Flightmanager

80Lb braid for bream? Thats like towing a box trailer with a Kenworth ! Unless you are targeting fish that can exert that much pull on the line ,lighter is the way to go . I would recommend about 6lb braid , with 8-10lb fluoro leader. Unless there is a strong current running , keep your weight to a minimum. Remember , big hooks catch big fish , but small hooks catch all fish !! I would suggest that your cousin was very lucky , probably picking the spot better on the day. Ross

Here is my own little list , in addition to the above : Transom Check that it is sound , that all motor mounting bolts are tight , and well sealed. Look for cracks or stress marks. Grab the motor by the leg , and try to move it up and down. There should be no flex. Engine Start at the top and work your way down .Look for evidence of oil leaks ,check each propeller blade for shape , nicks etc. Make sure it turns truly , best place to look is where the hub enters the lower leg casing . Check cotter pin or other locking device is in place and tight on retaining nut . Remove cowling , and have a look at the engine proper.Look for signs of water and oil leaks , rust , or soot around the exhaust.Check that the wiring is in good condition , also look for corrosion on any terminals.Grab flywheel , and try to move it side to side , as well as fore and aft.Any free play could indicate worn crankshaft bearings , these can be costly to replace. As mentioned above , start the engine from cold , when running , see how much water is being pumped from tell tale. A weak stream could indicate a worn impeller . If the engine is an older 2 stroke , some blue smoke is to be expected , but this should virtually disappear when the engine is warm. Check for smooth running , RPMs should be constant at all throttle settings. On most 2 stroke engines , WOT (Wide Open Throttle) should be between 5200 and 5500 RPMs.( In the water , do not race the engine without load .)Check that all pivot points and steering arms have clean grease , and operate smoothly. If possible , start the engine in the water. Some engines will start fine in the driveway , but exhibit problems starting/running in the water. Hull Start your checks from the bottom , and work your way up. Check that the keel is straight , it should run true fore to aft . Look for cracks and scratches , a few scratches here and there are normal , look for deep gouges which might indicate rough handling , or being run aground. Any stress cracks should be investigated more thoroughly , as these typically become worse with time. Any railings should also be checked ,they should have no freeplay , look for stress cracks where they are attached to the hull. Check cleats , once again ensure they are tight , and free from stress cracks where they are attached.Check that any flooring is sound , lift carpet if possible and check for soundness of the floor. Anything that moves , or opens and closes , should also be checked. Check the the bung fittings are well sealed. When you remove the boat from the water , remove the bungs , and see how much water runs out . Controls Check steering is smooth through the full range , full left to full right . Throttle should be smooth , both through full forward to full reverse. DO NOT try this without the engine running . Check that electric trim ( if fitted ) operates smoothly from full up to full down. If visible , check rams for oil leaks. Make sure all lights work , and that all switchgear is operational. Check that bilge pump ( if fitted) is operational. Check radios , sounders for correct operation. Thats about all I can think of for the present , Im sure other members will post what I have forgotten. Ross

I worked on the Sewerage outfall 20 years ago when it was installed , and found out many disturbing things whilst I was there. The sewerage treatment plant was originally built in the 1800's , and for over a hundred years , moderately treated sewerage was just pumped straight into the ocean ,at the base of the cliffs at Bondi. ( The blackfish back in those days were huge , all that fertiliser created a lot of weed !). In its original incarnation , The Bondi STP was only ever designed to treat sewerage for a population of approx 1.5 Million people. As the population increased , the plant was enlarged and modernised , but was still struggling to cope with Sydneys increasing population. In the late 1980's , the cliff at the STP was hollowed out even further , to house the huge pumps that would send the treated sewerage 5 miles out to sea. At least , that was the theory. If there is a period of heavy rain , or even a 1 hour downpour in the CBD , the plant GOES INTO AUTOMATIC BYPASS. In other words , raw sewage and stormwater are once again pumped directly into the ocean from the old outlet. To the best of my knowledge , this is still the case . Ross

Nothin' wrong with that Rod !! What a cracker !! Ross

Happy Birthday Guys , hope its a good one for you . MUC!! Ross

I was drifting around Gladesville a week or so ago , and was visited by the Fisheries boat. Not a licence check , just a PR visit about C&R. We got onto the subject of undersize captures , and he explained that they can give a bit of leeway , specifically if the fish in question has been placed on ice . What was perfectly legal at water temp , can be illegal after an hour or so in the esky! This is at the discretion of the officer at the time of course ! They gave me the latest issue measuring sticker ( June 2008) . Perhaps if the fish is just legal , a quick pic on your phone or camera as you measure it , to verify your belief that it was a legal capture. Ross

Rex , Make sure that when they re-do the lights, that the white light is the highest part of the boat , ie , it can be seen all round , and not obstructed by bimini etc . Good luck with your new boat. Ross

Mik , Either regular unleaded or premium unleaded , DO NOT use E 10 in the E tec !! Ross

Congratz Stewy on a great milestone !! ( Bloody Spammer !) Ross

G'day Rex , If you are after fibreglass , check the transom for rot , and the keel for flaws in the glass. 5-8K will not get you a new boat , but with a bit of careful reasearch , a perfectly fine earlier model can be found . If you are after an aluminium boat , check the welds for stress cracks , particularly around the ribs. Your best bet would be to have a talk with Craig at Huetts Marine at Cowan. Ross

To quote Darryl Sommers : You'll never , ever know , if you never , ever go! Ross

I would get a quote from Craig at Huetts Marine , ( you also get a Fishraider discount). It may be a bit of a drive from where you are , but you can be 100% certain that the work will be first class. Ross

Closest ramp would be Penrhyn Rd ( by the container terminal) , but Im not sure if it is still open. Otherwise , Kyeemagh. Ross

Try using XD50 or XD100 synthetic oil. This reduces the smoke problem. Maybe a good service for the upcoming season would be in order? Ross

Ross

Some more accurate info on the VRO system can be found HERE. Ross

Why would you do that ? Ross

Andrew , hope its a great day for you . Ross

MUC

G'day Monch , You might find this of interest : Winning Social Flathead Released Ross

I believe that Jewgaffer and Co. will be pulling an allnighter and then coming to register on Sunday Morning . Ross

Done Byron . See you on Sunday Morning. Ross

Dave and Craig , hope you both have a great day !! Ross

We have everything covered except the Bacon !! If anyone could help us out with this ( or a couple of you to share the cost) it would be greatly appreciated !! Ross

Done.