Ric001

I looked at bow riders and dismissed them really quick. On a bad day or with a weather change you can get a lot of water coming across the front even in enclosed water such as botany the hacking or lake Illawarra. Now riders are great for fair weather cruising and family days but I have just as much fun having everyone down the back or even fishing. Ultimately decision is yours but seriously consider what your primary requirements are and how often you will use the boat for its different purposes. Cheers Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm working up to 2 of everything slowly now that I have the boat the way I want it. Slowly slowly and quality on a budget is my approach. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Too funny. Better half would have me 6ft under ( not water) if I even tried to have a 10th of that gear. [emoji23] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Teddy. I have a 449 bay master. Not much bigger than your and out off the same factory. I put the second battery in and VSR. Here are the pics. If the transom is a similar layout it should be something you can do. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi fab1. The advice you have give and the statement that these are just the basics is important. Unfortunately there are no courses available in trailer towing that cover the points you mention. Coming through Gerroa over xmas I saw a guy looking in a ditch at his trailer and his mate searching the road for his wheel. The basics you've listed are important. Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi guys. I have a speed pickup ready to fit when time allows. I tried the pump today on water and pleased with that it worked as advertised. Most important point is that there were no leaks evident from any of the pipe work when under pressure or through the hull fittings. I guess I used enough silicon. I'm also thinking of putting a bilge float switch in line with the live tank pump but mounted on the transom so that when it senses being below water level it kicked the pump on. Takes the pressure off remembering to switch pump off while at speed. From the point of ease of fitment and the way it looks neat (boss was happy with the way it looks) I would recommend the kit. [emoji41]Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks. Here's the leak test. Not leaks after an hour so i was all smiles. Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So I've had the week off work and had financial approval (from director of domestic finances) to fit a bait tank so off to the local supplier and picked up the various bits and pieces required. Flow rite Tank Flow rite tank kit Hoses and clamps. So I fitted the tank to the back using a drill, hack saw and files without too many issues. I then fitted the outflow to the transom using a hole saw (the white through hull fitting). The thru hull pump was fitted below the water line and strainer fitted. Hoses were then connect and tank leak tested. Batteries refitted crank (left) and accessories (right)and panels refitted. Pump check that it works when switched on(momentary), but the big check will be a water test when this weather clears. All up cost was under $300 including hoses and clamps and about a day labour. Cheers Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have a look in the App Store. Pretty sure the wifi models will give you a live feed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have the normal subscription plus the 3 options highlighted. I have the sonar phone fitted to my boat and that give bottom mapping in areas that aren't fully mapped. I'll be renewing my subscription when it expires. Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Screen shot from my iPhone running navionics across lake Illawarra. Stacer 449 with 60hp. Very happy with the speed Ric[emoji41] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have 2 batteries so that all accessories don't use the start battery and in the event the main fails I have a chance at override. I don't head km's offshore but I still want the security. $200 for the batt , $200 for the Vsr and wiring and I did the labour so figure that in to the price the manufacturer quotes. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Totally agree with Fab1 about the share especially with family. For the $600 a month mooring fee there are rental companies that will get you into the boat you want on an ad-hoc basis as a day rate. Good luck with the decision as ultimately you live with the result. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you are new to boating get something that you can handle easily by yourself and don't get too adventurous. Stick to the rivers around Sydney and remember that even botany can get really messy when the wind picks up because it is relatively shallow. Fibreglass gives a nice soft ride , however it is heavier and not as forgiving when your learning to get on and off the trailer. Aluminium is lighter and as a first boat is definitely more forgiving if you bump into a jetty or trailer. If you have never used a trailer see if you can find someone who doesn't mind you borrowing a box trailer and practice in an industrial estate your reversing and going around corners. Pm me for the name of a boat school as you'll need a licence before you take the boat on water as its not worth getting caught without a license. Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have a 4 stroke Honda and would never go back to a 2 stroke. That is purely from the point that I find the 2 stroke lawn mower smell makes me turn green even in a small swell. With kids around I don't want the smell getting to them either. Please note I'm not getting into which type is better regards maintenance or running economy. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You can test the switch in circuit if you use the voltage setting. With the switch in the off position you should have 12 volts across the terminals. With the switch in the on position the reading should be close to 0 volts as you have removed the potential across the terminals. It is a quick indication of the switch health without the need to remove. You can also test as Fab1 said without full removal of the switch by removing just the negative terminal (not the positive as you don't want this floating loose ready to short out other stuff). Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi guys. Sometimes it is easier to run a new supply per wire and check the circuit that way. Just lie the wire in loose to confirm the switches and fuses are operating correctly. My bet would be that the bilge float switch is shorting internally. In some cases they are hard wired to battery so that if boat fill with water whilst in attended the pump will kick in. It all depends on how smart the original installer was. It should still be fused. Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi will. I use it all the time on an old iPhone with a life proof case(no sim). Teamed with a sonar phone sounder and a charger and I'm happy with the results for in bays and rivers around Sydney. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Which part of the lake were you fishing ?? Looks like it was a nice haul for an hours relaxation. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

True about most planes and salt water but believe me Coke tea Coffe vomit and toilet water as well as humidity is a huge issue for airframes. As I mentioned we always had a primary return path being wire but also a secondary path being the frame. When talking with the fitters we joked about it being like the case drain in a hydraulic system to catch the drips that the primary return missed. [emoji106] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi fab1. I agree with all dc sources being run back through low resistance cable to the battery. What are your thoughts on chassis bond as the secondary path similar to aircraft which are also aluminium. They do it primarily for static issues to remove electrical noise. I am not suggesting the boat frame be the only dc return path to the battery. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

60 NSW shark sightings in 48 hours. Hmm time to get the heavy tackle out. [emoji476] or keep the delicate bits out of the water. I think we have been very lucky compared to the nth coast. http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/60-nsw-shark-sightings-in-48-hours/news-story/6feba94c57007c738399b3e7e03d4629 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's exactly the name my friend uses. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[emoji3]

I know it might be a dumb question, but are the stub axles the same type and size? Have you compared the castle nut from both sides. Drilling the axle or extending the groove is dangerous practice and only used as an emergency fix to get you home. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Windang is seeing some action but this wind is making the lake really messy. Chatted with a couple of guys who bagged out on flatties in the lake. Maritime on jetskis patrolling the channel and lake. Asked me to slow down in 4 knot zone whilst doing 4 knots (slowed to 3.5knots[emoji41]). Water is the channel is clear but the sand bar has shifted north near the caravan park since last season so take care. Ric. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk