yowoodchuck

I had the chance to make the jump to lithium on my new (used) boat. Having bought a NOCO charger that will allow each bank to be open cell or AGM or Lithium. Looked at it a long time, saw stories of meltdowns and fires from lithium batts--but of course, with improper handling while charging, you can blow the top off a lead acid battery. So I settled on 3 new AGM batteries. A matched pair for the 24 volt trolling motor and a big delco/gm AGM car battery for $ 165 that will start anything. Total cost on the 3 batts was under $500. HOWEVER they are heavy--total weight for the three was 218 pounds. Since they went into a pontoon boat--it really did not matter. If you are going for lithium (at roughly 1/2 the weight)--do not go cheap, things can happen.

Looks like a very good deal...I had that trolling motor on my deep V walleye boat for years. Selling boats now, trying to get down to 3, but if the neighbors are interested, I'll get back to you.

Found a 2015 G3 20ft set up for fishing in great shape, with great trailer and a 2005 Yamaha 60 horse 4-stroke. All looks good, 84 total hours on the engine. I'm hoping to have the engine last till 2035, so Wrench can take me out on the town! Oh wait, 2035? Maybe we can get a meal at the nursing home together. I'm thinking the one in Forsyth with the dock on Taney right by the dam. 😎

Understood, If I were to go any faster, I might spill my cocktail!

Thanks wrench--your insights are valuable, how much does Phil pay you to provide such knowledge to all on the forum?😎

What do people think of 40 H P Mercury oil injected motor...I'm still waiting to get a year on the engine...might buy the pontoon that it is attached to. Are these at all like the Johnson VRO units that were best removed? Can it be trusted? Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Nice looking boat...the path not taken...If, if, if...but no. It can't be for me. But what a great boat for the White river!!!!

Yes--thanks for the very kind offer, nice website.

Carl--The boat is in Huntsville, Mo. Inside our Barn-house under roof. We are about 15 mins to Thomas Hill Lake. If I knew in advance, I could tow over there for an on the water trial.

I checked with the LMVP water testing site and in fact, no one is doing testing of Pomme within the program anymore---a perfect opportunity for someone at Pomme to sign up and volunteer! Stockton used to have 3 sites in the program---at the dam, at the 245 bridge and Aldrige. But Volunteer testing stopped in 2020. https://www.lmvp.org/Lakes/Stockton/stockton.htm The data is not real time, in fact it is compiled and made public once a year, so we are a year behind...however the long term trends over many years show where things are going. I urge all interested in water quality to root around on the site--you will find a lot of good data. In the case of Stockton, the date goes back to 2001. (cue kettle drums!) But the program is looking for volunteers. My wife and I have done water testing at our lake for 22 years. It takes 3-4 hours, 8 to 10 times a year. It is worthwhile.

I'm afraid we are looking at the future here. As water temps rise earlier in the year and row crop runoff hits our waterways--these toxic "algae" will be the result. Take it seriously, relatively low concentrations of the resulting microcystin toxins can kill a dog after a brief swim and drink. We test our lake 8-10 times a year for clarity, nutrients and microcytin and cylindrospermopsin toxins. For more science based information on Missouri lakes, check out the Lakes Of Missouri Volunteer Program online at http://www.lmvp.org/. Many of Missouri's lakes are tested and monitored by volunteers working with this University of Missouri program. The data for each lake is posted and available to everyone. Check out your fishing lakes!

additional pics added!

Thanks for your input on this, perhaps I will expand my search to consider a later model 2 stroke 25 horse....that will be tough to find with power tilt. But not having much luck on finding any 18 ft pontoon in good enough condition that I don't have to strip it and rebuild the interior.

Fishinwrench--I get it. My current multispieces fishing boat has a 70 horse Johnson that is truly bulletproof (it does eat gas though). BUT as a slow power troller from way back, I get tired of inhaling the smoke. However at 33 years old--it will still start and run all day. Like all things built in America 30 or so years ago, it is built with good steel, good castings, precise gear machining, and all that stuff. I really just want a 20-25 horse yamaha 4 stroke for my lake boat-which will never go to Canada or Stockton-- to slow cruise with cocktails. I've even thought of an electric motor--but have no real power at my dock, which is 900 yards away from real available AC power, and the hill is covered in rocky soil...so no easy trenching. In many areas, people still covet those 2-stroke Yamahas for the weight/power ratio and easy repair...and the smaller 2-stroke are also preferred by the sailboaters. All that said, who do you think is making the best 4 stroke 20-30 horse engines now? Will they last? Will anything last longer than I will?🌼🌼🌼 We could get all existential on this.

Will do--the main floor was replaced with 6 or 8 ply marine plywood, then covered with nubby vinyl and is good, BUT the rest (including the bow deck is original carpet...not so good, but not bad...I will shoot interior pics tomorrow after work and add to the post. Thanks for the suggestion

In my quest to get down to 3 boats, I'm looking to buy a 16 to 18 foot clean pontoon boat with a 20 to 30 horse 4-stroke suitable for cocktail cruising and bass fishing on a 350 acre lake. I would not like a project boat, but a ready to go boat. I have a 24 volt trolling motor for it. Need trailer also Will pay fair price in cash and bonus smoked salmon. Thanks in advance for any good leads.

SOLD...This boat is a 1989, but in good condition. A deep V set up for multiple species fishing--all garaged since I bought it. Butt seat, and three other seats, with a spot for a 5th seat. Hull has dings and scratches, but is sound. Built-in front live well, 12 Gallon gas tank, Sony radio w/cassette, 2 speakers, and 25 watt VHS Marine Band radio with antenna. 1989 70 horse 2-stroke Johnson that has been well maintained. VRO unit removed and you premix oil/gas at 50 to 1. It runs great, and will push the boat at 6000 rpm--34 to 39 MPH. Has stainless steel prop, spare prop and trolling plate for slow power trolling. Unknown engine hours. Power tilt and trim. Motor Guide Pro Series long shaft, 12 volt, 54 pound thrust foot controlled trolling motor (like New) with spare prop. Lowrance Hook 7 fish finder with GPS mapping for US and Canada (in excellent condition with upgrade map card). Noco Genius 5x2 onboard 2 bank charger that has separate setting for each bank--can be lead/acid, AGM or Lithium 1--12 volt lead acid starter battery 1--BIG Group 30, 110 amp hour AGM battery for trolling motor Trailer--1978 Rolco, with good tires and new spare, LED rear lights that work. Misc.--Custom sunbrella travel rated cover (needs minor repair-darn the mouse!), 6 built in rod holder mounts, 2 rod holders, 2 life vests, owners and factory service manual for engine, spare water pump impeller. Ready for Stockton, Bull Shoals or Canada! Cash only, only for in-person sale. TITLES IN HAND Please E-Mail to set up a viewing. $ 4500 or best offer.

Much appreciated, Glad I'm not there today....a friend got blown off the water and is wondering if his airstream will flip over! I think he is being a bit dramatic. I think we'll assess the winds tomorrow and maybe drag the boat (17.5 Sea nymph) to Greenfield or Aldrich. Monday will be easier.

Keep me posted....much appreciated!

Any reports that might be helpful. Hoping for biting smallmouth and maybe walleyes...probably fishing mostly north end. Should I just punt that and go way uplake? I'm actually worried the wind will blow us out of the bigger water and well just have to tow to somewhere out of the wind. Or just go get more beer. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

A perfect spot to take your buddy. Good on you for taking him. We will all need someone to take us sooner or later.

JDmidwest is correct. The keel has a built in roller that makes the kayak easy to move down a ramp or out a dock walkway.

sold Emotion Stealth 11 Kayak in good shape-(better than my knees 🦵), complete with rod-holder, anchor, paddle and life vest. Paddles well, has built in stern roller, plenty of room for tackle, cooler, and a couple rods. A nice rig, ready to fish! I am uncertain as to date of manufacture, 2016 or 2017. Paring down, trying to get from 8 boats to 3. Cash only. Moberly area, but could haul to Columbia or St. Louis if someone is serious. Contact me via message if you are interested. Thanks.

Thanks to all responders, the more I look at the beast, the more I like it. Now with new double wheel Jack on the trailer, I'm ready to load up the boat and tow. Thinking Stockton, will report back on torsion after that tow.

Thanks...I'll give it a real inspection today.