The Fish Sniffer Newspaper Online Forums - Boats, Motors, and Gear http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/ Thinking of improving the boat, fixing the stern drive, tweaking the outboards, upgrading the electronics? en Tue, 21 May 2013 21:16:03 GMT vBulletin 60 http://fishsniffervb.thefishsniffer.netdna-cdn.com/images/styles/Aesthetica/misc/rss.png The Fish Sniffer Newspaper Online Forums - Boats, Motors, and Gear http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/ Honda valve adjustment http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105105-honda-valve-adjustment.html Tue, 21 May 2013 19:38:38 GMT How involved is this to do ? Is the valves cover easily accessible ? Will I need a new gasket ? Thx for info ! How involved is this to do ? Is the valves cover easily accessible ? Will I need a new gasket ? Thx for info ! ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear DAN http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105105-honda-valve-adjustment.html 98 Merc 50HP 4 stroke idle issue http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105098-98-merc-50hp-4-stroke-idle-issue.html Tue, 21 May 2013 15:38:32 GMT Hi all, I have a problem with the idle on my motor. It runs good at first and idles after startup but once I throttle up it remains at this high... Hi all,

I have a problem with the idle on my motor. It runs good at first and idles after startup but once I throttle up it remains at this high idle. Any Ideas? The throttle linkage does return to normal position. Can a faulty choke solenoid cause this? When I manually push down on it it lowers the idle.

Also, can somebody tell me how to check the choke solenoid? It does not seem to do anything when I push the button in for choke. ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear brianvolt http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105098-98-merc-50hp-4-stroke-idle-issue.html 21 ft northriver sea hawk http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105041-21-ft-northriver-sea-hawk.html Sun, 19 May 2013 22:55:41 GMT Looking at buying a new 21 ft northriver seahawk but have questions 1- does anyone have one I can check out there are no dealers on ca 2- has... Looking at buying a new 21 ft northriver seahawk but have questions
1- does anyone have one I can check out there are no dealers on ca
2- has anyone put a windless on one
3 -if you have one how do you like is for ocean running ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear Just easy http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105041-21-ft-northriver-sea-hawk.html Wash down pump recommendations http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105026-wash-down-pump-recommendations.html Sun, 19 May 2013 03:53:29 GMT Looking to put a wash down pump in the boat. I currently have a live well pump, and I have a hose hooked up to it in the live well for small ... Looking to put a wash down pump in the boat. I currently have a live well pump, and I have a hose hooked up to it in the live well for small rinsing of the boat and cleaning fish, but is isn't up to "wash down standards". I want something that can shoot a decent stream to wash the boat or blast my fishing buddies on the water. What are you guys running for wash down pumps?

Keith ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear blwn31 http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105026-wash-down-pump-recommendations.html Building my own downrigger http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105003-building-my-own-downrigger.html Fri, 17 May 2013 23:28:07 GMT So i decided to not go fishing today and instead build me a downrigger. Now to begin with i cant afford to go buy one as im currently unemployed and... So i decided to not go fishing today and instead build me a downrigger. Now to begin with i cant afford to go buy one as im currently unemployed and hell im a fabricator by trade i can whip up anything from some scrap here in my shop easy.



So far i have the pully block finished. Made from some 1/4x1 1/2 and a alternator pully i had kicking around

Then i have a reel seat witha linecounter reel and 80lb dacron for the "spool" part .

Next up will be making the weight
sent from my boat out on the water
Attached Images
]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear IronClad http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/105003-building-my-own-downrigger.html bucks open house http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104985-bucks-open-house.html Fri, 17 May 2013 16:49:26 GMT its that time open house and tackle swap meat june 1st go to web sight for details its that time open house and tackle swap meat june 1st go to web sight for details ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear wildman http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104985-bucks-open-house.html The Sweet Spot? http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104963-sweet-spot.html Thu, 16 May 2013 06:05:22 GMT I might 'possibly' be shopping for a used boat later this year. I have no experience with boats, except for the inflatable with electric motor.

I want to have a boat that I feel comfortable going anywhere on delta with. I do not have skills, tools, space or desire to embark on a project except for simple ones which can be done in a few hours.

For budget of $3000-$5000, what type (material, shape, boat size, engine size) and age of the boat would you look for? Is craigslist the best place to look? ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear Loop_Dad http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104963-sweet-spot.html Any recommendations? http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104939-any-recommendations.html Wed, 15 May 2013 16:18:57 GMT So I've been pondering about getting a boat and with my situation ( currently moved into an apartment) its not going to work. So I've considered getting a raft. The intex mariner 4. Did lots of research and its seems like a great way to go for now and a great little raft as well. My questions is what type of electric motor to get? I've taken a look at a minn kota endura c2 30 with a 30 inch shaft and a minn kota endura c2 40 with a 36 inch shaft. How much difference would it be between the two? checked on amazon and there's a $80 difference. Also what type of battery would be good to go with it? First timer for this so sorry is too much questions. Hoping to get it all in and together before memorial day weekend and get some fishing on. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks! ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear hotsauce_84 http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104939-any-recommendations.html ethanol and your outboard! http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104888-ethanol-your-outboard.html Mon, 13 May 2013 18:29:16 GMT this is a great read i found the other day hope it helps Ethanol Nightmares in Fishing Boats... this is a great read i found the other day hope it helps
Ethanol Nightmares in Fishing Boats ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear Akasha Twi-Path http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104888-ethanol-your-outboard.html <![CDATA[She's done!!!]]> http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104878-shes-done.html Mon, 13 May 2013 04:12:32 GMT What started in November as a major project is finally wrapping up. I've spent the last 2 weeks burning the midnight oil on several occasions as well as turning down a couple oppurtunities to fish with some generous members just to have it done by next weekends fishing trip with the Purple Heart Anglers. We took her out today for a shakedown and gave her a good beating in high winds and swells on the SJ. And if no rivets, screws or bolts popped today, I'm confident she'll hold up. The original progressive thread is here http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/bo...r-project.html and here are some b4 and after pics


Before

After

Before

after

before

after

before

after


~RNP ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear redneckpunk http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104878-shes-done.html B2 Props For A 280 OD http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104858-b2-props-280-od.html Sat, 11 May 2013 17:16:40 GMT Looking for a set(new or used) of b2 props for a Volvo 280 out drive.Stainless would be nice,but I understand the part # changes when you switch from... Looking for a set(new or used) of b2 props for a Volvo 280 out drive.Stainless would be nice,but I understand the part # changes when you switch from aluminum stainless.Thanks for any info. ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear whitecap http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104858-b2-props-280-od.html How-to: Use a handheld vhf http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104842-how-use-handheld-vhf.html Sat, 11 May 2013 00:35:51 GMT Written by Daniel Roloff Image: http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/11/e6y3e4yh.jpg Loud and Clear What you need to know about your VHF.... Written by Daniel Roloff



Loud and Clear

What you need to know about your VHF.
Daniel Roloff

Kayak Fishing is a sport where you have lots of options with gear. Most of it is a lot of fun to use on the water, but the most important gear can save your life. You have heard it before: “PDFs don’t work if you don’t wear them.” Or “Don’t leave the shore without a good safety blade.” On California’s coast you will hear “I will never leave the shore without my VHF.” You can find reviews listing features, and comparing name brands all over the internet. What is less common is discussion, and more important, is how to use VHF if you get into trouble.

VHF or Very High Frequency radio is how ships, truckers and emergency workers communicate with each other over distance. VHF offers kayakers a way to communicate in a way that is not possible in areas out of cell phone reception. The first time I was handed a small VHF radio, I honestly didn’t realize how valuable it was. I wrapped the safety cord around my life vest so I wouldn’t drop it in the sea, and got ready to break through the surf. That day I forgot my milk crate, so I grabbed a five gallon bucket to use instead. I mistimed my launch and was beat down by the surf, so I popped up and jumped back on the kayak paddling as hard as I could. I was on top of the water, but I was still in the surf zone and heading right towards a rocky out crop. I turned the VHF on, and pleaded for my buddy to paddle over to me, no response. The bucket was half in the water, pulling me with the surf towards the jagged rocks. Lucky for me, my buddy figured there was something wrong and got me back on track. After that incident, I knew I needed to figure out how to use handheld VHF. Without understanding what to do in an emergency, it is a worthless piece of gear.

Being new to VHF I made a mistake thinking I knew what I was doing. I read reports and reviews on radios, and thought I would be OK. We didn’t establish a communication channel before launching. I did not know how to work the controls, and had no idea what to do if we had to call the Coast Guard in case of a more serious emergency. Before setting off on the water learn more about your VHF. Make sure if it is not waterproof you have a case or bag to store it in. If it does not float make sure it is attached to your PDF well. Make sure it has new batteries or a fully charged battery depending on the model. Read the manual, the manufacturers will list the range limits, and how to properly set squelch; for a while I thought VFH radios just had a lot of static.

According to US Coast Guard Navigation Website, the FCC set VHF-FM channel 9 as a supplementary calling channel for recreational boaters. If you want to talk to someone on the water or on shore do it on 9. FCC regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either VHF channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. Channel 16 is for International Distresses, Safety and Calling. Channel 68 and 69 are common non-commercial channels used by kayak anglers. The Coast Guard announces storm warnings and other urgent marine information broadcasts on VHF channel 16 and 2182 kHz before making the broadcasts on VHF channel 22A and 2670 kHz respectively. Keep tuned in case of freak storms that tend to creep up out of nowhere, especially when you left the beach without looking at the latest forecast.

Do not call “MAYDAY” on channel 16, unless it is a true emergency, doing so makes you subject to prosecution as a Class D felony, liable for a $5000 fine plus all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the individual's action. Even worse, a hoax call could lead to loss of life. That is something I don’t think anybody would want on their conscience. Also when someone is in danger, all banter, chit-chat, or fishing reports should immediately cease. Time is critical in medical emergencies, because an extra five minutes could mean hypothermia, or even death. If you find yourself capsized and unable to self rescue, or you are having a medical emergency of some kind, broadcast a MAYDAY on channel 16 and give your identifying information of the craft, location, type of distress, any other information that might be useful in rescue efforts. For example a proper distress signal would sound like “Mayday Mayday, medical emergency Yellow fishing kayak, 1 mile southwest of Morro Bay, I am cut and bleeding badly, I can’t paddle back to shore.” This information gives the Coast Guard an idea of where you are, what to prepare for and helps them get to you as fast as possible. Even better than approximate location, broadcasting you current or last known GPS coordinates will improve response time dramatically.

If you are in an isolated area, you might need to relay a distress message. You should only attempt to relay a message if the Coast Guard has not replied to the original relay. If you are premature the person in danger will lose precious time in response. The Coast Guard is always listening, but due to distance, or physical obstructions like a mountain or island, the station might not be able to get the broadcast. Acknowledge the distress signal, and repeat identifying information of the craft, location, type of distress, any other information that might be useful in rescue efforts. If the call you heard did not give a location be prepared to give you location to help rescue efforts.

By knowing your handheld VHF, understanding what the individual channels are for, and knowing how to send a proper distress signal you significantly increase your ability to have a safe and fun time on the water. When I first was handed that small radio I had no idea how simple, or complex it could be. I got lucky, if my friend’s rods were not in my kayak, the situation might have had another outcome. Making the call for help is something that no angler wants to do, but having knowledge about how to use VHF can save a life maybe your own.

Read Dan’s blog at www.theimpracticalfishermen.com.

For more information on using VHF radios on the water visit http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/
Category Gear





The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river. ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear WLShafor http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104842-how-use-handheld-vhf.html <![CDATA[alumaweld stryker 18' ride master vee w/ 115/80 jet]]> http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104819-alumaweld-stryker-18-ride-master-vee-w-115-80-jet.html Thu, 09 May 2013 21:37:23 GMT well hello all so im thinking abotu buying this alumaweld stryker 18 w/ 115/80 jet ride master vee bottom j ust curious what you all think... well hello all

so im thinking abotu buying this alumaweld stryker 18 w/ 115/80 jet ride master vee bottom
j
ust curious what you all think about the boat
curious if anyone locally owns one (modesto area)

PROS
CONS
OPTIONS
ETC


let me know what you think
its a huge purchase for me and i want to know everything about it
and what you all think about the boat
shoot you can let me know about the boat you own that might be similar to this one

thaks ahead of time for all your feed back ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear shotgun1 http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104819-alumaweld-stryker-18-ride-master-vee-w-115-80-jet.html Solar Panels to keep a float charge while fishing? http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104799-solar-panels-keep-float-charge-while-fishing.html Wed, 08 May 2013 20:14:42 GMT Hello, Has anybody successfully tried to connect a 5 or 10 watt solar panel to your marine battery while using your trolling motor? My goal is to... Hello,

Has anybody successfully tried to connect a 5 or 10 watt solar panel to your marine battery while using your trolling motor? My goal is to slow down the discharge to extend my time on the water. I am already tired of lugging my marine battery out to the boat (I have pretty strong legs, but am stereotypically weak armed lady) and will replace this battery with 2 deep cycle wheelchair batteries that weigh 23 lbs each.

Thanks in advance!
susu1969 ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear susu1969 http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104799-solar-panels-keep-float-charge-while-fishing.html Heads Up w/Suspension Seats http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104765-heads-up-w-suspension-seats.html Tue, 07 May 2013 16:45:05 GMT Was fishing at Crowley over the weekend when the wind started to blow. Got bounced around a fair amount. Next morning noticed the seat kept leaning... Was fishing at Crowley over the weekend when the wind started to blow. Got bounced around a fair amount. Next morning noticed the seat kept leaning way to far to the left. Both bolts holding the seat were off and a third loose. Got home and yesterday put them back in. Decided to check out the other seat and they were all loose as well.

Now my boat has only 270 hours and those are pretty easy hours too. Was shocked that they would come loose. So you guys with suspension seats might want to look at yours to make sure they're tight. There are 4 bolts that are accessed as you rotate the seat forward and backward. ]]> Boats, Motors, and Gear NRJohn http://www.fishsniffer.com/forums/boats-motors-gear/104765-heads-up-w-suspension-seats.html