fine-tuning the machine

Well, spent some time today helping Matt modernize his 680tiller that he picked up last week.  This is a very nice boat, in excellent condition!  The rig had the original Johnson 12v trolling motor on the bow, and today we turned it into a 24v system and added the necessary batteries and MK315 onboard charger.  We then strapped a new Minn Kota PD70V2 on the bow.  Pics above show the empty battery compartment below the driver seat, then what it looked like after we put 2 new batteries and the charger in there.  We also did a full check of the entire electrical system and found that the livewell pump was not working.  Even back in 1987 Ranger had the sense to make a removable piece in the back of the boat to give access to all three pumps.  Simple enough, we put a new pump in and he's ready to go! 

There's a few other things that will be added or replaced on this rig, and I'm sure more of it will be showing up in the blogs to come. I'm really excited for Matt, and I know that if he isn't already one of us, he will be after he spends a few hours on the water in this beautiful boat!

Until next time...

De-Winterize!

I don't really keep track of it, but I'm pretty sure March 20th is the earliest I've ever pulled the tiller chariot out and put her in the water.  Weather was beautiful, pretty gusty winds but all in all a great day to get the 680 in shape for a long (hopefully) season. 

Of course, as it always is with boats it didn't go as smooth as I imagined it!  I was ready to go at 9:30 a.m.  Hit the trim button on the Merc so I could put the transom saver on and nothing happened!  Battery tester wouldn't even register a charge.  When I pulled the cranking battery out I was reminded of the quick wire job I did on the Lowrance 6600c last summer so I could get it mounted and running before a weekend trip to chase muskies.  Well, as long as I got the battery out I might as well rewire and tidy up the mess in the battery compartment.  Off to NAPA for a new battery...

At 1:30 I headed down the driveway, 680 in tow and with my netman Mike ready to meet me at the ramp.  We did some trolling, and a little casting but without success.  Amazing how many other people had the thought to get the boat out on Sunday!  It felt great to be in the cockpit though, and this season should be a good one!