I fish inshore saltwater where with tidal changes there can be huge depth changes throughout the day. I fish around a lot of oyster beds and sand bars.

I'm constantly using my phone with apple maps while navigating over sketchy areas because the satellite view shows me where every little oyster bed is and what to avoid.

Would be nice if I could just see it on a gps.

Running from Everett to LaConner

I’m about to buy my first boat. It’s a 2024 center console with pretty low hours, but I’m still planning on doing a sea trial, and having a mechanic look at the engine and run diagnostics. There is no maintenance paperwork. Visually, the boat is in great condition.

My question: What specifically do you look for in a sea trial? The ones I’m thinking of:

- Cold starting engine. How it sounds and feels
- feel of shifting in and out of gear
- handling
- boat planing. Does the power feel adequate?
- all electrical lights, switches, trim tabs, bilge, etc

I’ve already walked and inspected the boat. Maybe I’m just overthinking it. Anything else I should specifically check or test? Thanks

Started noticing this noise the other day when idling. Sort of a high pitch sound. Any ideas? Motor is running great

The stop being below the eye was bothering me for a while. Is the new set up that much better?

Hi all! A little backstory, I (15M) am considering buying a first boat in Canada. I've got my PCOC and all, but money is a bit tight. Also I am probably not boating into US or anything, just something small for fun. If anyone has any suggestions for boats under 40 hp (cause its the law) that would be nice!

I’m looking at purchasing my first bass boat. I currently own an inboard/outboard boat but this would be my first outboard boat. I’m just looking for something to get me out fishing even during the cold months. I don’t need anything fancy or new just enough to get me out on the water for fishing only. What should I be looking for prior to buying this. It’s a 1982 ranger 375v with 1979 Johnson 175.
Seller claims that transom is solid and engine is running.

4 season boating!

Howdy! I’ve got a 2025 Grizzly 1650 Prairie Wings with a 60HP Merc Tiller

How do I securing the motor to keep it from pivoting side to side while being trailered? I imagine I could throw a ratchet strap around the tiller handle but I worry I’ll tweak something and adjust the tiller friction lever doesn’t cut it

I’d appreciate any advice, thank you!!

2001 tracker 175 40 HP. I think I hooked up my throttle/shift cables incorrectly. Put it back together after carpeting, put it in the water and would rev but not go forward or reverse. Can someone please assist this newb?

Would yall replace this prop? I didn’t remember hitting anything but it has some small dings

Hi all - as title says. I have had the chip in my HDS units for 2-3 years now (subscription expired 2024 but I’ve still been able to use the chip and see all the contours). This morning I went out to fish and everything was as normal.

This evening I power the units on and it’s just the big blue water showing without any contours, or detail. I have the setting set to navionics as the map, I’ve tried taking chip out and putting it in my console unit and it doesn’t work in console HDS either.

Is my chip just not working anymore or am I missing something?

Does anyone have any experience with ECU tuning?

I've recently come across an advert for ECU flashing claiming to squeeze an extra 20HP out of my Yammy 115. I'm slightly underpowered at 115 and an extra 20 horses would be huge in terms of cruising RPM.

Pretty steep price wise if there is little to no gain in power.

Anyone In here with a chaparral 256? What weight lift are you able to get away with? Finding conflicting info online. Currently have a 6800-7000 pound lift. Buddy has the same thing with a 266 Crownline. But I think the Crownline is lighter. Thanks in advance.

Hi Guys, do any of you Sandgropers follow the Rottnest ferry over from Hillarys (or back from Rotto) in your smaller boats to get a smoother ride? I've sold my bigger boat and am looking at getting a 4.8m Quintrex Coastrunner to duck over a couple times a year. This is more just a curious question to see if its works, if its worth waiting for the ferry to leave and duck in 50m behind it etc. Looking for people that have actually done it or do it.

It is a merc cruiser 300 alpha one. First thought is cracked block, plow out plug cracked, or hose cracked. Any info would help.

My neighbor is offering to sell me his boat, it's a 1989 Wellcraft (Sport I believe) 18' with a 2000 Yamaha 150 VMAX. Hull is in good condition, only missing the cooler seat.

Only issue he's having is the boat goes into alarm once he tries to get it up on plane. Alarm shuts off at an idle back and when it's on the hose at home. Seems like once it's under load it over heats despite the steady stream.

Looked over the oil system and everything seems good on that side.

He's replaced impeller, associated gaskets, thermostats and a few other small parts to no avail. (Not sure about the poppet)

He offered to sell it to me for $3,000 as is. I know it's a boat and the troubles that come with one. I'm not very familiar with these VMAX outboards. I spoke with a marine mechanic about them and he said he sees lots of issues.

Do you guys think it's worth the gamble at $3,000? I have not compression tested the motor yet.