Just picked this up know nothing lol

[mark1921]

Just picked up a 22ft Sylvan offshore with a 3.0 to go fishing on the lake with my sons . Any advice and also looking for good used downriggers and related equipment any advice welcome thank you 

[MCF]

A while ago, I had one of these for seven years also with the 3.0.    Very fuel efficient and also very deep on the inside for safety reasons especially if you have younger children.

[mark1921]

Thanks

[rolmops]

That is a great boat! And for free!

Now before you take your kids out on the water, you should really take it over to either a professional or a very good amateur to check it out for loose rivets, blown engine, rotten hoses, rotten transom and so on. 

Even if you have to pour a couple of1000s into it, you still got yourself a great boat for very cheap.

The Sylvan is almost a total copy of the Starcraft  of that size. If you go to I-Boats you can find a veritable treasure of information about these boats.

[Shakemsam]

If you haven't done it, schedule a trip with a Charter for yourself and your boys. Most are very willing to offer information and advice on getting started. Myself, I suggest you get used to the boat and what it needs for now. Then start in the early Spring with Browns. I also suggest CL and FBMP for used tackle. You don't have to spend a fortune to catch fish. The boys will have a blast, regardless.

[mark1921]

[stinger]

Use a pair of drift bags and loose the Happy Troller. Much better boat control.

[pukingdog]

Since you said you know nothing, know this: The rubber bellows surrounding the drive shaft from the engine to the outdrive can fail. If it does, the boat will sink. It needs to be inspected and replaced when it is old and rotten. I'm not talking about the exhaust bellows which is easy to see with the outdrive tilted up on the trailer. Shifter cable boot can also leak when it's old. If you need new rubbers, replace them both or all 3.

[lrg355]

FYI, Sylvan and Starcraft are both divisions of and made by Smoker Craft.  Don't know how far back that goes but may be useful to know.

[MCF]

As I referenced earlier I had one of these.  Now I see the pictures mine was the same color, with the OMC Cobra and started off with the single axle trailer then switched to a tandem.    Nice boat.