Sk8man

Hey Bob did you already check with this guy? http://www.pennyanboats.com/

Yes Dre they have been using it for the last three weeks or so. As of a couple weeks ago the docks weren't in though.

A common misconception is that Tohatsu and Mercury are identical motors but they are not necessarily exactly the same components and I believe are manufactured to different specs. Their small motors are manufactured by a common manufacturer and share similarities though.

X3 - except when in very shallow water. The split shot can also serve to isolate strands of seaweed or debris from clogging up your lure hooks

It is always tempting to conclude that you've done something wrong when you don't connect with fish but even the best fisherpersons out there have been skunked before. The early season bite can be incredible or a bust and it may have more to do with Mother Nature, your location, and water conditions more than anything you are doing or not doing. Basing things on just one time out there is also sketchy as one data point in any situation is always a question mark Take the information offered and see what happens on another outing and go from there.It is also relevant that when you see posts of successful outings with all sorts of pics of fish there is always the question of "Yeah but how about the last time out or tomorrow?

Although there will probably be folks that say any certified oil will do if you have a warranty in effect I'd check your owners manual before using anything and check the oil container to make sure the accepted certifications are there.

Gator has a good point. If you want it permanent without the opportunity for possible removal later on super glue is the way to go otherwise the hot glue method will attach it pretty good with the ability to remove later on by applying heat. If super glue is used you may have to saw off a portion of the tip if removal is required later on or the tip itself may be damaged in the process.

Just speaking from my own experience with my own boat but I switched from a 9.9 older two stroke to a new 9.8 four stroke and was able to get rid of the steering hook-up. The four stroke is either geared differently or there is some definite torque change that allows me to steer totally from my big motor without the steering hook-up now even in the wind which was not possible previously. The 2 stroke pushed the boat a mile or two faster top end but with less boat control than I have now with the four stroke with the same 3 blade prop so it may be gearing but either way I'm happy

The release on the dipsy should be set so that a fish will trigger it but also that you can release it manually by just pulling a little harder on the wire when you pull up. It shouldn"t affect the wire in any way. Most kinking is related to allowing slack of any kind in the wire (e.g. breaking down the rods and storing etc. Some curly cues will develop after a variety of conditions and they can be selectively cut off if problematic.

Although I would fall a little short of using the word "fantastic" to describe them (or any other for that matter) I fully agree with Matt in saying they are very effective spoons for the reasons he mentioned and the finish is pretty durable as well.

I think this is exactly the issue torque not speed. When it gets rough out and the main motor quits you'd appreciate the torque from the extra HP in pushing through the waves.

Since speed is relative boat to boat because of many factors I've found that running the spoons at the side of the boat before deploying is the best measure and even then it doesn't factor in the underwater current etc. but it gives a better idea than an arbitrary number. The NK28 generally are quite speed tolerant but your speed will also depend on the species targeted since they appeal to quite a few "candidates". Good spoons and durable as well.

Good tip. Here's another: When boats are stored during the winter with outboards sometimes spiders get into the hole where water is supposed to spurt out from the water pump on the drive unit. First time out in the Spring when the engine is started person thinks they have a problem with the water pump/impeller when no water sprays out. May be spider nest in the hole. Good idea to carry a piece of wire on the boat "just in case" and open up the hole....back in business

Often yes because you have a little more control of inlines (quicker response etc.) especially in traffic and near shore areas.

I think it is one of the best posts on the website and it obviously took a lot of time and forethought