fishingrod

Personally I just run the normal old fashion lead acid batteries. If your on a budget thats all you will get. Id expect 3-6 years life in a trailer boat if well looked after (IE: fluid level checked and not over charged or left half flat) Id look at getting a battery of min 550CCA or more like 600-700CCA for that motor. It will probbaly be around 30cm long if thats easier for you to relate to the size. A good price is around $160-200. If you can find cheaper thats good. Common brands you might see are Century MarinePro, Exide Marine Starting or SuperCharge SeaMaster Marine. Over the years Ive had good experience with the Century MarinePro600 (about 700CCA). I got a new pair at christmas time for $160 each after doing a bit of ringing around in northern Sydney. (it wasnt a internet store) Edit: Actually if its cranking slow you should check all your connections are clean and tight and you dont have battery cables that are corroded internally. Also check the charging system on the motor is giving you at least 13-13.5 volts at moderate revs. .Even better if you can check with a current clamp meter too. cheers Rod

This may be slightly off topic, but could be interesting. Heres a link for the Sydney Ports Botany wave height bouys that you might find interesting for comparsion: http://wavewindtide.sydneyports.com.au/wave/weather_original.asp Between 9-10pm you can see the wind really picked up at Sydney airpot on their observations: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60901/IDN60901.94767.shtml cheers Rod

This has kinda been covered before. See: http://www.fishraider.com.au/Invision/index.php?showtopic=24004&st=0&p=192913&hl=radio&fromsearch=1entry192913 It will depend a bit on what area you go boating in. In various parts of NSW/AUST the locals might have a certain preference for 27meg or VHF. Dhutchy doesnt say in his profile what area he is from. In Sydney there is a few VHF marine repeaters installed: Ch 80 near Newcastle (Sugarloaf) Ch 21 at Killcare Ch 22 at North Head Ch 81 at Beacon Hill Ch 82 near Wollongong (Maddens Plains which is high ground near Bulli) Combine this with remote transmitter sites that are employed by some of the radio bases and VHF gives you very good coverage in between Swansea and Wollongong. I dont beleive this is true. Ive never seen this published anywhere ? (not aiming to have a dig at anyone, simply dont like seeing misleading information published) There is absolutley no doubt both is best for safety. Weekdays there are less boats around so there is less chance of another boat hearing your emergency call if you happen to be in a radio black spot. I run both 27meg and VHF marine. I usually fish from Terrigal to Longreef and up to 15miles offshore and normally use VHF to log in. My opinion is that 27meg is just adaquate if your going a max 3-4 miles offshore in Sydney. cheers Rod

What model, type, hp and approx year is your motor ? I wont know the answer unless its a 115hp Merc like mine, but someone else might be able to help you. Rod

This pretty much sums it up for all the doubters out there: "Australia's small boat owners were today warned by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio" Read more at: http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_1003 This site has further information to help confirm the correct requirements: http://www.amc.edu.au/omc (you can also download the handbook here, its a 5meg pdf file) This is almost true ? ! ? ! There is no law preventing a vessel in distress from using any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its position and obtain help. cheers Rod

Im pretty sure those mics connect with a clear RJ telephone style connector behind that rubber grommet. If you have some IT people at work, they might have a crimper and the right size connectors. If you can still see the colour code they might be able replace the connector for you. It would take them 5 mins and might be worth a try ? Note the GME will have a smaller connector than a normal computer network cable. Im most cases VHF would give you extra range, but it is getting very congested on busy days around Sydney. If you were happy with 27meg then stick with it. I dont beleive there is any pending (written) plans for the rescue groups to stop monitoring it in NSW. There is plenty of rumours around though ! If going 27meg I would get the GME. I noticed that Uniden have some new models out that are meant to be pretty waterproof + the microphone also has a small speaker in it for receiving. If going VHF I'd probably buy a Icom radio which is dearer than the GME. GME would be my 2nd or 3rd choice. If you do change to a VHF you will need a new antenna ($70-$100) To use VHF legally you are meant to have a operators certificate of proficancy as well (small amount of study or do a course, pass the test, pay a small fee and get issued a piece of paper valid for life) cheers Rod

How badly out of action is it ? Some outboards have relays for the tilt and trim. These relays can occasionally fail. Usually a seperate relay for up and down. If you only have "down" working, you might be able to swap it with the "up" relay. Then you can tilt it up for towing. The terminals might be marked, 30,85, 86, 87 or similar. The relays could be black or blue and might "look" like the ones on this page: http://www.parts-express.com/catalog/pdf/2010/324pec10.pdf (i have no affiliation with these people, google found the link for me) They would be $5-25 each depending on where you buy them. There is a few different types in the same size housing so make sure you get the correct one. If your battery is flat and buggered, a overnight charge might be enough to give you enough power to operate the tilt. What brand, size, type and age is the motor ? Someone here might be able to pin point these relays under the hood and explain how to change or swap them over. Actually another method that might be easier is the tilt/hydraulic pressure release (????) screw. Loosen it with a big screwdriver and it releases the pressure so you can carefully lift it by hand. Differnet motors have the screw in a different spot. cheers Rod

A little bit off topic, but here is a couple of sounder shots taken around "The Colours" (approx 500m off the Sth Head Signal Station), It was about 2-3 weeks weeks ago and I landed a King 95-100cm about 15mins before the photos were taken. Sorry for the poor quality. Only have a 640x480 camera on my old phone and was in a crappy 2-3m southerly swell. cheers Rod

A 60hp motor would have some sort of regulator in it as already mentioned by ChrisG. If its working properly on a health battery it should limit it to 14.5 to 15V absolute max. As WannaFish has said, get hold of a digital multimeter which can be bought for less than $20. (if buying a cheapie just make sure it has a 1 decimal point resolution between 10-20 volts DC) Running towards 17V certainly runs a risk of damaging electronics. Lights and bilge pumps might tolerate it short term. Im wondering if there is some kind of wiring glitch somewhere since the 2nd battery was installed. Hard to diagonise without knowing the battery and switch set up you have. Have you tried starting the motor from the battery that is reading 17.6V ? (or did you start it on the other battery and then switch across across to the 17V battery after the motor was running) It almost sounds like the type of voltage that might come out of the motor if there was no battery connected at all. Its something that a marine mechanic or auto/marine electrician should be able to work out pretty easy. (take it back to the person who installed your 2nd battery) cheers Rod

Have a look at the placement of your underfloor tank breathers and filler. It might be rain water, sea spray, spray of a transducer/live bait tank pick up or slop from the swell running along the deck or coamings and into the breathers or a poorly fitting fuel filler cap. Changing the angle of the breather fittings or re-routing the breather hose so its got a upwards slope (above the breather outlet) may also prevent water running down it due to gravity. Parking your boat at a different angle at home might be enough to prevent it from happening. If you dont already have one, get a external fuel filter with a clear water catching bowl and tap at the bottom. Mount it somewhere prominant and visually check it every trip. cheers Rod

With some of the new "life jacket wearing rules" under discussion in NSW it might be worth looking for a boat 4.8m or longer ? http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/docs/hys/Lifejacket_discussion_paper.pdf I believe that similar rules have already been introduced in VIC and TAS. That looks like a pretty big block 50hp. It might even be the same cubic capacity as a 60 or 70hp. In my opinion you would be much better with a 60-70hp on that boat. Sometimes it can be worth paying a little extra, especially if it was a one owner rig or as Zenman has already mentioned it has full service history. cheers Rod

Gday Dicko Good information from everyone else here so far. You will probably find that if you have completely flattened the battery so far that the radio doesnt switch on or your lights dont even glow the battery might now be totally cactus. It might charge up, see how it goes. Batteries dont like being flattened below 30-50% capacity and its life might be shortened big time. (even deep cycles dont like very deep discharges) Check your fluid level while your at it. If there are caps you can unscrew on the battery put distilled water in until the plates are "at least" 5-6 mm under water. (they should have done this when they serviced the motor the other month anyway) Wash your hands afterwoods and dont touch your clothes or rub your eyes as its acid inside the battery. Can you pull start your motor ? I think you have a Yammy 50/60 so it may not have a pull start cord fitted, but you might be able to lift the hood and wrap a rope around the flywheel. There might be a emergency cord hiding stuck under the hood too. Its good to learn how to pull start incase you ever need to because of electrical problems. Saves getting a tow home ! cheers for now Rod

It could be slow trip home north up the coast if your bashing into a stiff NE sea breeze. It all depends on the day. Having said that I fish as far down as Mona Vale and Long Reef from Broken Bay in a 18 foot glass boat. cheers Rod

New longer grab rail on dash. The motor has been serviced by someone different (or the sticker has peeled off) Transducer + speed wheel moved (per new transom already mentioned above) No starboard engine well drain hole (per new transom) im guessing it now drains out the centre under the motor. Fold down rocket launcher no longer visible in the new pic. Compass relocated or changed ? Cant see the Hummingbird sounder? Special suction caps fitted to trailer so a tie down strap is no longer needed !!! Ok I give up now Rod

Hi All Just a quick note for any raiders fishing the Hawkesbury this weekend Oct 24/25, particually those going upstream from the Road Bridges. The 2009 Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is on. www.canoeclassic.asn.au Its a fundraising paddle event from Windsor to Mooney Mooney. It involves approx 400 canoes paddling thru the night. Starts at Windsor 3pm Saturday Afternoon. Ends at "The Ruins" ramp at Mooney Mooney by approx midday Sunday. Id suggest that those using "The Ruins" ramp at Mooney Mooney may expect some inconveniences for a 24hr period from midday Saturday to midday Sunday. If your on the river please proceed with caution and minimise your wash. There are check points scattered along the river for the paddlers safety. If you have any concerns Id suggest you contact the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol Hawkesbury on Ph 02 9985 9012 or 27:88 / VHF 16. The RVCP are not the organisers but they play a large role in safety and communications for the event. cheers Rod

There are 2 places I know selling preloved chandlery and parts. Ones near the Toms Ugly Bridge and the other in the newish industrial area at MonaVale/Warriewood not far from Hungry Jacks. cheers Rod

I have a VZ Ute with the factory FE2 sports suspension. Its a fraction lower than a standard commodore and a fair bit firmer. I tow around 1550kg on a dual axle trailer with cable brakes. No equalizing hitch. It definatly doesnt sag. Just check the ramp for potholes or slippery spots and choose your lane accordingly. On the road it behaves reasonably. Overall it does the job OK. Im assuming your wagon is auto. I don think anyone here has mentioned Auto Transmission coolers yet. The Holden kit would almost certainly come with a cooler. Would be worth asking Haymen Reese if they include it. Sounds like your already booked into Holden and that is a sensible choice in my opinion, especially as its a lease car. At least you know its all OEM gear. ** Edit: for the record, mines a V6 6sp manual Rod

I was there yesterday afternoon. It looked like a southerly current. My boat was drifting S to SSW, but no doubt the drift was helped by a moderate NE seabreeze. I got a Dollies (just undersize) on every live yakka i threw out. 24degC on the sounder. The Fad is just about spot on the mark on the DPI/Fisheries website if that helps anyone. cheers Rod

I bought one about 18 months ago. They are one of the cheaper brands available in Sydney, but i was impressed with the standard equipment on my dual axle (3 speed winch with strap, powder coated alloys with new LT tyres and plastic guards) The down side is that mine doesnt have load sharing suspension and most of the bolts appear cheap and just zinc plated (?) againt rust. Mines had several liberal coats of fish oil and the bolts are doing fine but they are pretty well coated in a layer of goo. The roller configurations on them is gererally traditional with a mix of keel and multi rollers (they may make skid version?) and it loads/launches my boat fine on at any tide of any ramp. Would I buy one again - YES VERY DEFINATLY, as long as its priced noticably cheaper than the other brands such as the one you mentioned. YOu get what you pay for. No way I would call the Brooker a rolls royce of trailers though. cheers Rod

Hi Jin Yep the wind came up a bit stronger and a bit earlier than originally forecast. It was a bit bumpy on the way home. Usual bag. Nothing outstanding to bring home. Just to be different I got a couple of small bonitos on the troll. They were only abouy 30cm and attacked my skirt and 20cm hard body lures ! Rod

Hi Tony I had one PM from someone else, but it was after I went offline so they missed out. Since I was on my own I changed my mind and ended up going offshore from Broken Bay in the end. It was a bit bumpy in the afternoon, but generally a good day. I took the day off at the last minute as time in lieu/flexie ... so sorry for the short notice. I rarely fish weekdays. cheers Rod

its 930pm and theres no takers .... maybe next time ! .... ill head out on my own this time. Rod

Hi Guys Ive got the day off work and looking for company. Fishing Sydney Harbour ... probably for Kings. Launching from Roseville ramp at about 6-7am. I live around Hornsby. Im not very expereinced in the harbour at all, so no promises of fish !!! I just want to try the harbour since ive got a weekday off and its a bit quieter usually. Im 28 and pic of my boat in my profile. Would be good if you can chip in for fuel. I can supply tackle if you dont have any medium or heavy gear. PM your mobile number to me ASAP, ideally b4 9pm tonight ! Sorry for the late notice cheers Rod

This might help. Some old brochures that ive had on file cheers Rod

Id definatly go for stand alone units if budget allows. Ive got a soft spot for fiddling with electronics so like seperate devices and also like having seperate units as you get 2 full size displays. On a combo you often need to run split screen. A chartplotter (i assume meaning a GPS with map cartridges) is not really a must, but very handy. You can see your position on a map with depth contours etc. Also if there is marine parks in the area (Jervis?) the maps may show the boundarys. Most low cost GPS these days can record heaps of waypoints and give you a snail-trail dot plot on the screen so you can see where you have been and trolled that day. The same screen will normally show any recorded waypoints so you can see how far you have drifted off the mark etc. A hand held GPS under a metal hard top could be a bit hit and miss at times. Im sure it would probably work but is not ideal. Handheld GPS have smallish screens and can have fiddly small buttons. Most models would do everything you mention. You need to get a solid mounting bracket (to handle pounding and vibration) and a power adaptor. Running on batteries is a pain, especially if you want to run backlighting. I ran a very basic hand held for a number of years and it did virtually everything i wanted. Ive got a fixed mount GPS (without maps) its soooo much better. Sounder brands and models have been discussed a lot on this site. Try a bit of search. Im not sure what your budget is and i also note your comment on not wanting to "get into a long winded dispute on brands". I run a Raymarine colour DS600X sounder and a non map cartridge fixed mount Garmin GPS152. There were both my my boat when I bought it second hand and Im happy enough with them. After owning a colour sounder it would be hard to go back to a black and white. cheers Rod