Misty IV

I ended up going with the Rotella T 15W-40. I was able to get the 5qt jug and a new Purolator oil filter for $18. I did happen to see the 25W-40 MerCruiser oil at another marine store at $42 for a jug. I think I'll be just fine with the Rotella. Thanks to everyone for the help and advice. Sent from my XT1060 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Thanks! Sent from my XT1060 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Wow, lots of great info. My warranty is long gone. Jasper gave a year and the engine was replaced in 2005. It currently has just shy of 300hrs on it and I've always used the MerCruiser 25W-40. I typically change oil and filter in the fall. Oil pressure has always been fantastic, even at idle and trolling for hours at 650rpm. I don't know what type of camshaft is in the engine or what was standard 10 years ago. If I use the diesel oil, will I be hurting anything if the extra zinc isn't needed for the cam? Sent from my XT1060 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

You're right. Their oil comes from a name brand refinery. I had just never heard of Sierra other than as a replacement part company, so got a little leery with an oil I know nothing about. I run Pennzoil in my car and truck and Purolator filters. Purolator also on the boat. Guess I'll give the Sierra a try. Sent from my XT1060 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

I just went to the Mercury Marine website and the only 25W-40 oil they show is a synthetic blend for outboard 4-strokes, nothing for an inboard or stern drive. Sent from my XT1060 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

West Marine is where I've always gotten the Mercury/MerCruiser oil before, but my store doesn't have it anymore, only the Sierra 25W-40. I've heard the horror stories about Fram, as well, and I steer clear of them. I run Purolator in my car and truck, too. Sent from my XT1060 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

I don't want to start an oil debate here, just asking for options. My 2000 4.3L MerCruiser (replaced in 2005 with a rebuilt Jasper long block due to previous owner not winterizing properly) "requires" the 25W-40 oil from Quicksilver. I can no longer get it at my marine store and need options. I found a 25W-40 from Sierra Marine, but I know nothing about their oils. I'm familiar with their line of marine parts. Can I safely get away with a 15W-40 from a well known oil company, like Pennzoil, Rotella, Valvoline, etc.? Is there anything special about the marine 4.3 engines that requires a special oil? I've been using Purolator oil filters on the boat since I bought it in 2005 and haven't had any issues there. Input? Thanks!! Sent from my XT1060 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

From onshore in Port Ontario, the winds are howling out of the west with 2-3 footers crashing on the shoreline. I hope things calm down overnight. Sent from my XT1060 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

I've had decent success laying out a few scented dryer sheets in the helm area. Guess the scent repels the flies and little pesky bugs. Only drawback is when you walk out into the back of the boat, you're met by the flying critters, but they're non-existent when I walk back into the helm area. I've been using this tactic for a few years now and never fails.

Mexico Bay has always been productive for me...you just have to read the weather and know where the fish are. I grew up along the shoreline as a kid at my grandfather's house and have since bought my own place along the Bay. I live in SE PA and it's a good 4.5hr drive for me to the house, but I've done it so often over the last 20 years, it's a walk in the park for me anymore. I keep my boat at the house on the trailer and tow her to the Mexico launch. When things have gotten slow in the past, I've powered west to Fair Haven and back to Mexico the same day. Lot of water available to you...just have to know how to read it. And, most definitely, watch the weather. I still remember getting caught in a storm where the Bay went from a sheet of glass to 5 footers in under 15 minutes. I've seen capsized boats before out there, seen waterspouts, anything can happen. But, long story short, I think you'll be happy with what Mexico Bay has to offer. Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

Like Tim, I use the 9'6" Daiwa Heartlands with Twilli tips. Flawless rod. Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

I love my Cannons. Been on a friend's boat with Scotty's and I was really impressed with them, too. IMO, can't go wrong with either. Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

I've decided to re-spool all of my reels and wondering about changing things up. I've always used pink Ande on my downrigger reels. I've seen some people using clear or green line. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each of the colors? Any personal preferences for Lake Ontario? Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

I love my yellow SF-400A Eagle Claw rods with Daiwa Sealine 47LC reels. Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

I say leave it alone. If the name is what people know the boat as and how to contact you, leave well enough alone. I've only heard Shake-N-Bake used in food preparation, too. I think you'll be fine with the CG... Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

Anyone used the Raymarine A50? They have a tempting special offer available as long as supplies last. Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

Thanks for the replies. I spent time this weekend on each manufacturer's webpages comparing, and things are definitely comparable brand to brand. Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

I have a 221 Islander and wouldn't think of towing it without brakes on the trailer. They've saved me a few times in the 8 years I've owned it. Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

I'm looking for a new GPS/Chartplotter to replace my Raymarine RC425 which is no longer serviceable according to Raymarine. I loved the unit for all the years I've had it, but I've had it back to Raymarine twice for issues, and now I find out that the Navionics card for the unit is bad and no longer available or supported. Hence, I'm in the market for a new unit. I don't need anything fancy, but I don't want a plain-Jane unit either. I like that I'm able to link the GPS to the Raymarine fishfinder I use. I'd like to stick with a Ray model, but I've seen some nice units from Garmin and Humminbird, too. I've heard some negative feedback about Lowrance, and the last Lowrance fishfinder I had on the old boat gave me nothing but problems; left me with a negative attitude. Perhaps they've changed, perhaps not. What is everyone using these days? Open to all suggestions. I'd like to keep the cost under $700, color screen, if possible. I only fish on Lake Ontario. Thanks. Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

Had me wondering, too. Everyone I've talked to says the Bay is locked-up and ice as far as you can see. Was thinking initially dawg was using a Coast Guard ice breaker to troll