High Bidder

Installed a thru hull two years ago. Really don't notice any difference between the transom mounted and thru hull when trolling. I have a selector switch that I can use either one. The only diference is when under power I don't lose the bottom with the thru hull where as sometimes I did with the transom mounted.

I'm considering getting a new GPS chartplotter but was a little concerned about a touchscreen type. I hate when someone puts a fishy fingerprint on my screen now. Simrad units connect to my Autopilot easiest. I built a adapter cable for my present Lowrance Globalmap unit. Other brands won't connect to my Simnet system. The expensive units seem to be both touchscreen and dial or button control but the less expensive units are touchscreen only. Just was wondering if I'm too concerned about a slimey screen.

I also was considering upgrading my Globalmap unit to a Simrad since it would easily connect to my Simnet system for my autopilot. Is the built in GPS effective under a hardtop or would I have to install a puck like I do now with my Lowrance Globalmap unit? I would be using the unit only as a chartplotter.

I just hope the wardens don't think using cameras is "baiting". Although I did think of putting all my old cameras around my stand. I'm sure its the human scent because I had a bear walk by and as soon as it caught my scent it returned to the base of my ladder and looked up at me.

This past year I've had 3 cameras chewed or knocked off the tree by bears, some numerous times. I've gotten some good pics of their teeth, ears and noses. At first I thought they prefered the Cuddiback units but lately they moved on to the other brands. I don't know if its the smell of plastic that attracts them or the sound. I hope some of them stick around for archery bear season. By rifle season the food selection changes and they move out. This is in north central PA.

If I change the drain I would no longer have a dipstick tube and dipstick. I  couldn't check the oil level.  I would have to splice a drain valve into the dipstick tube. 

The problem is a tube cannot be slid down the dipstick tube because of the bends in a Ford tube and also at the oil pan the dipstick tube adapter block is  fastened to the oil pan with a bolt that is ported . I'm not sure what that bolt is called but it is drilled partially lengthwise and then out the side to the fill tube. I guess at the end of the season I'll remove the exhaust manifold and loosen the fill tube to check if any oil is remaining.

Thanks

Thanks for the launch pics. I feel a lot better seeing the docks. Can't wait to start fishing.

Before I changed it i could get all 5 qts out including the filter. Everything lined up and everything looked the same inside and out. The drain hole was metric so I had to machine another bolt to attach the dipstick tube, which also serves as the suction tube. The drain was in the exact same position on the pan. I can't figure it out for sure and I don't feel like pulling the engine again so I guess I'll just run it.

Two years ago I had to replace the oil pan on my 5.0 Ford engine. I used a ford van oil pan because it was the same shape as the original. The problem I have now is that when I change oil I can only get 3.5 qts out. Since I have to suck it out through the dipstick I don't know if oil is remaining in the pan or I don't have enough in it.  Removing the drain plug is next to impossible to completely drain the oil. Would the oil pan retain oil since it is a automotive type instead of marine original? The oil level on the dipstick shows full.

Glad to hear the salmon are there. I'm coming up Saturday for a week of fishing. How is the Henderson launch? The last pictures I saw the water was still pretty far into the parking lot.

Fished at Oak Orchard for the first time last week. My GPS would not show depth grid from my Navionics card. Apparently it is a different selection than the one for Mexico Bay area. The card is 10 years old. Could someone tell me the setting for the Western part of the Lake O.

I really appreciate this information. I am going to Oak Orchard for my first time next Thursday. I had no idea where to start until I read this thread. I am still not sure what direction to go, either west, east or straight out. But at least I know what depth to try. I'll be looking for other boats and will probably sort of follow them at a discreet distance.

Thanks.

The Hamburg Cabela's is always  slow on check out. Twice I did the same as Adm. Byrd and left my stuff and walked. If some of my suppliers wouldn't give me gift cards I probably wouldn't shop there. Although they did have the best price on the Ruger I bought last spring. I was there Sunday and they only had 5 registers open and fifty people in line. I had to wait because my son needed  some stuff.

I always fished  Mexico and Henderson, but this year would like to try going west. I booked a slip at Bald Eagle Marina for the middle of July. Is that a good area for that time of year? Does anyone know of a place to stay? My boat isn't big enough to stay on overnight. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks, High Bidder

Thanks for the replies. I guess i'll have to get one reel.  I only usually fish three rods anyway so I'll just have to adjust the electric reel to the best depth and lure.

I know this was discussed before but the comments didn't answer my question.

Both of my fishing partners had accidents last year, one is my son, and now have limited use of their right arm. They can't reel in a salmon anymore. Would an electric reel, such as a Daiwa Tanacom, enable them to still fish with me? From the reviews it seems that the reel can retrieve line but can you use it to fight a fish? The reels are a lot of money but these guys have been fishing with me for years and I don't want to fish alone.

After reading the posts on coyote hunting I was thinking of giving it a try. I wasn't sure if there were many around my area but this morning I got my answer. When I was having breakfast my wife says that my 3 beef cows were running across the pasture. In front of them were 3 coyotes making a beeline for the fence. I knew from past experience that the cows don't like dogs of any kind. They are very protective of their calves. They mortally wounded the neighbors pet dog that was too slow to get out of their pasture in time a few years ago. I guess I'll have to research the equipment needed more closely. It sure sounds like fun to me.

After a disappointing PA archery season where I would see the big ones on camera but couldn't find them. The beginning of gun season was just as tough. On the last day I finally found a shooter..

High Bidder

I installed the Raymarine EV100 in my brother in laws boat last month. He loves it. It responds well. He had hydraulic steering already. Don't know about the long term reliability yet. Total cost was about $1200 after rebate. I have had a Simrad for five years. No problems at all.

I ended up getting the factory made hoses and fitting kit from Marine Engine parts. Best prices and fast shipping. The Raymarine instructions are not the best and Sea Star's are non existent. I guess they want a dealer to install their equipment. Luckily it was similar to a Simrad system for which I had prior experience and who has real installation instructions.

The compression hoses are only for the return line. Nobody on Ebay has the Pro series of hoses in the length I need.. That's usually where I get my parts.

 Thanks anyway.

I have been trying to find out what style of hose ends are on a Sea star 2.0 Pro helm. Sea Star will only tell me to use their hoses but they are not available. The hoses they have available are for return lines with no pressure. Are the hoses connected to the helm a standard JIC type hydraulic hose fitting. I am going to connect a Raymarine EV100 autopilot pump. I hate to disconnect the existing helm line before I know what type they are.

There a two types reverse bypass valves on the actuators for disc brakes. The best seemed to be the normally closed type which doesn't lock the brakes if you are backing up a hill. It allows the pressure to release in any situation. You will need a back up light connection in your trailer wiring to release the brakes for backing up. It took just a few hours to change the trailer brakes and discs work much better.

I bought mine where I could try it on and check how comfortable they are. Some cheaper models were so bad I couldn't have worn them for 5 minutes. I ended up buying the $200 models just because I can stand to wear it a long time.