antonywardle

Old boat had both new boat didn't. I didn't bother moving the 27mHz. The fishing club use 27mHz for chatting and you don't need a license for it. VHF you need a license if you want to use DSC, and to use DSC you need an MMSI, and to get an MMSI, you need a license. Marine Radio License I also take a handheld VHF that floats. As mentioned above, if its working leave it, if its not, I wouldn't bother replacing it, thow it out and put in another sounder. Take your mobile with you, it will most likely work where ever you are fishing, up to a few KM offshore

Great report - great beard!

HI I had a few issues trying to get insurance by trying to identify my old boat. In the end, I just winged it and went with the closest I could find. Try the NRMA website, they take you through a list of boats/years and you'll get pretty close. I guess, if there is an issue, could it be proved that what you insure it as, isn't what it actually is?

I also heard of a builder getting booked for two boots in the ute tray. I'm guessing that maybe he gobbed off and then got the fine, but thats all I heard. I am also aware of the rule, but have never heard of anyone getting booked with their boat. As BN said, a trap or maybe one of those cargo nets would be ok. Just another thing to do at the ramp I guess

Good effort going to Terrigal. I really don't like that ramp Welcome aboard. I head out from Lions Park Woy Woy, so if you want to tag along on a flathead run then let me know chhers

Would love to make it this year, but I'll be chasing Barra that weekend up the top end, assuming boarders are open. cheers

One of the members here has a V150, as I bought it off him for the trailer. I never ended up using it, before selling it, but he quite liked it and fished outside a lot. If I can remember his fishraider name, I'll tag him in here and he might respond. As above, the bigger the boat, the better it will be outside. I had a FG boat that I used a lot, but never really felt all that safe in and now I've got a slightly larger Alloy boat that I feel safer in, but I don't think its ride is as nice. You'll be able find a lot of cheaper FG boats in your price range, all around the 5m size, of varying condition. Some will need work and some wont. The things that you can easily check are the condidtion of the trailer and how good the engine is. Unbraked trailer doesn't need an inspection every year like a braked one does, but you can't tow as much. Good luck with your quest, I found that if you take your time, something suitable will turn up, but it may take a while.

I ended up taking it off and got the plate replaced at the front of the boat. I wasn't comfortable with the extra holes in it. The new one is shaped in a way that I can bolt on a catch to the side and then go with the bit you made on the post. Sorry, I should have let you know earlier. I do intend going back to it one day.

I met one of the Surtees guy at the Sydney boat show. He was helping a mate out with an issue on hist 5.5m workmate. Very professional and willing to assist, so if you have any issues, let them now too, and i'm pretty sire that they will make everything right for you.

bugger. Got an email from fishing world about it today too. I like my etec, but it seems that they may now be going the way of Nokia and Kodak. I'll guess I'll wait and see what @jeffb5.8 gets as his next engine and the quiz him about if it is any good! Thanks posting the articles @noelm, and @GoingFishing, I agree, ETECs are very good engines.

I bought some this week. Found them in the bargain bin. Maybe that says how good they are? Not sure how I'll be rigging them

I used viniger and water in a bucket, and threw in some detergent away a while. I'll see how much saltaway costs and consider it, although based on @noelm comment above maybe I don't now have a problem. I guess I should check it against the newer motor and then I'd expect both engines to get to similar temperatures. Apologies to @hustler57 if I've hi-jacked your OP

The fuel that I use is that same as my ETEC, its unlead 90. I'm using Evinrude XD50 in it after I ran out of Yamalube. Thermostat is pretty easy to check. It might cost you a gasket. There are 4 or 5 10mm bolts on the front just above the top cylinder. I bought a new one, but I think that it is slightly the wrong one. I ended up cleaning the original by boiling it in water/vinegar and it came up a treat. I also tested it by putting in in hot water and it seemed to open ok. Itinitall, it was stuck half open when I took it out. My older ine doesn't get all that hot, so I think that the water jacket has a lot of build up in it. One day, I'll investigate pulling hte powerhead off and checking it all out. For now, I'm using the 2004 model and it goes great.

I've got a 1998 and a 2004 model. Seems to be good. The 98 model I got with my new boat hadn't been run in a while, and it took a bit to get it going. For me it was pulling the carbs off three times. I've also got good at taking the leg off. Mine are all 100:1. I think it might be a bit of marketing. You'll probably find that 100:1 is recommended if you are using Yamalube 2stroke oil, but if you are using anything else then go to 50:1 or another figure. I use unleaded in mine. Does your telltail get warm? Maybe the thermostat is sticking. That can cause running issues, especially with idlin, although it doesn't sound like that you've got that.

great fish - its good when a plan comes together!

great read!

great recipe thanks @kingie chaser Other than taking the wings off, do you do anything else? What happens with the skin?

yes, the proper sting rays. I had heard that if you got skate in a fish and chip shop, then thats a sting ray whereas flake is shark.

Does anyone target stingrays or maybe keeps one for a feed? One of the youtube channels I subscribe to, has the guy catching and cooking one. So I wondered about trying for one.

give him the beer, or I'll give him a slab! No idea whats wrong with it, but I think it would be a bit of fun getting it going again

That wind has been up for a few days now Hopefully it will ease off for the weekend

I like the snell, but i need to have them pre-rigged and they are pretty good with the circle hooks If I retie out on the water then I go with the uni-knot. Its fast to do, well faster than the other knots for me

Hi Lots of things to consider. Trailer looks to be in good condition. The Yamaha is an older 2 stroke, and will be thirsty. If you are mechanically minded, you'll be able to work on it when maintenance is required. Check that your tow vehicle is up to towing. Check that the floor is in good condition, no soft spots and that the transom is good. You need to know what to look for. Might be a good idea to consider a presales inspection service. I'd suggest that there will be room to improve the price too. For me personally, I had an older FG boat and it was good, but the longer I had it, the more issues I found with it and it probably would have needed a bit of work and $$$ to get it back up to how I'd like it. In the end, I got an older plate boat, and i live it. I've had to have some cracks welded up, but I feel safer in it and i'm happy with my young one on board that it is safe for him. We got a small tinny a week or so back, and I think that is a good first boat for anyone. It would be a bit crowded for a family of 5, but if they all give up, then you'll be able to fish solo and you've not spent so much money. Good luck on your decision.

when I am moving up in leader size, the Uniknot is the way to go you can go snell top hook and uniknot below

Nice work @flatheadluke