After too many flat batteries in my patrol I ended up swapping my engel car fridge for a dinghy about a month ago and have been having a ball with it ever since. Main reason I wanted a dinghy was for solo fishing missions when my mates are all at work and i'm on break. It's an 11ft gull with a 9.9hp johnson hanging off the back. Thing I like about it is how cheap and easy this thing is to take out and you can get really close to tight/shallow/rocky spots that i would be too scared to take my other f/glass boat near. Since getting it off my mate i've...

-put carpet on the seats to stop rods/reels getting scratched

-taken the old metal fuel can out and put new 20L plastic one in with new fuel lines

-installed a lowrance hds elite-4 sounder/chart combo

-added some rod holders into seats

-installed a led anchor light and a led deck light.

-strengthened the transome with marine ply (painted with dulux)

So far i've had her out as far as horseshoe reef and also little island (today) and on my last break i took it out off wedge island. I'm plannig on taking it for a road trip up north sometime over the christmas break, still undecided where to go

She's pretty rough looking but i'm not too worried about how it looks. The motor runs sweet, starts easy as and the hull doesn't leak water at all. For a whole days fishing (aprox 8hrs) it chews through a whopping 4 litres of juice

future plans are to rewire the trailer with submersable led lights, find some new wheels for it and also build a water proof box somehow for the small motorbike battery/switches for the sounder/lights.

If you see me out on the water in it come say hi if you want, i'm not worried about pingers because i have no decent spots anyway haha

I still haven't caught anything awsum in it yet so no fishy photos but here are some pics i've taken so far...

Could anybody tell me the process involved in converting a US trailer to get registered here

including if the trailer is over 2.5m

As far as Im aware

Electrics need to be re-run

Re-Place Shackles

Re-Place Tow Hitch

Hi Guys can anyone tell me if there is a ratio to work out what size anchor to the size of boat..

Cheers

585 Sounder Shot

Anybody recomend somewhere close to mandurah for a boat inspection please.

Even better if they are working saturday :P

I'm
Looking to get a new canopy on my 4.5m Ali savage safari and may be a little Ali targa bar for rod holders that can fold down
Any one out there you fellas can suggest that can do the whole job in house
South of river would be best but will travel
North

Thanks

A little while back I got a very light whiff of fuel from the bilge which I (think I) fixed from replacing the old rubber hose link between the main copper fuel line and fuel tank.

But it also got me thinking about the condition of the bow mounted aluminium fuel tank - which is getting on to 16 yrs old.

So after a pile of swearing and JUST getting the tank out of the cabin by the width of a gnat's cock I was able to check it out.

And I have to say it was worth it.

The tank is very well made from 4-5mm plate ali, but was sitting on a bed of expanding foam which obviously had got wet from condensation / washing cab floor / water in bilge - and had extensive pitting / corrosion over the area that had been on contact with the foam.  I'm talking BIG pits 3mm deep, so a major leak disaster was probably imminent.
From the amount of pitting I wouldn't be surprised if it was found to already have a pinhole-type leak.

So, my question is whether to get another tank made the same - with the bottom glassed to protect from the same thing happening (from reading it looks like most new boats have f/glass-coated tanks ?) or to get one of the oblong poly tanks that could go in the big storage compartment below the floor ?

The way I see it;

Advantages of new Bow mounted tank :

* All filler & fuel line pipe routing stays the same.

* Keeps the Extra 120-odd kg of fuel up the front of the now slightly ass-heavy boat with the new 4-Stroke Suzi

* Leaves existing floor storage space as usable.

The advantages of a poly floor-mounted tank would be :

* Won't offend the neighbours with obscene language when fitting.

* Won't corrode.

* Easy to source (lots of sizes available)

* I could make more use of the big space up front to store some non-variable weight (i.e. won't change as fuel load decreases)

* Probably fit a much bigger tank.

* Toilet options up front

I haven't even looked at comparing prices yet, but guess either option will be within $100-200 of each other - but maybe a duplicate of the old ally tank will be quite expensive as it's a pretty intricate design.
(I might call the guys at Chivers to see if they have a set of old plans)
 

I'm guessing someone else has been the the same situation at some point, so it'd be great if anyone has some words of wisdom.

Is there someone around that does CUSTOM Poly tanks ??  (i.e. get a poly tank made to replace the old ally one)

Thanks,

Dizz.

Gday Fellas,

I am chasing a cheap aluminium bait board and want to know if anyone knows somewhere in Perth where you can get them.

I have found one on ebay (see link below) but I was wondering if anyone had any they could suggest?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Aluminium-Bait-Board-Table-70cm-x-40cm-Nylon-Board-/360452358727?pt=AU_Accessories_Tackle&hash=item53eca28247

Cheers guys

Hi, I have a Haines Signature 600F and am having a lot of problems getting a good reading with my current Furuno 620 and transducer set up. I have tried moving the transom mounted transducer and now have a 600 W inhull transducer sitting in the bilge area which is an improvement but not great.

After doing a lot of research I would like to upgrade to a 1000 Watt unit and think my best option for this boat is to get a thru hull transducer. This involves drilling quite a big hole so I would like to find someone in Perth who has done a few of these and knows what they are doing. Any suggestions welcome, ideally someone in the Northern suburbs but not essential.

Regards Russell

g'day crew,

i've been looking online at plug-in style pedestal seats for my boat.

i'd prefer to buy them local if i can to avoid frieght costs and to make sure i'm getting what i want.

if anyone can point in the right direction that would be great, doesn't really matter where the shop is, anywhere metro is fine.

i'm after something like these:

pedestal http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/Plug-in-Pedestal.html

base http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/Plug-in-Pedestal-Bases.html

seat http://www.chsmith.com.au/Products/Oceansouth-Deluxe-Fold-Down-Seats.html

Hey Fellas,

On my last fishing trip on the way back in I noticed the outboard lose torque twice but it wasn't enough to be a real concern as it kept firing along nicely straight after and didn't worry about it.

Yesterday I went out and did 30nm without it missing a beat, but on the way back in (was running all day) it starting 'hiccuping' and anything over about 15 knots would see it have like mini fits.  One of them was so bad that it started to gurgle and the whole outboard looked like it was about to fall off the back of the boat with shaking etc.  After it stalled it started straight away again and ran for the next half an hour at full WOT with no issues.  Getting closer to home it started again but a lot worse than before, couldn't get over 12 knots and was happening all the time, just cruising and then spit and spurt loss of power and then would keep going again.

The temperature was fine/water etc, split pin and prop all good.  I haven't had a good look at the engine yet as I was more focused on getting back yesterday and have had to 'entertain' since then so haven't been able to check it out.  I took some video on my phone yesterday to try and assist with the diagnosis.  Don't worry about the angle of the video, just listen for the evidence.  Second video is about 30 odd seconds in.

Will be booked in tomorrow (be a few weeks wait) but would be good to get an idea before going in.

https://vimeo.com/49990530

https://vimeo.com/49990047

Any help appreciated,

Adam

Put a three strand thick rope on the front bow(loop over twice ) then run it back to the back of the boat and have about 2mtrs extra then splice on a big S/steel spring clip .This rope can be used for tying up at jetties & launching ,tying your boat to the trailer and Anchoring. With the help of another 2 metre piece of rope with a float on one end and a s/steel clip on the other you can retrieve your anchor from the back of the boat all the time ,all you have to do is clip the bow line to the end of the anchor line and the float clip as well ,drop your anchor from the back of the boat and feed it out (note I keep a 20mtr rope & a 40mtr rope in my boat depending on the depth I am fishing in ) with the float attached to it & the bow line boat will drift back and the float will slowly go to the front of the boat with the anchor  rope &  the float rope attached. TOO retrieve your anchor slowly drive your boat forward the float will pope to the surface drive up alongside your float and retrieve your float & anchor rope from the back of the boat and never having to go to the front of the boat. Float line with clip also acts as a safety thing too, if you need to get off the anchor in a hurry you can power up to the float and only unclip the bow line, leaving the float clipped to the anchor line so you can go back later to retrieve it. Lot safer this way than going to the front of the boat and you stay dry.    
 

 A few weeks back we had some pretty strong and gusty winds associated with two fronts that passed over us on two consecutrive days. A couple of days later I ventured outside and noticed my boat clears had blown out, with stitching ripped and the actual plastic split. I called my insurer (Club Marine) and explained what had happened and that whilst the clears were a bit grotty they had still been water tight and useable for maybe another 12 months. I was half expecting them to say nah, sorry they are too old and we won't cover them, but to my distinct pleasure they had no problem with me getting a new set. I guess after around 50 years of boating and about 20 years with Club Marine without a single claim, they maybe felt pity on me and agreed to cover the cost of replacements less a small excess.

So I rang around and was recommended by a fellow fishwrecked mate Rocky, to give Mel Taylor Trimmers in Wangara a go. Garry at Mel Taylors was awesome, I sent him the pics of the boat as below and he quoted a great price despite it being an insurance job. His costs were well below all the other trimmers I had quote for new clears and biminis. The next day Club Marine approved the work/quote and Garry got me into his workshop the very next day. I thought maybe a week to have it all done, but no.. he took 2 days only and whilst I could have picked the boat up yesterday (another storm) I decided to leave it in his workshop and pick it up this morning.

Very impressed with the end result and the great service. Garry is a top bloke and certainly looked after me, opening the shop up this morning so I could collect the boat.

Below are a few before and after pics, so you can see the difference. Make sure you check out the pics of the strange markings on the canopy, which I have had confirmed as being hail damage. Anyway hope this might be some help to guys thinking that perhaps their clears and bimini aren't covered by insurance. Garry says they have been inundated with insurance claims recently  mainly from the gin palace boats moored at Hillarys. Good to see the insurance companies actually look after you when you need them. Heres to another 50 years without a claim.

BEFORE SHOTS

Hail Damage

Split Seams

AFTER PICS

Front can be separated from the sides so I can take the whole front section off without having to take the sides off if I want to.

I'm looking to buy an electric anchor winch to suit a Haines Hunter 580 breeze with what I would call a small anchor well. I'm tossing up between the stressfree ng (if it will fit) and the lewmar range. Any info like if you are happy with yours, where you bought it, what you would get if you had to buy again etc would be much appreciated. I know there's some other threads on this but my main concern is having the smaller anchor well and what winch suits this problem best.

Hiyas,

I have a load that takes up less than half of the useable space in a 40', do you have anything for the other half?

If yes - then send me a message.

Ta,

till

Hi I have owned a Leeder tomcat now for 2 years and are just in the middle of rebuilding the 5.7L engine, the reason for the rebuild is due to corrosion as sea water has been getting into the engine bay. I have recently found out through a boat mechanic that this boat has had the same problem in the past....... have any other owners had this same problem? Apparently the sea water is getting through the engine hatch, it would be great to chat if anyone has and how you solved it. Also my boat is exhausted through the rear of the boat not the leg due to 5.7L and not the 3.6L and a normal exhaust will not fit in the engine bay but i plan to change this with modifications and was wondering if anyone else has done this in the past as I have been told the 3.6 was under powered but I dont know this for sure has i have always had a 5.7L in there..... If anybody could give me some advice here i would greatly appreciate it

Hi guys,

I want to mark lengths along my anchor rope so I now how much rope I have put out when laying my anchor.

Any tips on how to do this ?

Cheers

So my boss is looking for an Aussie made hull around the 2005 era, cabin boat, fibreglass set up with fishing gear and will handle the seas nicely, all for about 40-ish grand (cheaper the better obviously). We were looking through and found this http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=12287336 but can't find any reviews on it, if anyone could give some info on markham's and in particular the 622 profish I'd really appreciate it.

Cheers guys.

Just a quick question. I want to replace the rollers on the trailer and dont want to have to go to the ramp and launch, would rather do it at home where all my tools are. The boat is only a Quiny 475. Does anyone have any tricks to make life easier for jacking and securiting it while I change them out. Was thinking just a solid peice of timber under the transom area to just take th preassure of the rollers. Haven't done it before so thought I would ask the gurus before I have a crack. 

 Hi guys looking at upgrading my boat soon to something bigger. I'm after anyone's opinions on wellcraft boats specifically the 232,24 and 252 coastals in walk around. I have done a bit of research and have come to find these are a solid boat and a bit above the sea fox/sea pro/ pro line etc. not that there is anything wrong with those makes. If anyone has been on one of these b4 and can offer some good and bad points on them. Looking with either a big single or 2 smaller outboards. Will be used obviously for days out of Perth with the monthly rotto overnight et thrown in as well as Abrholos long weekends and exmouth island trips. 

Any information welcome and thanks in advance for your thoughts. 

Regards Sammy 

Does anyone here use a ctek charger not sure if mine has a fault
When i connect the mains to charger should the top left light be lit up or not?
Mines half lit up but when i connect to battery it goes off but I just can't remember ever seeing it half lit up b4 I connect it

Got a few chips in the gel coat that we need repaired, has anyone had this done before and can give an indication of the costs involved?

Cheers

well it was a beautiful day here in Busselton today, so decided I would go out and drop a line at one of the locally known fish havens

The water was flat as glass, so about full throttle all the way out to the area known as 4 mile, probably cause it's about 4 mile off the beach lol
As I throttled back near where there were two boats, the engine died when it got back to idle

I tried to start it again, but no way would the engine fire. It always starts first pull when cold so thought I would drop a few lines till it cooled down and give it a try again.

It was not my day, it would not start even when cold, not even a thought of it starting, so I dropped anchor.

Now, to add insult to injury, my VHF Marine radio had a flat battery and was useless, so I used my mobile and phoned a friend onshore and requested re inform the local 'search & rescue' that I was out there and may need assistance later in the day, as it was only 11am now.

Recieved a phone call from the Busso Police, and I informed the officer of the situation and advised him I may get a tow back home with one of the boats nearby when they left the area for the Marina.

He said he would phone me in an hour to check on me again 

Stuck a arm up in the air when the closest boat strated to head to the Marina and he offered to tow me back in as he had been watching me trying to restart the outboard.

The Busso Police officer phoned me when I was about half way back to the Marina, and said he would cancel the watch on me.
 

Note to self, get the Raymarine handheld VHF Marine Radio battery checked out, it sits in it's charger all the time it is at home, so battery should be charged?

NOW....

Who would have a clue as to what would stop the 30hp Johnson 2 stroke dead in it's track ??

it has plenty of fuel, so I think it must be lack of spark, but from where is spark 'stopped' ??

Do these things have 'points' like an old fashioned lawn mower 2 stroke engine ??

I've not pulled one apart, but would be reasonably competant at it as I've rebuilt many 4 st engines

I usually send the outboard away for servicing and it has not done too many hours since it's last service, maybe just 20 hrs.

Thanks in advance

(I know I should check the radio battery etc b4 I go out - I'm not as perfect as those who do)

Got the new FCV 627 out for a play today and I'm very happy with it.

Found a school of black jew with it in about 15m that I could not see with my Lowrance elite DSI which is set up next to it.

At the moment it shows a good reading at 15 knots but starts to lose clarity when I go a bit faster, I hope to get a better reading at faster speeds with a bit more adjusting.

I'm just using the basic factory settings at the moment but I'm stoked. I imagine with some tweaking of the settings it would be brilliant.

The sounder pic is as I've drifted of the school but you get the idea.

Cheers Nath

 Just wondering if anyone has a powered trailer mover. I have looked online and there are a few in the us and one here in Perth that costs $1800 which is a bit steep. Maybe someone has built there own. Am just looking at making moving my trailer in and out of the carport a whole lot easier than it is at the moment, there is no way to reverse it in as have a tight drive in a block of townhouses with no room to move to park trailer where I need it. 

 I'm relatively new to boating (3 months in) and was wondering if there is a change towards rougher boating conditions in Summer? I've heard of people talking about screaming easterlies and coming home in heavy chop in the afternoons. I've been monitoring a few sites like seabreeze, willyweather and BOM and all are showing pretty average boating conditions wind wise. Sorry if this seems like a dumb question but I just thought I'd speak to a few of the more experienced boaties on here and find out. Cheers guys!

Hi Lads,

Chasing some advice on upgrading my sounder/fish finder.  My current setup is about 10 years old - a Navman GPS chartplotter (works great), and a Humminbird Wide128 sounder (not so much).  

So Im looking to upgrade the sounder, and have a few questions.

1. Given my chartplotter/GPS works well, am I better off going for a sounder only unit?  I have the Navionics app as a backup GPS also.

2. Im looking currently at the HDS-5X Gen2.  Thoughts?

3. Im guessing I'm going to need to replace the transducer - seems to be a lot of talk about the 1KW options here.  Is this the best way to go?

4.  Any recommendations on somone to install?

Thanks,

Lavs

I know there is a recent thread on this subject but everytime i open it, my internet freezes.  so here is another one.

has anyone bought and used this product and if so, your throughts?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-4-5M-30-SMD-SLIM-WHITE-LED-WATERPROOF-BOAT-CARAVAN-STRIP-LIGHTING-4-5-WATT-/280946506048?pt=Caravan_Parts_Accessories&hash=bin4169b77940

Thanks

Surgeons getting carryed away with cutting tools.Transplant gone well ,cosmetic surgon to do his thing now.                                             

Doctors report ,stable but costly.