snapshotmd

I apologize if this seems too simple a question, but I have a Chevy Malibu and I'm wondering if this is enough to haul a 16' aluminum bass boat. I've been using a canoe and I'm considering actually getting a real bass boat and leave it at the marina, providing they have space. I'm getting sick and tired of cartopping and being too scared to stand up in my boat.

When I bought my 1st baitcaster I figured I had to learn how to cast with my LH since the crank was on the right side. After I mastered the cast, I noticed that a lot of people out there use their cranking hand and switch right after the cast. I'm wondering if I'm in the minority or not. It almost makes more sense to switch, keeping the same casting hand if you fish with spinning gear.

Chisel the heads off. That's the standard way of removing rivets where I work, ... and we actually do remove thousands! As far as elongating the holes, depends on the material. If it's aluminum, maybe. If its steel, never.

The TM wire is definitely not 10 AWG. I compared the TM wire with 12 gauge wire and the TM wire was slightly thinner than the 12 gauge. In addition, I compared the cross section of the TM wire to my wire stripper. I used the 14 AWG (stranded) hole and have not lost any stranded wire. The insulation of the TM wire is very thick, giving the illusion of a thicker gauge.

I have a Minn Kota Endura 30# TM. Per the instruction manual, I got 6 AWG marine cable to extend the wires on my TM. However, I found out that the supplied wires are only 14 AWG. In addition, the butt splice connectors for 6 gauge does not work well with 14 gauge wire. So then I said "I don't understand" and used 12 gauge wire to hook up the TM to the battery. Took it out for a test drive. So far, so good. I know that the convention is to use at lease 8 AWG marine wire when hooking up power to a TM. But if MK supplies 14 AWG wire, isn't the 8 AWG minimum a bit overkill? Besides, I've found it really hard to get connectors, terminals, etc. for anything bigger than 10 AWG. What's your opinion? I'd like to know.

How wide is the beam on your canoe? Mine is about 3' and if you're using a 4' length of c-channel, that only leaves 6" on each side. Is this right? I'm beginning to think that one could attach a swimming noodle on each side of the canoe and that would be good enough.

I've been reading up on thermoclines wondering how to find them. I was thinking some sort of digital thermometer that you sink to certain depths and you take a reading, but I can't seem to locate one. Anyone know where I could find a thermometer like this?

TM - The Gheenoe is an interesting idea. I'm using a canoe now and I'm concerned about the stability issue, but I don't have the yard space for a trailered boat, so whatever I have must be carried and cartopped. The only thing is I probably can't handle it myself since it says it weighs over 100#. I'm gonna have to get a strong fishing buddy to help.

I'm considering taking my rig out on the Susquehanna River by the Conowingo Dam in Maryland. I have a Minnkota Endura, 30# thrust trolling motor pushing a 15' canoe. I haven't taken this combo out on this body of water yet and I'm concerned if I could get back upstream to where I parked my car. For those experienced on the Suskie, what would you say is the minimum thrust/hp motor I should have?

LOL! Probably not good to have a sponge on the front of your boat. Ya might go down like the Titanic! LOL The blue polyethylene is closed cell so I think this would be safe.

I agree with Zink. The GS applied onboard the boat will only help if your boat ever gets swamped but will not help you keep the boat trim in normal conditions. OTOH, the only way that GS, or other stuff, would help trim the boat is if it is on the outside of the boat. Perhaps you could try to attach styrofoam to the bow of the boat? Like that blue styrofoam used for insulating walls? HTH

Is there any way to clean or sanitize a boat, or fishing gear to prevent transport of nuisance species to other waters? There are lakes in my area that restrict a boat from being used in any other body of water other than theirs. I don't want to buy another boat cuz I don't have the $ or the room for one to fish other waters. I'm thinking perhaps pressure washing the hull, or use a bleach mixture, or whatever. Any suggustions/comments are greatly appreciated.

I have a ram-x 15 also, but it is a little different; the seats aren't the same. I dont' think the motor mounts that are available will do well with this canoe because the inside lip on the gunnels have very little overhang. Most motor mounts clamp to the inside of the gunnel. What you need is to find a mount that clamps on the outside of the gunnel, or make your own. Depending on local regulations, you may need to register your canoe since you've put a motor on it. No real big deal. In my state, it is just a one time fee; registration fee is exempt for boats under 16'.