vernon

By the way, I sincerely apologize to the OP for distracting from the intent and seriousness of this thread. I didn't set out to make it about me and I'm sorry if that's how it looks. It's too hot to fish and too hot for golf so I guess I've just got too much time on my hands. Again, apologies.

Ahh, I just didn't want to hurt Champ's feelings. You know how sensitive he is. However, I do appreciate a Wildcat that's so diplomatic! If it helps any my previous boat was Chiefs red, white and gold.

Thanks! It definitely is Cowboys silver and blue. The closest it comes to any of my teams might be the Royals but even that's a stretch. Guess I'll have to like it just for being my boat but that's OK! I'd leave it to you in the will but remember I'm being buried in it!

My baby! The best part of getting old! Sorry for the self indulgence. I couldn't help myself!

That's some really good stuff there. Simply having a way to get back in the boat doesn't necessarily mean you will be able to take advantage of it when push comes to shove. Thirty plus years ago I thought the climbing up the outboard method was just fine and it was. Did it all the time. I couldn't do that now with a cattle prod up my behind. Regardless of what kind of ladder/method you choose to use your suggestion that people actually practice getting back in the boat while unable to touch the bottom is priceless. Unless you are willing to put a price on your life I guess. Thanks for deciding to post.

That's the first test that I've passed in a long, long time! Thanks for tossing me a softball!

Man, that's too bad. I hope it can improve with time. I hate whenever we have to settle for "well, it could be worse". I prefer the old Old Milwaukee beer commercials when they said, "Ya know, it just doesn't get any better than this." Hang in there.

Mike That's some pretty profound stuff. I was about 19 or 20 when that song came out and it's actually kind of eerie now to think back on it. Good for you and your kids I say. Reminds me of my brother and I and our parents. We weren't exactly "buddies" with our folks during the formative years but we sure learned things the right way. When the time was right, we were all like the Cleavers. Well, maybe not the Cleavers but I think you know what I mean! Thanks for sharing a great family story (and giving me an ear worm with that song that will now last for days!). I really wish there were more than there are that were just like yours and mine. Oh yeah, wasn't it Harry Chapin that sang that? Although Jim Croce had some great ballads too.

Exactly. I never consciously intended to slow down, spend a few hours less on the water, make fewer casts in a day, spend more time observing and appreciating my surroundings, etc. It just kind of happened. Next thing you know, I'm my dad! I not only look like him, I talk like him, think like him and just flat out act like him. And, I'm about as proud of that as I am anything. I spend way more time trying to help Kathy catch a fish than I do trying to catch em' myself and I know you've said the same about Donna as well as others. I get a charge out of talking to folks on the dock, especially the ones that don't fish much or have much and giving them some pointers and sharing whatever lures that seem to be working for me with them. Since the Ned came on to the scene, I've given away way more of Dave's heads than I could ever lose and gotten way more back in return. You can just tell how excited they are and how much they appreciate the fact that somebody with a big ol' glitter boat (little do they know that the boat's just a cover for not knowing what I'm doing either) would take time to help them out. Apparently, there's a whole lot of fishin' snobs out there that won't give them the time of day and look down their noses at them and make them feel uncomfortable. Heck, I see a lot of them and they make me feel the same way. What's REALLY a kick is taking a few of them for a ride in that big ol' glitter boat! You'd think they were on the Space Shuttle! Really, other than aches and pains, the only thing bad about getting old is what comes next! I always enjoy reading about your perspective on things. Keep the philosophical insights coming!

Fortunately (or maybe not so much), I "out grew" doing much of anything that can even remotely be classified as "hard". And, sadly, that includes many aspects of my fishing! I don't catch much anymore but in exchange I have totally eliminated the aggravation of having to "work" at not catching em'! I'm so bad, I could probably call it a banner day to just sit back in my boat and watch you catch em' off of those docks! Heck, I'd even cheer you on! Well, so long as cheering didn't become too hard anyways. Seriously, it's great to love something so much isn't it?

That is priceless! And, pretty danged accurate I might add!

Yep. I went in twice. Once with my wife and once with my brother. Both times felt very unwelcome. First time browsed around but felt like I was being watched the entire time - like I was a shoplifter. Second time I asked about some specific jig trailers I was looking for and thought I was an extra in Good Fellas. Guy looked at a couple of other guys that were hangin' out (obviously regulars) and they all started laughing like I asked if they could give me directions to the moon. Walked out and never went back. Good riddance I say.

Thank you.

Thanks Champ. We absolutely love it. Was fully prepared to ride off into the sunset with our 2004 520 but decided in March that, what the heck, who wants to be buried in a 12 year old boat? I know that many will rightfully disagree with me (based on their belief's which is fine) but for an old guy like me, the feeling of happiness and satisfaction that comes with that new boat is a bargain at twice the price! No buyer's remorse here. Even though, like you and Donna, we're mostly playing golf this time of the year, I still go out in the garage and drool on it at least once a day! I enjoy just sitting there messing with the electronics or re-spooling reels thinking about September and October. And it WILL look dang good on the way to the cemetery! Thanks again.

Before you go to bragging too much here you must have forgotten that we bought our 2004's just a couple of weeks apart so I also cashed in big time on that ginormous give away as well! I know a great deal when I see one and seldom let them pass me by! In fact, we also got a free extra SS prop from Mercury as I recall. I feel like a multi lotto winner here (just without the millions! )

Yeah, but I bought mine in March before the 2017's came out. They must be quoting you the model year old "clearance" prices! Glad to see another Jayhawk among this den of deranged kitty cats and slimy ol' pigs! Did I really just say that? I started my less than illustrious KU basketball career in the fall of 1971. I don't remember what the ticket prices were as that was a "perk" for us at the time. No new cars, cash payments or total cost of attendance benefits that I can recall. In fact, I thought I was in heaven when they issued me TWO pair of SUEDE Converse All Stars on the first day of practice. Talk about times changing. And in only a "mere" 45 years! People look at me like I'm nuts when I tell them that Allen Fieldhouse had a dirt floor back then (they hosted the Big 8 indoor track and field meet at the time) but that's the truth. Had the raised portable basketball floor with a ten foot high net all the way around it to keep balls from bouncing all over the place during practice. Man, that was a long time ago. Anyways, you might have got a good deal on the Mustangs but now you still need to go out and buy a boat! Too much shopping around for me. I prefer the one stop method. Well worth the additional $69300 if you ask me. Our new Z521 was actually a retirement present to myself so in my mind you've go the right idea. Not to drift too far off here but the new boat is absolutely awesome. It's replaced a 2004 520VX that was pretty dang good too (and unfortunately I still have - never really wanted to be a two boat family but here I am). The prices are ridiculous but I'm pretty sure I said that back in 1980 when I bought my first Ranger too. And again the other eight times I've bought one. It just is what it is. You can play or not I guess. We stopped by the factory a couple of weeks ago ourselves just to say "hi". We were spending my wife's birthday at Bill and Becky's fantastic White River Lodge and got a day of bad weather so took a little road trip over there. I love the smell of fiberglass in the morning! Rock Chalk!

My bad. As per usual you are absolutely right. Not sure what I was thinking. Apparently, the shock of getting two "free" Mustang's deluded my cognitive apparatus. A "brain short circuit" if you will! Had a guy at the dock ask me how much the Mustang's cost. I told him $70000. He had an incredulous look on his face and exclaimed, "WHAT?" I then told him, "It's really not as bad a deal as it sounds. In fact, if you buy the two PFD's for 70K they throw in a Z521 with motor!" I'll be here all week. Be sure and try the veal.

Got my first inflatable this spring and they're awesome. I was too cheap to buy one before but after dropping 70K on a new Ranger in March (did I say "cheap" - talk about a moron), two Mustang's were included in the purchase. Really no excuse not to wear a PFD all the time now. Unless of course you're worried about tan lines! Good luck with shopping.

Thanks Ben. A service like this for free seems pretty exceptional to me and I, for one, greatly appreciate you providing it to all of us. I sincerely hope it becomes a profit generator for you somewhere down the road no matter how you decide to market the concept. So much effort, energy and creativity should be worth something if you ask me. After all, it's not like you're an artist or something! Thanks again.

This is incredible though not surprising to anyone that's been paying attention. Heaven forbid we actually recognize the facts and the truth. Thanks for sharing - I will do the same.

Yeah, I pretty much saw that one comin'. No problem here. I'm not nearly as sensitive as when I was a yoot. Now that don't mean that I'll walk past a good argument though!

Ahh, c'mon! We've been thru this!! Please leave us to suffer in peace for cryin' out loud!

Back in the 70's, I was a city fire fighter for seven years. Like most departments, we worked pretty closely with the local PD. I never had a problem running into a burning building while others were running out. On the other hand however, there was no way I could see myself running into a dark house or building knowing somebody was in there with a gun. Those guys are a different breed. These days, there's not much difference between local law enforcement and the military. Heck, they even have the lack of administrative support, funding, man power and equipment in common. Some may say that Trump's crazy (I'm not one of them) but you can't argue that law and order must be restored at all costs. I'll take over zealous law enforcement (and I don't believe that's what we have now) over anarchy any day. Cops rock. Period.

Just ordered a dozen spoons from them last week on Thursday I think. Order arrived Monday. No problems. Smooth transaction.

I'll give the headphones a shot. Thanks.