thomas15

If you can get the cable through the existing hole then I would keep the little cover and keep the clamps as long as the screws are snug no problem. 5200 is more "like" a latex calk not so much a rigid epoxy like JB Weld. So you can run a bead of 5200 to seal the board to the transom. Still once the 5200 cures it is very tough, but not rock hard.

You can essentially do the same damage to the boat by keeping it uncovered in the safety of your back yard. Just allow water to accumulate and soak into the foam and wood.

That's one solution but it only takes one time where the pump doesn't do it's thing and then your fantastic boat is not longer fantastic. The biggest problem associated with keeping the boat in a slip 24/7 is keeping water out. It doesn't have to be enough water to sink the boat just enough to waterlog the foam, ultimately causing rot of the stringers/transom. I know boaters that have boats that are 30+ feet in length that trailer them to keep the boat dry and to make sure no one takes their stuff. There are marinas that I know of that have fenced in areas for boaters to leave their boats/trailers secure but out of the water. Just hitch up, drive 150 feet to the ramp, launch. For those people it's not about saving money.

Personally I would not tig weld this, it is just sheet metal and there is plywood sandwiched between the inside and outside skin of the transom. Use epoxy. I say this as an individual who's son is a welder and we have a tig welder in our garage. I would still remove the three screws that attach the transducer bracket to the transom and install the fake wood board that I spoke about. If you can remove the old transducer wire and install the new through the hole that is already in the transom (under that cover at the top) then go ahead and leave it. The two clamps are in my opinion overkill but since they are already there no problem keeping them just seal them with the 5200 when you reinstall the screws. However, the connectors on my lowrance transducer cables would probably not fit through anything less than probably a 1" hole so I just have mine looped over the top of the transom. I'm going to try to post a picture of my arrangement tonight this will probably clear up a few questions in your mind. BTW, a slow moving boat it is ok to have the bottom of the transducer significantly lower than the bottom of the boat as your picture indicates but for something that moves faster that would create unnecessary drag and would splash water at speed. This will be clearer when I post a pic.

Mount one just up from the boat, about 1/4 inch from the bottom. . It should be horizontal. Just put a clamp at the top where the wire goes over the top of the transom there is not real need to clamp the wire from the transducer that many times (7) it's just a wire. I don't have anything securing the wire on the outside of the boat transom, only on the inside after it goes over the top and into the splashwell. I will take a picture of it tomorrow evening.

I see used inexpensive aluminum boats on the Pocono or Allentown craigslist listing all the time but right now there isn't anything priced really low. You might try calling Beltzville Manor Marine see if he has anything but last time I was there he didn't have anything small. My suggesting is keep scanning craigslist

pete, I was going to suggest you check out tinboats but see that you already have an account. Lots'o discussion on this specific issue. You will be hearing about a product called Gluvit. This seems to be very popular so see what they have to say about it. I spoke about using synethetic wood to mount the transducer. Another poster mentioned that the boards are available at boat supply places, I bought mine at Cabelas, I think it was $20. So what I'm suggesting is fill in the existing holes with JB Weld. Then use the 5200 to seal/calk/glue the board to the transom, this will seal the existing holes (now filled with JB Weld) and will seal the two new holes used to mount the "wood" to the transom. Then, you mount the transducer to the board using screws that will not go all the way to the transom. This will allow you to add or subtract any number of transducers or speedometers to the transom without having to drill holes in the hull. I have heard that the 5200 will bond the "wood" without screws and for a boat with a small motor that is probably ok but mine has a little more speed so I opted to use screws plus 5200 to mount the wood to the boat.

I purchased 3M 5200 t my local Lowes in the paint dept. Wear exam gloves and use some acetone to clean up after using that stuff it gets on everything and is very stubborn to clean up. My boat had a transducer mounted on a small pc of aluminum on the transom by the PO. I wanted to change the arrangement so I bought some of that synthetic wood and attached it to the transom, the brackets for the transducer and the speedometer attached to the synthetic wood without going through the skin of the transom. I filled the old holes with JB Weld and used the 5200 to "glue" the synthetic wood to the transom, to seal the screws holding the wood to the transom and I ran a bead of 5200 around the wood. I'm not sure exactly how I would ever remove that wood if I wanted to, it is total overkill. If it were me I would force a bunch of JB weld into the holes. You could use sheet metal screws, not sure what good a rivet would do unless it's a blind rivet it will not be water tight and the transom should be fairly thick.

One other thing.. I mentioned about going out first time for a "shake-out cruise" by yourself without a whole lot of things to think about. Pick a time when there is little boat and ramp traffic. You also want to make sure there are no leaks in the hull. I say this not to scare you, leaks are a part of boating. If there isn't any foam under the floor then you could fill the hull with water from a hose and then observe.

I would go with the die hard personally. I considered that one (die hard) as well. The advanced auto and auto zone in my area cost more for what you get than the walmart battery. which ever battery you get, save the receipt

^^^My charger has a 15 AMP boost not 50 Amps. I cannot edit this post for some reason but want to be accurate as possible.

To answer you question, I decided on the wally world Everstart 29DC Some might argue that it's not the best but several factors played into this. First let me say that if I used a TM as my main source of powder then I would have bought either an Interstate or Deka. The Everstart has a 2 year replacement warranty, this battery is 860MCA and 100 Amp Hours, slightly more than the Interstate (on paper). I have a relative that works at WM (employee discount) so I got is for quite a bit less $$. I have a starting battery that I could use in a pinch in an emergency. Finally it's replacing an Everstart 27DC that has been of good service. I decided to buy this battery, which I did last night. Hooked it up to a charger and let it charge overnight. This morning it measures 13.8 volts, the only thing I have to do is run a load test which I'm doing later today. If all is well I will keep the battery, if not I will return it. I understand that the Everstart is not the same quality of Interstate or Deka. I have noticed, and this is not a criticism of anyone, that opinions vary regarding batteries and for that matter trolling motors. My boat is 16'4", a 50 HP outboard, I carry 12 gallons of gasoline, two batteries and a boatload of fishing tackle. My TM is a Minn Kota All-Terrain which has 40 pounds thrust, 12 volts. The All-terrain is the same as the Edge except it is uglier. It has 5 speed settings, I use the 2nd or 3rd and that pulls my boat fast enough. I have never used the highest setting 5. I figure replacing a 27DC with a 29DC will give me an added operating range but I have never (except yesterday of course) run my old battery down past 60% on a fishing trip. I have a fishing buddy that sneers at my baby 40 pounds of thrust and 12 volt system but it works fine and upgrading to 24 volts and more thrust doesn't make any economic sense to me right now. I did replace the bottom cover of the TM head last spring. A friends father is an Minn-Kota repairmen and he basically gave me the part. I had to completely disassemble the head so I adjusted it and lubed it and it really is a smooth steering TM now. I would rather put the hundreds of dollars it would cost to upgrade my TM into a side scan sonar. Another discussion for another day, but I have two sonars, both are lowrance with hybred downscan and I really haven't learned how to use everything they have to offer either. For a battery charger I use a 10 amp trickle charger that was my Dads. When we were kids, money was very tight at times and my Dad bought it at a time when we had no money. I remember even my Mom bragging about this charger having a 50 AMP boost. This charger is at least 45 years old. About 2 weeks ago I took it apart and fixed the lead cord that goes from the transformer output to the battery. This is basically zip cord and the insulation was starting to dry rot from age. So I cannot recommend a battery charger but it's good to see that another poster has. I'm thinking about getting a 2 bank battery charger/conditioner for the boat. It's a real pain for me to hook up the charger because I keep my boat covered with a canvas cover. But for now it works. But I'm just rambling here and not being of any help to you. Pete, keep us updated, let me say that if I had the opportunity to buy what you did I would have purchased it as we have a bunch of HP restricted and/or electric only lakes and I think your boat would be great for them. My Dad has been gone for 15 years and I would give just about anything to go on a fishing trip with him now. We had so many good times on the water when I was a kid. Good luck with your boat!

For $400.00 you did fine. My boat is a starcraft alummmmmminnnnummmm and it's nice, they make a solid boat. When you buy a used boat there are things that need to be changed. But from what I see you can take that bad boy out and start fishing this weekend. Boats, in general, are basically money pits. But still nice to have. I'm off on Friday's and so today I went out on the mighty Beltz. It was a beautiful day and my boat ran fantastic. But alas, I was fishing about 5 miles from the ramp and all of a sudden my bow sonar shut off. Then my TM stopped working. Turns out the battery up front went south for the rest of the summer. So I had to go out and buy a new battery. All fun boats are. But I love my boat. ON EDIT: first time you go out make sure you have plenty of fuel, that your TM battery is fully charged and that you don't go too far from familiar territory. Make sure you have fresh gasoline and that you use the correct mixture of 2 cycle oil for your outboard. If you not a boater it would be a good idea to skip fishing the first time just get used to handling the boat and doing the ramp thing. Make sure you are fully compliant regarding boating laws and equipment you need on-board. Some states require boat operators to have a license.

Pete. Obviously the boat has been modified to be bass friendly. Nothing wrong with that. When the boat was new it probably had bench seats that ran side to side. These were most likely removed to install the floor. One thing, most boats like this use the bench seats to brace the sides of the boat, add strength and keep the shape. As long as the frame that supports the floor is such that it keeps the sides rigid then no problems. Just something to think about. for parts on mercury outboards, one place to look is boats.net If you have the s/n of the motor all you need to do is put it in and all the available parts will come up.

Wild guess, their special formula stink bait?

I grew up literally at the Jersey Shore and we did a lot of fishing. But that is salt water. My Dad was a commercial fishermen and he also operated for the owners one or two party boats from the Shark River Marina from time to time. So we had boats and access to plenty of fishing. Also, the marina was there for after school fishing and it wasn't unusual for half of my class to be at the marina on any given day when certain fish were running. My Grandfather would take my brother and me trout fishing In the spring. And once in a while he would take us to a pond to fish for panfish. Grandpop talked about LMB fishing from when he was a kid but I never caught one nor to my knowledge did any of my friends catch one when we were growing up. I was probably well into my 30s before I actually saw my first LMB in person. When my kids were old enough to start fishing I decided to start them on fresh water for the convenience and when fishing from the bank I think it's just more pleasant fishing fresh water vs. salt water. So I actually had to ask around to find a pond that held fish and so we started on a pond and quickly found out that in south jersey an easy fish to catch are cats. And we caught a bunch of them. Anyway, me being me, I decided to expand my horizons and started trying to catch LMB. I read a few articles and asked a few people for advice. But I have had to work exceptionally hard to get where I'm at now which is really nothing to brag about. I have a bunch of books and have watched a lot of vids but when I actually catch fish it's doing it in a way that I just learned to do trial and error. It is surprising just how many good bass lakes and ponds there are in NJ. I think because there are bigger fish to fry that these lakes get ignored. We lived in Tuckerton NJ for 20 years when my kids were little. Tuckerton is a destination for stripers. There is a little pond within spitting distance from a prime striper beach that is full of lunker LMB. You would drive past this thing and never imagine that there are bass in it. Now I'm in NE PA and the fishing is in my opinion not easy. Have to learn all over again. As far as Bass go I have received some help but mainly I'm self taught.

It is funny for me reading this fishnkamp. When I was a kid we had a 14 foot bay skiff that we made ourselves, very nice boat. My Dad, brother and me would take that boat out into the bays and even in the Atlantic ocean from time to time. Would never do that now. OP Pete, I would highly recommend that you save up and get something that is going to be stable with two grown men and is comfortable. I know that you don't want to hear this but I waited many years and even so, my 16.5 foot tin is as small as I would ever wan on anything but the smallest of ponds. Don't underestimate the impact on comfort having enough room to store your stuff. Keep looking, as winter approaches you might find a good deal.

fishnkamp, I fish, or shall I say I attempt to fish Beltzville as I live literally 1/4 mile from the Pine Run boar ramp. I haven't tried Blue Marsh but I'm going to soon. Any suggestions on BM? Are you from NE PA?

I've tried a 90 in perch several times for short periods with no success. I really haven't given it a fair shake though. I have a 130 in loon that I'm going to try next time out, probably later in the week at sundown. My local lake has been nutty crazy with boats, jet skies and plain old fashioned jerks lately. Fall will be here soon though.

This might also be referred to as a jam cleat.

Oh, I forgot. I wish you the best of luck with your new boat, tight lines my friend.

Sounds like you had a great time running your boat. I also grew up on the jersey shore (Belmar) and likewise had a lot of boating experience. For decades I went around telling everyone that I got boats out of my system as a wee lad. My wife actually talked me into getting my boat, not the actual vessel, but getting a boat as a concept. Here in PA we just (as you do) have fresh water lakes, most are not big. My boat is a modest 16' tin with a 50HP Merc., I get on a really good day 34 MPH per GPS which is actually not bad. And my wife gets anxious at anything over 25 MPH but it's worth it in the end as She is a great company fishing.

I mentioned earlier up thread that I have had an alum canoe for about 25 years. Probably close to 30 years actually. We bought it used to canoe the small rivers of south jersey (Batsto, Wading, Mullica and so forth). Many times little old me single handed hoisted that canoe, which is at least 75 pounds, up on top of our Dodge Caravan, which had factory luggage racks. It's all in the technique, load from the rear and make sure the bow doesn't come crashing through the windshield. This probably wouldn't be a problem with a plastic yack. BTW Cybr, having a boat is no guarantee of fishing success. I actually did a lot better as a bank beater. But it does just depend and having a vessel to me adds to the enjoyment of being out there trying. As far as finding a hitch for your car don't assume there isn't one available, look and see. If all that is available for your vehicle is a class 2 receiver hitch you will be limited to 350 pounds tongue weight but you should be able to find a jon with acc under that I think. I was grousing on another thread about all the troubles my outboard has given me this summer. I refused to pay someone to fix or maintain it which is my choice and I pay the cosnsequences of this attitude. But finally this weekend I went out (Friday) and put in a few hours of non-stop angling and I did put (for me) a beauty in the boat.

^^^Well said^^^

I have been in your position and I was actually unable to make a decision. Passed up several good deals on jon boats with either electric or small 2 cycle motors because I didn't think I could make the financial sacrifice or my car couldn't pull the trailer. And actually the boat I have is boarderline too big for my main tow vehicle, but lets just say I wouldn't get one any bigger until I get a bigger truck. I think a small jon could be pulled by just about any car as long as you don't get carried away. I've actually had a 15' alum canoe for about 25 years but I really didn't like to fish from it. I don't know, the concept of fishing from a yack or canoe doesn't appeal to me personally, I think my advice would be to look into this very carefully and however you go, save up and get something that makes you happy. I see at my local mud-hole, which is one of the few unlimited HP lakes in this part of the state and very busy with boaters/fishermen, a lot of awful boats. Many are close to unseaworthy. Guys buy something cheap and sometimes it works out but many times it's a disaster. Save up and get something that is nice even if it takes all winter. There is always next year which will be here before you know it.