Fish_More

Maybe I should have searched before posting. http://www.fishraider.com.au/Invision/topic/51048-replacing-bung-housing-and-rivets/ http://www.fishraider.com.au/Invision/topic/44342-replacing-bungs/ When people say use screws instead of rivets, do you mean a self tapping screw as I do not have access to the area behind as it is a sealed buoyancy chamber?

Hi all Undid the bung in one of the buoyancy chambers in the boat and about 10 litres of water came out. Probably poor form on my behalf, but I don't think I have checked them for about 6 months as never had a problem before. If you look at the attached picture, it seems like the water is coming around the bung. My guess is it is coming through the rivet. Do you think I can get away with just drilling the rivet out and replacing it or should I replace the whole bung? It is about an hour and half to the nearest boating place which would make it 3 hours return. Do I need to use a special type of rivet when replacing? Cheers Mark

Thanks Luddysmper. Ended up going to Duff's. I got away from work late, therefore was late getting into Port Stephens. We gave him a call along the way and was willing to stay open a bit late for us which was much appreciated.

Thanks. Little Beach it is!

Sorry should have asked in original post, which ramp would you use to put in?

Thanks everybody, that gives me some options. Hope the weather forecast holds!

Hi all Do you have a bait shop at Port Stephens you would recommend? We are coming from Mudgee and probably putting in at Little Beach or Lemon Tree and looking to get some bait before heading to Broughton Island on Friday night. Will be towing a boat, therefore want something that will be easy parking as well. Was thinking of getting some squid and pilchards and also pick up some livies on the way out. Is there anywhere up around Broughton to collect livies? Cheers Mark

Thanks everyone for the feedback. They currently have normal life jackets that go up to 25kg, but one is 22kg and the other 24kg, so just need to decide what to go before upgrading. Will put them in the life jackets next time out and see how they go.

Forgot to mention, the pub at Rainbow is not too bad for a feed!

Hi Will What size boat? Are you thinking inside or outside? Planning on taking some crab pots? I have done ok for sandies and muddies on the inside of Inskip Point. Just make sure you have enough rope on the pots so they are still there when you get back. Cheers Mark

Thanks Neil. I think you are right, probably best to just put a life jacket on them permanently. Just in case anybody gets the wrong idea, I always carry life jackets for them, it is just if we make them wear them. I have not fished around Mudgee yet, have been driving to either Lake Macquarie or Port Stephens more recently. Long haul but have found a caravan park at Port Stephens (Lemon Tree) that is not too bad. Have some work mates that do a bit of cod fishing and have been thinking should go with them to give it a go. Are you from around here?

Hi all I purchased my boat about 18 months ago. Every since I got it, it has been taking a bit of water on. Not much, but just a little bit. I have always assumed it was the self draining deck taking a bit of water which I have heard they can. I noticed when out on the weekend that there was water coming through the top of the bait pump in the attached photo, which appears to be were the water is coming in. I turned the tape on the bottom of the bit pump off and it stopped coming in. When I got home, also filled this well up and water come out through the bait pump. Is it normal for a bait pump to leak like this? Do I need to move the bait pump to be above the water line but will I then have problems with it not sell priming? Thanks Mark

Hi all After some clarification on the laws regarding kids and life jackets as have recently moved from Queensland and the laws appear to be different. My boat is about a 6.5m cuddly cab which I take my 5 & 7 year old out on. The law appears to be when outside a cabin on this size boat they are required to have a life jacket on. What is considered outside a cabin? Is in the back section of the cuddly cab considered outside the cabin? Maritime went past me on the weekend and did not say anything but still not sure. started looking for some inflatables for kids which may not be so hot and more comfortable do they can wear them all the time as better to be safe then sorry! Cheers Mark

Thanks Scratchie. There will be some bay exploration regardless given will be taking the kids out at some stage. Might have to be an early start for a fish around the headlands then back to pick the kids up for some fishing in the bay.

Thanks Scratchie. What do you consider a small boat? Mine is a 6.5m plate thingy. The weather forecast is looking good for Australia Day.

Hi Raiders I have just started fishing Port Stephens after moving down from Queensland (please don't hold that against me too much) and have been struggling a bit. After doing some research on the forum here, after some advise please: I have a 5 year old and a 7 year old and just want to take them somewhere we are going to catch some fish to get them into it. Where would you take them? Did my first trip offshore last weekend and tried to get some livies on the way out at Cabbage Tree Island. Did not have much luck. Do most of you use sabiki jigs? If so what type? Do you berley and if so what? We got up to Broughton and managed a few flaties which was good fun but only one undersize squire. Any suggestions where we should be heading up there if we are after some snapper? i noticed when most people where crossing between the heads, they where keeping to the southern headland. Is that generally the best way out? when you are thinking about going offshore/Broughton, what do consider ok conditions for wind and swell? I don't take the kids offshore at this stage as don't know if well enough and they are still a bit young. I hope to head down Australia Day weekend for a couple of days and looking forward to taking the kids for fish and maybe something out through the heads if the weather goods play ball. Any advice gratefully received. Cheers Mark