garrymny

The Lowrance ouboard AP I got last summer works fantastic. Definitely not a toy as far as capability on my boat. Now, I do not know about reliability. I was going o get the garmin AP, but, the fine print said it may not control the boat at slow speeds, which is exactly what I need it for; trolling. So I went with Lowrance, which required me to buy an HDS unit to control it. I have heard Lowrance service-repair is non existant, so I would be wary of going the lowrance route again. but the units work great so far, down to 1 mph.

I was running full throttle when I began smelling smoke. looked back and saw transom area fully engulfed in smoke and sparking fire. A 3 gallon fuel tank was nearby. I shut down, grabbed fire extinguisher and emptied it. then I had to take dikes and start cutting wires at the battery, until i got the shorted wire, everything continued melting and burning. Most heavy starter cables are NOT fused at the battery, and connect direct to the battery. My kicker cable to the starter on the kicker, became frayed and shorted to the ground wire. Mine now are, and I also installed a master cut out switch. I can kill power instantly by turning the switch now. The embarrassing part is that I was an Avionics Technician in the Air Force and then in the Civilian world since 1985. Now I am an Aviation Safety Inspector-Avionics, for the FAA for the last 8 years. It can happen even to those who know better. The only wire I didn't have fused was the Starter, and I did not have a master cut off near the battery.

No I keep my boat at home in Clarence. I do fish Erie out of the CATT though. My autopilot is a lowrance.

Is there an artificial cut bait that works? I found the herring too expensive. And it sounds like to be legal the bait had to be certified or caught from lake o. Sent from my XT1030 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

My guess is the "block" is a noise filter. Used to filter out an AC ripple that may be on the DC voltage bus. Caused by the engine alternator. I would remove it. If you have some "noise issues" later you can buy a cheap filter. I agree on the coax. The outer shield is grounded, and the inner conductor carries the voltage or signal. Used to help eliminate interference. Or maybe thats all the wire he had available.. Just be sure the power wire feeding your electric bus, is fused right at the battery. I almost had a catasrophe last year when my kicker motor starter wire (4 or 6 AWG) shorted together and caught fire. It was chaffed back and forth so much it rubbed the insulation off. It was not fused at the battery so all my wires started melting and burning. Everythign coming off the Positive terminal of the Battery MUST be fused right there.

I hope you are right Mike. Our winters are too long and cold, only to be shut out for the short time we do have to enjoy.

Yes but the floating docks running parallel won't help when the cement launching docks are under water. How can I launch my boat and get it out to the floating docks when the cement docks are under water like they were last year? Especially if you are launching alone or with someone who is unable to handle the boat. This does not solve the problem at all.

I used Blacks for two years.Last year I went to Chamberlains because I fish erie for walleyes and Ontario for salmon. The Blacks would not release for walleyes. I like the two adjustment system on the Chamberlains. Well worth it.

I got the Lowrance Outboard autopilot last year. It works great, does all kinds of stuff. I can troll down to 1.2 mph. I think they make one that will work for your application also,but not sure.

and they are not putting in FLOATING docks....BRILLIANT.

It is Pathetic. With this world class fishery, and especially the Niagara Bar Location, and its unique properties, that we don't have a good FLOATING launch site nearby. I tried several times last year to launch and it was not doable, unless I wanted to risk damaging my boat. I am surprised that a Private owner with some lake-front does not put in a floating dock, ramp. Olcott was the only game in town last year for much of the summer. You would think others would get the message. I do agree, it is unacceptable for NYS to be negligent on this.

Pathetic theory.

Sorry, is this a temp probe, or speed control? Sent from my XT1030 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

I bought the iTroll system instead. I installed it lady fall and have not used it. I like the idea of the hunt mode, varying the speed automatically. That's what sold me on it. Sent from my XT1030 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

I use a hoop system made from PVC. Check it out on the "this old boat" forum. Working great. Lightweight and reusuable. But seriously if you want something quick to use for a day here and there through the winter, you'll need a carport type structure or party tent, etc. Sent from my XT1030 using Lake Ontario United mobile app