far this time of year.

I'm with @rolmops on the Oswego buoy but also someone recently told me about the 'fishweather" app. Which I now also like. It has ability to show you current and predicted winds but also a full lake wind-field view all for free. The have a premium also but I have not tried that yet.

I wont disagree with your frustration but the reality is there is a lot more tech in newer motors. I imagine with lets say a 25yo motor shops are struggling to have people who handle both old tech and new. I had the same problem with a 2003 25hp but that was in 2008...fuel pump couldnt handle the ethanol that became more prevalent. Diaphragm got stiff. Diagnosed pretty quickly as that was a common problem at the time. Shops that cant handle the old should turn away the work or better frame the expectations. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Todays morning forecast always was south or southwest 5-10 or less than 10. Other than light and variable thats the best you are gonna see. The weatherman lies a lot though so sometimes you either have to bail or make the best of it with a backup plan. Like fishing much close to shore and shallower than you wanted or switching to bass even for the same reason. Even a south wind will make chop and get rough if you are far enough out. I run a 20' aluminum and have to change my thinking all the time after getting on the lake. The oswego and other weather bouys are always good for current info. https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=osgn6 There are no universal rules. When wind comes off a shoreline or is blocked by a point etc that can help but all bets are off once you get a few miles out. Even a 10mph wind will give you a solid chop. If you have sensitive young kids....keep as tight to the shore the wind comes off of as you can. I should add that if they are predicting W or NW or NE its almost always going to be a potential problem. There is usually no such thing as a "light" West or NW wind and when it is light it is often after being heavy for a while so it might have residual waves. from my Pixel 2 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Google it. He posted it last fall. Variation of a non-meat meat rig Sent from my Pixel 2 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Much sarcasm in my brain but I'll just go with....if it looks too good to be true...it is. There are places that discount motors...but half off? You have to ask yourself why. Plus. Unless its a small motor or you are fully capable of rigging a large outboard yourself good luck getting a good marine shop to rig and deal with your sale motor in the way you would want. Good luck. Sent from my Pixel 2 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

I towed someone thinking it was "my turn". I was an 18' he was a 23' or so with an outdrive and couldn't steer to save his ass. All went well but I added some grey hairs coming in the inlet and going up the river and won't do that again. I was fortunate to have 2 on board with me to assist, but don't always. The boat I towed was poorly maintained IMO and in retrospect I'm aggravated about it. I have Boat US myself, all should have a contingency. I run a 20' boat now and I'm not unwilling to help but I'm going to think it through in a different if there is a next time including making a call to the CG vs towing. My boat/crew safety and potential damage / injury to others is primary. I feel I was lucky nothing bad happened in retrospect.