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My boat has two main outboards AND a kicker and I still worry about this. Does BOAT US actually have crafts available to respond 24/7 in a reasonable time? Thanks, Doug Check the small print I believe you need to be within a certain distance of one of their "homeports". [ Post made via Android ]

I apologize in advance for being blunt, but here I go... With the cost of technology these days it's UNSAFE to be out in the lake without a VHF AND a cell phone. A throw away cell phone can be bought for under $30/mo, that's $100 for our entire fishing season and less than most of us spend on food and gas for a single trip. A vhf can be bought for cheap as well. And needing a license for one is no excuse... get the damn licence. I see too many people with a single power source and no backup plan. I see a lot of people on this thread even that came very close to being in trouble and have probably done nothing to prepare for the next time. For those depending on others to tow them in, don't. What if it's a weekday? I've broken down twice in the past... the first time was my first time out, it was a new to me boat that had just been fixed up by a mechanic... I made it out to 150fow and the engine died. I called the coast guard, they sent a call to everyone, no one came. There were a few charters in 100 fow that I tried yelling to that wouldnt help. I used a flare, still no help. The coast guard tried calling a tow company, no one available. They asked again if ANY water was coming in, maybe even a few drops I noticed a bit of water in the bilge and they came out and got me. Luckily the lake was flat as glass as this process took 4 or 5 hrs. The second time was my first trip out with Ruff Rider, a BRAND NEW boat. My kicker that I had bought since my first breakdown was in the shop. This was on the hudson and my lower unit blew. I put out a call on the radio and the coast guard stopped by as did the DEC. The aholes on the coast guard boat had the nerve to inspect me and then literally laugh in my face and say good luck and leave. Now remember we were maybe 1000ft from shore. The DEC who were in a glorified row boat vs the CG 24' grady, towed me in. Moral of the story, anything can happen and the more backup plans you have the better. Boatus tow insurance is less than $100. A kicker is your best bet, gas savings will pay for it in no time. A cell phone and vhf should be as mandatory as a life jacket. [ Post made via Android ]

I need to get me one of those! How long does the battery last? Did the clip around the ball come with it? Oh and how could I mount it to my dipsey diver That would be awesome lol. [ Post made via Android ]

Never give up, it's a tough time of the year, now is a good time to practice new things and get ready for the big kings. Did you have anything high for steelies? Maybe a flat line with a few splitshot? Or a diver on a 3 setting only out 30-90ft? If not give it a try! Steelies should be out there and hungry! Also browns should start moving into that 60-100fow range and hanging around bottom. [ Post made via Android ]

Yikes glad everyone and the boat are safe! Btw, boatus has trailer insurance for $14/yr. It's like buying a snowblower, once you get it it will almost never snow! [ Post made via Android ]

Nicely done! Many days a big steely is my favorite fish to catch! Nick [ Post made via Android ]

From what I heard out of sodus probably better to try for steelies high or browns early, kings have gone mia. [ Post made via Android ]

Sodus baby! Should be back up and running next weekend. Jerry from Dandy Eyes got me thinking about plasteak flooring for the boat, right now we have removable carpets, but even with washing them after each trip they stink. The gelcoat underneath them is so slippery I almost went over one day. Anyone done a plasteak install? [ Post made via Android ]

Well it was another geeat year of vacation to wilson, ny. Thanks again to Bob and Kevin at the Wilson Boatyard. We ended our trip with a great day today. We made it back to Sodus safely and Ruff Rider is tightly tucked into her slip for the year. I'll do my best to keep the live reports going throughout the season. Until next time, tight lines to all, and to all a great fight. [ Post made via Android ]

We're sleeping in then headed home good luck tomorrow, a friend was having a few bites out there tonight. [ Post made via Android ]

Pretty crowded! Not fall LOC busy, but busy. By noon though it thinned out! [ Post made via Android ]

Also get a spare battery or a phone charger for the boat, because the pics will chew up battery life!

Glad to see more live reports! I use the photobucket app to load my photos give it a try! Lake was beautiful today! [ Post made via Android ]

300 copper got hit as I was pulling in! Nice coho and a great finish to a great day! [ Post made via Android ]

Pulled and headed in... [ Post made via Android ]

Had our first lamprey of the season come aboard, has anyone ever tried lamprey pie? It's supposed to be good.. [ Post made via Android ]

A front moved through and justlike a switch the fish turned off. Going to give it 5 more fisherman minutes... [ Post made via Android ]

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One more still screaming... [ Post made via Android ]

240 dipsey slammed... ALL hands on deck! [ Post made via Android ]

180 dipsey SLAMMED! Taking theresa for a ride! [ Post made via Android ]

Nice coho released accidently whoops! [ Post made via Android ]

180 dipsey going again [ Post made via Android ]

Dropped it [ Post made via Android ]

180 dipsey rippin! [ Post made via Android ]