Netbender

Thanks guys for the information, this is helpful. I will be at the boat tomorrow afternoon and will be giving this a thorough looking over. I may send out a few more additional questions at that point. Thanks again for your support and guidance. Dave

All good ideas. Thanks Rodbuster for the pics, yes they look like different manufacturers. mr580, you are correct, I am not happy about any of it. I will spend more time with it starting Thursday. What can be done about the scratches at this point? Dealer is saying the kicker was trimmed up to much. Yea, well. I will tighten all the linkage and see if I can put the ball stud on top. Really not something I should have to do n a new rig.

RodBuster- Thanks! Pics would be helpful. This issue has been bothering me. Greatly appreciate your time and guidance. Dave

Thanks again for the advise. I will check all the recommendations Thursday when I get to the boat. I did hear back from the dealership. They are asking for a video of the issue to send directly to Starcraft. I am not sure if this is a good thing or if it will cause further delay. Assuming it will help. Dave

This bracket will raise an inch and then drop back down when lifted by hand. OK? Dave

Very interesting thread, thanks for providing me the link. Just a few more facts with my issue: 2023 FM 196 1- 150 and 9.9 on port side 2- dual batteries in aft, one each side 3- no trolling motor (yet), no forward batteries (yet) - will be two 12v mounted center front) 4- 2 people, driver 190lbs passenger 140lbs Bow does porpoise quickly, a bit high in my opinion. The port lean begins immediately at 5-7%. If trimmed 3/4 or more, the lean does lesson but never goes below 5%. Stays in this position and never changes. Even through various rpm ranges. Under 2000 rpm, boat sits level and runs stable. Main motor mounted with one hole showing from top on engine mount. Prop - is unknown at this time. SS 3 blade but details not known. I am away from the boat as I write this. I will call the dealer Monday AM. I also have a logistics issue as the dealer is 3 hours from Keuka Lake, where the boat is. I am hoping this can be taking care of. Dave

I am on the road today, but will follow this closer tonight. Thanks guys. I want to correct this! Dave

Thanks guys! If I go with trim tabs does anyone have a recommendation of manufacturer? I know I will have to look closely at location and size. Thanks, Dave

Thanks for all the responses. I am going to give a Balzout mount a try. I like the flexibility of the unit. Will let you know. If it doesn't work, I will be utilizing one of the above solutions. Thanks again, Dave

Good Day, I have for the first time brought my new FM196 up on plane. I understand there is the 9.9 kicker on the port side, but did not expect such a large amount of lean to that side. Are there any tricks to getting this to a more level plane? I have two batteries in the back, one port, one starboard. Are tabs the only answer? Thanks for your time. Dave

Good Day, new FM196 love the boat, but am asking some guidance and info on the steering. Please see below: Should the bolt on the steering linkage be loose in order to operate properly? I had binding more than I expected, tie wrapped some of the feed lines loosely and will give it a test run tomorrow. This bolt seems to allow play in the linkage for the control arm. When the kicker is raised to high it scrapes the splash well. Thanks for taking a minute and responding. Dave

Good Day, any advice on a Helix 9 mounting location on this new dash? I have hardware for the top and side curtains on the gunnel where I would like to mount the HB mount. I could use a RAM over the cup holder, but am thinking this may be too high and block viewing once completed. Small problem, but any responses welcome. Thanks, Dave

nice report reel doc.......looks great!

THANKS! Everyone has been helpful, greatly appreciate the time and responses. Thanks again, Dave

Thanks guys for the responses. B&B no need for pics as yours is a Crestliner. The head support is a must.

Frogger, thanks for the response. Yes, I will be using it mostly for steering, as I troll mostly alone.

Good Day, I have searched and found split opinions with which shaft length to use. I thought I would post with specifics and try to better understand any issues or concerns. I have not picked up the FM as of yet, so am unable to do any measurements myself. I will be trolling the majority of the time in the Fingers. Mostly on Keuka, Canadaigue and Cayuga. Have had communications with with Fat Trout (thanks!) and his recommendation is the 72 inch. My concerns are when the 72 is stowed, I have heard there may be issues with closing the windshield and sometimes with docking. Also, I will be doing some cast fishing out of the bow, and think the 72 may get in way. On the other hand, the 60 may be a better fit out of the water. But, can't go wrong with the 72 in the water. FM has a 150 w 9.9. Anyone that has experience with a GM 60/72 I appreciate your thoughts and guidance. Dave

Kinghunter - how long do you usually get on those Lithium batteries?

I am starting to get the picture. Just don't touch the darn connection!...... Thanks guys, appreciate the response.

Good Day, Has anyone found a better solution to their FishHawk battery wire connector? The connection from the battery pack to the three prong connector on mine just keeps breaking off. I get a few weeks out of it and then repair it. I have replaced the unit once so far, and do not want to keep purchasing a new battery pack every season. The wires are very brittle and do not last. Anyone else having issues? I do unplug the batteries after each use. Thanks for the feedback, Dave