We got an 8HP Tohatsu Electric start around 2011 and it seems to charge the batteries pretty well. A couple times we had very low batteries and just trolled an hour or so till we could start the main motor.
No issues with the motor either, much quieter than the old 2 cycle. Pushes our 21' very well too.
We had our speed wheel develop a hard spot in it, the wheel would not spin freely on the axle. Make sure that isn't the problem.
How much cable did you have out? Ours will give strange readings when there is a lot of blowback (over 100' of cable out). Check yours at 25' (to eliminate blowback as a cause) at a couple different speeds to see if this is contributing to your problems.
Nick - what are you seeing in the stomachs of the Kings you have landed recently?
The mature male we caught on Friday in 68 degree water had several small baitfish, and one full size Alewife in it.
Gator:
What do you think is the cause of this .5 diff? Maybe it changes the angle of the probe when a rod is attached?
I have found with our Moor, once you reach a certain amount of blowback, the readout slows considerably.
I run Chamberlain stacker releases above the probe on coated cable. You can install them without cutting. If careful when setting them, they do not damage the coating on the cable.
Check out the modis image from 8/2.
http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/modis.php?region=o&page=1&template=subℑ=t1.15214.1550.LakeOntario.143.250m.jpg
I was just remembering that I need to get some snap swivels. I had the same thing happen a few years back, sucks losing the fish and the hot lure. Will only use crosslocks with a pound test rating now, like Torpedo's.
Welcome to the site. You can look at the gimbal mounts for downrigger mounting if you have rod holders built into the boat? See pic.
Keep an eye on the reports of other fishermen here to get an idea where to start.