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!