J._Bricker

Thanks MikeMartinFan, she is a certificate boat (tournament prize) which I upgraded from a 519VX and 175hp Optimax.

Swampfish- In California, you would petition the DMV for a copy of the title or change of title. If they run the VIN they should be able to tell if it has been reported stolen, previous owner, ect. By the way, am I mistaken that military personel don't have to register their vehicles in the state where they reside unless they wish to or discharge from the service? And thank you for your service. JB

Brad- Sorry to hear about the theft of your prop. To answer a few of your questions: 1) The Evinrude dealer should be able to answer this regarding your 150 HP motor. 2) Stainless without a doubt. 3) People in this world don't SUCK- just tweekers and knuckle heads like the ones that stole your prop. 4) flechero and Glenn have good answers 5) Because THEY feel THEY are entitled to your property, you are just temporarily holding (using) it. 6) Anywhere from $100 for the insurance deductable to $500 for a brand new stainless prop. 7) See reason #5 By the way Brad, congradulations on your new boat, this is just a minor setback. Like LBH said, theirs is coming..... Tight lines when you get back on the water, JB

TC1- never would tow my boat without a transom saver, and my boat came from the dealership with one. The sales rep showed me how to secure the motor on the saver, which included an explanation on how to save the lower units' paint. Another thing, how many boats you see being towed without that $30 insurance policy? And a Happy Turkey Day to you and yours. JB

Here's my baby- a 2004 Ranger 520VX with a 225hp Mercury Optimax glistening in the California sun 8). And I owe this post to my daughter Lauren, without her help this post would not have been possible.

CBedo- My understanding is the XS model produces a little more horsepower at the prop than the standard Optimax model of the same displacement. I've got over 60 hours on my Optimax 225, and have not complaints, but it does like to drink that special blend of 2 stroke oil. Alot of the blown powerheads maybe caused by how the motor was broken in. But the 100 hour maintenance, $700-750 was a surprise. I like my Merc, and yes I did baby it for the first 10 hours just like the manual said. I think you'll be happy if you get one hooked up to your rig. Just my .02

Good question, and responces. I'm pretty much a recreational fisherman. When I'm fishing, my thoughts are on what I'm doing and my surroundings, not on work. But I do enjoy fishing a local tackle shop's semi-annual tournament and the Western police and fire games. I already have a full time job- fishing and talking about fishing with people who also enjoy it, in my opinion, is what it's all about. That's my story and I'm sticking to it ;D.

LBH- What's a "FOP" badge anyway?

sodaksker- saw the flick of your ProCraft- good looking boat, I know how that smile feels. Anyway, my family discussion center around how much the whole family would be using the boat (maybe 3-4 times a summer), as opposed to how much I would use the boat bass fishing (1-3 times a week). The bass boat won, with a ski pole and boarding ladder as added accessories. I gotta' take my kids tubin' some time. But the bottom line, you have a beautiful boat in that ProCraft! ;D The big windshield issue, maybe ProCraft has lower profile bass boat-type which may further clean up the boat lines. Just my .02 on that. JB

CBedo the home equity loan would be the way to go, let your money work for you plus the benefit of a tax deduction. Just my .02

Bowjunkie35- Had a similar situation with a carborated '86 Yamaha 150- It may be a powerpack issue you're describing. However, gasoline added cleaner and fresh plugs will only help the preformance of your motor. My .02

Hopefully, Delta Bait, er, Fishermans Warehouse won't be put out of business with the arrival of Bass Pro Shops. And now we (Californians) will have to pay sales tax when we order from the Bass Pro Catalog. Oh well

Happy B-Day LBH- FYI, the view's pretty d**n good on my side of the hill, however, you've got a couple of years yet. Enjoy

Neither- Better river for a Classic? Sacramento/ San Jacquin or Potomac

1st boat- 1986 Ranger 373 w/ 150 Yamaha 2nd boat- 2004 Ranger 520VX w/ 225 Mercury Optimax

rattle micro brew (ale) or macro brew (Bud)?

Shimano. Bigger largemouth bass- East or West of the Mississippi?

Salmon!!!!! PAC-10 or ACC football?

My answer to this question- 1) the How- take care of your family responsiblities, work overtime when it's there, and start small (in my case a float tube). Also, I quit smoking. At $5 a pack, one pack a day, that's half a monthly boat payment. Guess which was more important to me. 2) the Why- because I can, I've earned it. ;D

drr, I'd think kirk is on the money. I had an '86 carborated 150 Yamaha on an 18ft Ranger. The motor ran like a champ, no complaints about how it ran. Just drank gas, and didn't like changes in elevation so much (2500+ feet). New 225 Optimax on 20ft Ranger, better performance and much better on gas. I'm sure the same could be said for the four strokes, but I understand the Verado's gas consumption is the same as an Optimax.

1) Peacock bass fishing in the Amazon, 2) Bass fishing in Mexico, 3) Marlin/ tuna fishing in Cabo San Lucas. For those of you who want to fish the Kenai, check out info@westcoastfishin.ca, it's fishing the Skeena River in norther British Columbia, all five species of salmon and huge steelhead. Great fishing, weather, and hosts. Funny though, we all are pretty much in agreement about the peacock bass fishing ;D, now that's serious top water.

A few guys mentioned "common sense" and "common courtesy". If it was common, everyone would have it. Anymore, I feel it just isn't worth gettin' steamed over, because some folks just don't know any better. Besides, with some of the stuff you see happen at the ramp, I'm glad I get to see it for free when other people spend good money to see the same thing ;D

Dfisherman, you're right, those 6lb smallies are hard to come by here in Cali, but its a good thing Rangers aren't. Congrads on your new boat, have heard nothing but good about the Z series. JB

From the Tri-Valley, 20 minutes east of Oakland in Northern California. I primarily bass fish the San Joaquin side of the Delta. A1dennis,Thewayweball02, and Abelfisher good to have you Northern Californians on board, and to the guys in So. Cal, it's getting harder to keep how good we got it a secret. LOL Glenn, I enjoy the site and everyone's tips and ideas. It makes us all better. Tight lines to all. JB

Chris, check what I posted for mking7 regarding his Ranger 185 questions