Boats
How do I control the depth of the lure without the use of a downrigger?
Dipsy divers help push the lure down to greater depths faster. Many reels out there have line counters, letting the angler know the amount of line out in the water.The choice of the lure affects depth as well. The body shape and weight of the bait alters swimming patterns. Typically, the bigger the lip on the nose of the lure, the deeper the bait will go.
How often should I bring my outboard motor in for a tune up?
Recommended twice a year. Once in the fall to get properly winterized which includes changing the gear case oil, adding fuel stabilizer and fogging the engine (if applicable), the other being the spring and would include cleaning or changing the spark plugs, changing fuel filters or water separators (if applicable) starting up the motor and fine tuning the idle (if applicable). Any time your engine spurts, sputters, beeps or just doesn't feel right, it's a good idea to get it looked at.
How do I properly apply paint to my aluminum boat?
Painting directly to aluminum does not work, so there are several steps to follow before getting to the painting stage. First, strip the hull of all old paint and sand with 180 grit paper. Then wash the hull with soap and water before using grease and wax remover, such as enamel or lacquer thinner, to wipe it down with. Take a tack rag to wipe all the dust off the hull. Next you must spray on a conversion coat called vinyl wash primer. Once that coat is dry, spray on two coats of epoxy primer. Wipe off remaining dust and apply the paint, preferably concept paint.
What size kicker motor is recommended for trolling in the Great Lakes for a boat about 23 feet in length?
9.9hp would be a good-sized motor for the Great Lakes, just because you'll have the power to battle the wind and waves to keep you trolling straight.
What color paint should I use for the bottom of my boat?
A light gray or dove gray color would be best. If you think of a fish looking up they always will see the sky as a light color, so it's best the bottom of your boat blends in. Even at dark the sky would look as a light background. When you go night fishing for top water fish, use a dark bottom lure so they can pick it out from the lighter background.
What kind of oil do I mix with the gas for a 4-stroke boat motor?
You do not need to mix oil in your gas when you have a four-stroke motor.
I have a crack in the hull of my boat, is there any way to fix it so that it will hold without removing the floor and floatation?
If you want it fixed and fixed right, you have to remove the foam and weld it.This will make the boat safe again and worth something. Other methods would just be towards a part time fix. Be sure to clean all the foam out before you begin to weld as it is highly probable the foam will burn.
What would be the best boat and motor combination for fishing on bigger-sized lakes?
The best option would be a tall-sided aluminum boat around 20 feet in length.The aluminum boats are like a float on the water, respond very quickly in rough water, and are quick to jump back to speed in large waves. Combine that with a motor of about 250 hp.
I have a leak in my boat, but I don't know where it's coming from. How do I find it?
The simplest way to find a leak is go from it backwards. With the boat sitting on its trailer, put the plug in and start filling the hull up with water to floor level. Pay attention for where the water starts to leak out. If still no visible leak, it may be in the line of a livewell pump.
