smoobear

@SeaHuffKing - I actually didn't know that, thanks for the warning.Do you think it would make a difference that I only looked at the charts and not the sounder or down imaging? Picked the boat up today, all fixed and ready to fish. It turned out there was a problem with some of the parts they used. Joel

Well after some more investigation I have narrowed it down to the new switches which were installed. I contacted the place that did the work and they are were more then happy for me to take it back for them to fix. I will let you know what the end result is Thanks for the replys Joel

Hi Fishraiders, I have just had my boat serviced and had some re-wiring done on the boat. I had a new switch panel installed as the old one was no good. I also had a new sounder installed as well. I haven't had a chance to take the boat out yet after this work was done and admittedly it has been sitting idle for a couple of weeks. I was getting ready to take it out later this week and was checking everything over. Here lies my problem. I went to start the sounder, bilge pump, bait tank pump and nav lights with nothing happening. I did have success with the anchor light and the internal led light strip in the cockpit. I next cranked the engine over thinking the battery may not have had enough charge. I was able to start the sounder (Raymarine Dragonfly) and it all looked good. I still didn't notice if the bait tank and bilge pump were working as the sound of the engine was interfering. The nav lights didn;t light up either. I turned off the engine and was not able to start anything again. The sounder made a long loud beep and won't turn back on. I started the engine again and was not able to get anything but the internal lights and anchor lights to work. I was thinking of getting a trickle charger for the battery and hooking it up for a couple of days to see of that helped. Does anyone have any advice as to what the problem is? Thanks Joel

Number 3 is the one for me

Has anyone got any advice on the Lowrance HDS-7 Gen2 Combo? I was thinking about one of these as well. Paul, in regards to the Simrad NSS7, do you use the structure scan capability? if so, how does it perform?

Hi guys, I am looking at upgrading my old Hummingbird 365ci combo. I have been looking on the net and trying to do some reasearch into what are the best ones out there now. My budget is about $1000 and was wondering if anyone on here would have any recommendations. It would ideally have side imaging (or something similar if not Humminbird). Also, does anyone know if I would get much of a discount if I bought something at the 2014 Sydney Trailerboat & Outdoor Leisure Show in a couple of weeks. Thanks Joel

Thanks for all the advice guys, it has really helped.

Hi guys, an update after speaking to the dealer. He is going to change the 60hp 4 stoke mercury and put on a 50hp 2 stroke mercury (roughly 20 hours use). What is the main difference between the two? Will it make much of a difference on a boat this size? Also, I got some pics sent to me. There appears to be some rust under the paint on the gunwales. Is this a major isssue and how hard is it to fix? Thanks for all your help Joel

The Merc has about 50 hours on it. The boat, engine and extras is about 13k. I have a budget of 15k, so any other options that would suit my fishing styles would be appreciated as well. Thanks Joel

Hi guys, I am looking at finally getting my first boat. I have been looking at a 2001 Ally Craft 4.55 Bay Raider with a 2011 50hp Merc 4 Stroke . I am mainly after a boat that I can use on the estuaries, inshore reefs and up on the fresh water lakes in the Snowy Mountains. What are your thoughts on this type of boat. Has anyone heard anything good/bad/ugly about this boat? Thanks in anticipation Joel

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