bingo

6/21/2010 5:14:29 PM

So I sold that first boat in the thread that is no longer visible because I must have deleted the pic. Ended up making about $2,000 after all my own expenses. I honestly thought I could pull $2500+, but it is a tough economy so you gotta take what you can get I guess.

The other boat is running strong. I put a new set of plugs and a new thermostat in there two weekends ago. Ordered some new speaker wire from Gander Mountain for the tower speakers, but they sent me clear instead of white so I have to send it back. She knocks with the Solo-Baric 12" sub and four 5.25" speakers that are in it right now, but I like to annoy the people on shore a little more than I currently am capable of.

If anyone wants a good I/O I know a guy with a Tahoe for $12,500. It's a 2006 with only 58 hours on a double axle trailer. I suspect it is the 2006 equivalent to the Q7i, but I'd have to ask him to find out for sure. It's probably a really good deal although I haven't personally done any research on it. If anyone is serious about it shoot me a PM and I'll put you in touch with him.

My dad's jet ski engine is almost completely locked up. It's a ~2001 Yamaha 1200. Pulled the plugs and one of them looks burned up. I couldn't get the weak battery to turn the engine over to check compression, but by looking at all three plugs I can tell the back cylinder has some serious damage. Anyone know a good rebuild shop?



[Edited on June 21, 2010 at 6:04 PM. Reason : l]

6/21/2010 5:51:22 PM

so i'm going to be taking a brand new Angler 204FX out on the Croatan and Pamlico to do aquatic vegetation testing.

supposed to do some stuff around the oregon inlet too, is navigation tough around there?

6/21/2010 7:42:20 PM

Wow it's shallow down around the bonner bridge outside that channel

7/1/2010 3:23:51 PM

Where can I go to rent a go-fast boat. It's on my list of things to do to ride or drive a stupid big Miami Vice speedboat, but I don't have an extra 500k to shell out for an MTI or Fountain. Any ideas?

7/6/2010 9:15:01 PM

Wow, the currituck is like bath water this week. Lots of fish and crab though.

7/7/2010 1:13:21 PM

Quote :

"so seriously, what kind of boats can I get for $10-15k, give or take, that have a cuddy, will run ~80 mph, and handle rough enough water to go out to Cape Hattaras or across the Mobile Bay? "

That is quite a bit to ask for $15k, or even $30k. If you want a boat that can handle 2 foot chop in the Pamlico at speed comfortably, it's going to take a bare minimum of 550 or so horsepower to make it go that fast. Because you're talking about a 25 to 30 foot craft.

Back your speed requirement down to about 55 or 60 mph and the criteria becomes a bit more realistic. 80 is really flying for a V-hull boat heavy enough to make comfortable passage at speed across water like the Pamlico or inshore ocean here in NC. Performance like that is usually associated with Fountains, Donzis or Regulators over 30 feet and rigged with twin or triple 300+hp outboards. Think $150k used and 0.8 mpg
I am, of course, taking longevity in salt water and ease of maintainence into account here as well, which is going to mean you're probably best off with outboards. Particularly since you are away for extended periods of time and the thing will sit around a lot.

7/8/2010 10:35:53 AM

I'm looking for a boat that will spend about 30% of its life taking friends to Shack and sand bars to anchor up and get plastered, 60% just generally cruising around in the Bogue sound area, fishing very near shore (<1mile) and going out to restaurants, and maybe 10% of its time will be spent going a bit farther out in search of the fish (assuming the proper boat for the job)

I'm inclined to buying a basic skiff as this will be my first boat but a part of me really wants to shoot for something a little bit more substantial, something like this

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/1870382273.html

Are the nada values a good gauge to go by?

7/31/2010 10:46:16 AM

Looking at a Key West 1900CC w/ a Suzuki 115 on it. Motor is a 2005 and the boat looks to be similar. Clean, no scuffed up areas, bimini top as well. Anyone know of any problems with these boats?

10/18/2010 2:03:09 PM

^two guys my dad fishes with occasionally both have Key largos CC, although I think they are a few feet bigger than 19' (maybe 23 or so, not sure). They both like them, Ive never heard them complain


my $.02

10/18/2010 3:13:29 PM

key largo and key west are two different boats

10/18/2010 3:17:27 PM

haha, my b. reading is fundamental i guess

10/18/2010 3:19:04 PM

key west makes an excellent boat

10/18/2010 3:20:44 PM

replaced the plugs in the GP1300R today, and it started right up. Took it to Brice's Creek, and it ran smoothly and with no problems, except that I think it's probably at least 10 mph off its normal top speed, and not really revving out cleanltty (i.e., it doesn't run any faster at WOT than it does at half-throttle, and there's somewhat of a bog in the midrange, after which it sounds like it's trying, but never really revs out all the way).

I managed to burn about a half-tank of gas. that gas is at LEAST 6.5 months old, and I think the gas in the tank when I filled it up before I deployed was probably six months old (so it's a blend of 1/2 year-old gas and 1/2 six-month old gas, along with some Sta-Bil and a half-bottle of Seafoam). I figure I'll run all of that gas out and try a fresh tank before I really try to troubleshoot anything further.

10/18/2010 6:38:35 PM

probably be better off pumping all that shitty gas out and changing the fuel filter

10/19/2010 6:19:54 PM

well, i burned the rest of it out today (at least up until the point that the low fuel alarm sounded, then rode another mile or so back to the ramp)

it seemed to be improved again today...i'll put fresh gas in and try again tomorrow. if that doesn't work, then yeah...probably in it for at least a new fuel filter and maybe an injector cleaning.

10/19/2010 6:59:14 PM

...so talk to me about repainting my waverunner...

what do I need, how much does it cost, how do I do it, how big of a pain in the dick is it, etc.

10/19/2010 8:48:25 PM

The boat is collecting dust till we get a new tow vehicle.

10/21/2010 4:38:46 AM

so I'm thinking about getting a used jetski. I'm thinking about staying under $5k. What should I be looking for? I know pretty much nothing about them.

10/23/2010 10:43:22 AM

I've got a 1995 Seadoo GTX for sale with trailer, $1000. Great shape, runs great, has reverse. It's about 85hp I think. Needs a battery.

10/23/2010 11:05:37 AM

Quote :

"probably in it for at least a new fuel filter and maybe an injector cleaning."

just change the fuel filter and fill it with E10. the ethanol will clean the hell out the injectors.

10/23/2010 11:46:54 AM

^ fuck it, I just dropped it off at a PWC mech...noted for the future, though.

^^^ I have a hotrodded GP1300R that i would sell you. It runs like a raped ape (except for right now, it's about 20 mph off its normal top speed after sitting unused for a while...at the shop right now with the mechanic going through it). It's a good 20' ski...not great cosmetically when you look close, though.

10/24/2010 12:22:18 AM

Tried to do some wakeboarding today, but everybody's vaginas were afraid the water was too cold.
Full moon + SX-R 800 = trouble/fun.

Took the neighbor's pontoon out to an island and found one of these Schlitz bottles today too:


[Edited on October 25, 2010 at 2:21 AM. Reason : s]

10/25/2010 2:17:27 AM

thanks for the offers guys, but I live all the way in FL, so no go.

10/26/2010 3:18:15 AM

getting the GPR thoroughly worked over...new TPS, some other new sensor or switch or something (can't remember the name), fuel system cleaned/serviced from tank to injectors (since it'll mostly be taken apart anyway), and a new impeller (old one had some dings...going with a higher-pitched one for more speed).

getting a quote to have it painted and have the rub rail replaced...might have that done this winter while I can't ride.

I'm hoping for it to run into the low 70s (on GPS) after this work is done. It was hitting 68 before.

10/30/2010 5:48:52 PM

found the proper cowl and pull starter for my 30 hp mariner/yamaha on ebay

now it won't say "30" on the lower unit and "25" on the cowl

not to mention the rigged-up fiberglass job we did to make the 25 cowl fit the 30

3/28/2011 1:48:48 PM

^^ I'd wrap it. No experience with it (yet), but wrapping seems easy enough and can be tackled in a few hours at home. Easy to repair too. Non-graphic wrap is available in tons of colors and gloss or matte finishes now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ-JX4DHbdE

3/28/2011 2:17:51 PM

bought this 2000 model 17' key west this weekend. 2000 model 115 yamaha 2 stroke.

4/3/2011 10:28:43 PM

I still want a 28' donzi with twin 377s and now that I have a fiancé I know it's not for random dirty lake whores.

4/3/2011 11:00:59 PM

^^ Nice! My dad is looking something similar right now.

[Edited on April 3, 2011 at 11:01 PM. Reason : l]

4/3/2011 11:01:37 PM

my dad has 17' CC as well. they are very hard to beat for versatility. we mostly fish the brackish creeks of the neuse, pamlico, and bay rivers. lots of shallow water that i can fish with the 1' draft, but i don't get beat to hell and soaked like you do with a flatbottom. we can fish all the way from upstream of new bern to the beach on a slick day. this one came from the chesapeake bay.

4/3/2011 11:07:00 PM

That thing only drafts 12"? impressive.

I just picked up a 13' Gheenoe with a little 4hp mercury for running rivers and flats down at the coast and duck hunting. Cant wait to get it out and see what it can do. The manufacturer claims that it drafts 4"-6" and get on plane in less than a foot of water.

4/4/2011 8:48:24 AM

8" to be exact

http://keywestboatsinc.com/boats/show/id/3

trim up the motor and i can easily make it across pretty much any shallow flat with a trolling motor. i just don't understand why so many folks buy carolina skiffs/southern skimmers/etc. around here. it just isn't worth the shitty ride.

4/4/2011 9:03:58 AM

^ How does it compare on price? I always thought one of the reasons Carolina Skiffs are so popular is that they're cheap and they get the job done.



This is my brother's Carolina Skiff. It's the JV-14, so it has a little bit of a v-hull. Still beats you up and picks up a lot of spray on a windy day, but not quite as bad as a pure flat bottom hull would. It's a great creek boat and light enough to tow behind just about anything.

[Edited on April 4, 2011 at 10:05 AM. Reason : s]

4/4/2011 10:05:10 AM

that's a sweet little boat.

carolina skiff has definitely improved in recent years, but you'll pay for those newer boats. their layouts and features seem to have caught up over the last few years.

the prices follow pretty much the same curve for year/condition/engine. i gave $7200 for mine. you won't find a CS of comparable year and condition for much less than that. i'm on an aluminum trailer with a spare hub assembly and brand new spare, brand new bearings, tires w/ under 100 miles. the yamaha had a factory powerhead replacement around 2004. stainless prop. bimini top that is like new. boat cover fitted to this model. 24v trolling motor. pedestal installed in the bow. the list goes on. the only thing i'm not crazy about is a lack of oil injection, but for the money, i can mix. the price i paid is pretty standard for a key west 1720 of this vintage/condition. it's not like i stole it. i paid fair money imo. i did do pretty well on the accessories. all i really need to add to go fishing is a pair of trolling motor batteries and a good wash/wax.

you've gotta remember that a lot of the older skiffs and still many of the new ones in the 16-18' range have gas tanks under the center console. that's a deal breaker for me. no good place for the trolling motor batteries, except under those huuuuuge decks on the carolina skiffs, which usually open from the vertical rear wall, making them annoying to get into and wasting a lot of space. by the time you factor in the crappy ride, it's a no-brainer imo.

with that said, carolina skiffs will catch just as many fish as any other boat. they fish very well. lots of space. it's the getting there and getting back that just isn't as comfortable. they're just as safe as any other boat imo.

i guess all i'm saying is that for the money, you get a hell of a lot more boat when you go with one of the semi-V key west/hydrasport/scout/etc.

[Edited on April 4, 2011 at 11:17 AM. Reason : the KW doesn't seem to be a problem behind my V6 dakota]

4/4/2011 11:16:07 AM

your brother's boat is a good example of something else i preach about. the website says the JV series drafts 4-6". while i agree that his boat is an excellent creek/backwater boat, there is very little that his boat will do that mine will not. getting in 2-4" shallower water is negligible imo. the one advantage i see on a boat like that is how shallow you can remain on plane or get on plane. a lot of folks want to brag about how their boat can stay on plane across a shallow flat, but i've never really ran into a situation where i needed that. however, there is a hell of lot that mine, or any of a number of similar 17-19' CCs, will do that his will not. (excuse my use of "mine". i'm not putting down your brother or his boat. i salute him for knowing, unlike the majority, that a 14' boat is plenty big enough for most backwater fishing. i'm simply comparing boats.) i'd feel comfortable taking this one a number of places in very choppy conditions that a boat of that size would have me drawn up pretty tight. the main advantage here is when we creek jump. we'll put in at one creek and move to another creek along the river in search of fish. i've seen the wind get up or shift way too many times while on the other side of the river from the truck. it's nice to know when you get to the creek mouth and see white caps that weren't there before that you can pick the bow up, take it home, and even stay dry and comfortable, all while fishing the creek just as thoroughly as someone in a shallower draft hull.

again, please don't take this as an argument or in any way a personal attack. simply conversation and discussion.

more: i'm speaking here from experience. when i was in high school, my dad and i decided we wanted to fish shallower water. he had a 20' proline v-hull CC. it just wasn't made for shallow water. he looked at carolina skiffs, southern skimmers, all of em. decided on a 18' polar CC with a tunnel hull in the back. 90 yamaha. we got wet any time the water got choppy. it rode like a bitch. we caught piles and piles of fish on it. i pushed it off many a sandbar. i think he was overconfident because "he had a flatbottom boat". the polar wouldn't turn worth a shit either, i guess b/c it pretty much had no keel. now he's in a 17' hydrasport and we stay off the bars and we stay dry.



[Edited on April 4, 2011 at 11:51 AM. Reason : you live and you learn]

4/4/2011 11:43:17 AM

Yeah, they get the job done. He got a pretty good deal on that one and he needed something that would be low maintenance. It was technically a "downgrade" from a Boston Whaler Montauk 17, but this boat has been far more useful. The Whaler was heavy, drafted deep, and was old enough that it needed constant tinkering. This boat has a 25 HP 2-stroke, but could benefit from a 35 when we have three people on it. Some guy who owned a car dealership bought it, hooked it to an SUV in his showroom for 9 months, moved it into the shop area, let it sit for another 9 months, and then sold it to my brother for $5800 iirc. It had never been in the water and was new for all intents and purposes. The gas tank is in the center console which is somewhat of a pain to fill. Adding a filler neck and grounded gas cap is on the to do list.

[Edited on April 4, 2011 at 12:18 PM. Reason : s]

4/4/2011 12:15:58 PM

i thought i wanted a classic 17' montauk. then i got to looking at them and realized they're relatively overpriced and inferior in almost all respects. they were top of the line in their day, but now they're just for fanboys from what i can tell. the new whalers aren't bad, but a gas tank under a flip flop seat? really? get with the program.

4/4/2011 8:57:11 PM

Definitely overpriced, but when you go to sell it you'll be glad there are so many fanboys out there. He bought that one for $2800 or so, had some work done to it (biggest of which was getting the foam dried and a baseball sized hole in the bottom fixed), and ended up selling it for around $7k after using it a year or two. Even though he paid for the fix rather than putting in the labor himself he still made money and more than covered the cost of the Carolina Skiff.

It's like buying a classic car...If you keep it up you won't lose a dime when you go to sell.

[Edited on April 5, 2011 at 12:20 PM. Reason : s]

4/5/2011 12:19:23 PM

yep, resale is one of their few redeeming qualities.

i was told by the bosslady to go ahead and get the boat that was exactly what i wanted and would keep me happy for long time, not something that i'd want to sell in a few years.

4/5/2011 3:10:18 PM

When she saw the bill I would make her regret that for so many years to come.

4/5/2011 3:18:20 PM

well, within reason of course.

if i had unlimited budget i'd have a Triton saltwater series or a Nautic Star

4/5/2011 3:37:21 PM

^ If youre gonna dream you might as well dream for the best..... http://yellowfinyachts.com/is24.html

[Edited on April 6, 2011 at 9:57 PM. Reason : .]

4/6/2011 9:56:59 PM

the 24' yellowfin is too big for my needs

there are some creeks i get in that i couldn't even turn that bitch around in

but who said i had to have just 1 boat?

[Edited on April 7, 2011 at 8:03 AM. Reason : i guess i'm just glad that i'm just as happy with my key west.]

also, i don't really like a flat deck on the front. i like to have the bow deck down inside of the gunwales. we fish all winter and it's amazing how much warmer your feet will stay when you have those gunwales to keep the wind off them.

[Edited on April 7, 2011 at 8:07 AM. Reason : asdf]

4/7/2011 8:02:25 AM

This thread is making me itch for the weekend.

Probably waiting until the 15th to put my boat in for the first time though. I spent one day doing maintenance (water pump impeller, engine oil/filter, transmission oil, vDrive oil), one day working on the stereo, and one day polishing/waxing it. I still need to put the wakeboard tower back on, check the fluid levels floating, and install a couple new pairs of speakers in the cabin; but those things shouldn't be too bad.

I just hope the gas in there really is ethanol free as the gas station claims. If I have had ethanol sitting in there all winter I'm going to be hating life. I'm going to be storing it empty from this point on. A little condensation in the tank isn't that big of a worry.

[Edited on April 7, 2011 at 10:33 AM. Reason : l]

4/7/2011 10:31:33 AM

do you run a good screw-on water separator fuel filter? that can help your engine out a lot.

if i were you, i'd get a small electric fuel pump and pump that thing out. it'll may take a few hours, but that's some cheap insurance. then pump it out every year as part of your winterization.

i ordered a 3 bank on-board charger yesterday. charger, batteries, and remounting the trolling motor are all i've got to do before fishing besides a little cleaning and sticking on my new numbers. gonna put a pair of group 27s under the console. also need to change the fuel filter, replace the livewell nozzle, and fix/replace the tach. 16th will be my first fishing day on her if the weather cooperates.

eventually i'll be putting on a minn kota riptide ST 24v 80 lb thrust w/ autopilot, a minn kota talon, and some kind of sonar/gps combo if i can decide which one.

[Edited on April 7, 2011 at 11:01 AM. Reason : f]

4/7/2011 10:54:27 AM

I've got a Fram fuel filter canister with built in water separator. I've had to deal with a lot of tanks that have taken on water (in other people's boats) and I can tell you that a water separator can't handle much. It'll fill up quick and then the water just runs across the top of it and into the carb.

I've always stored my boats with a full tank to cut down on condensation inside the tank. It has 40 gallons of fuel with marine Sta-bil in it right now. As long as it really is ethanol free as the gas station I bought it from claims it should be fine. After this year I'm storing it empty though. Not worth the worry.

[Edited on April 7, 2011 at 11:10 AM. Reason : s]

4/7/2011 11:06:39 AM

where do you get your e-free fuel?

4/7/2011 11:10:58 AM

Lake Gaston.
Race Trac across from the Food Lion on River Road is where the current tank came from.
Stonehouse Timber Lodge at Big Stonehouse creek has e-free on the water.

4/7/2011 11:36:10 AM

^^http://pure-gas.org/

4/7/2011 5:45:25 PM