The Boat I Chose

[HOTSPOT]

I thought I wanted an offshore boat. Upon further examination, we have a lot of friends that like to buy gas for that have nice offshore rigs.

I truly enjoy.....

Cruising

Sand bar hopping

Tubing

Lake fishing, trolling for stripers and crappie fishing

Inshore saltwater fishing for reds, flounder, trout

Outside saltwater trolling for inshore kings, dolphin and Spanish

I wanted.....

Name brand

Reliable power

Good fit and finish

Easy towing

Easy launch and load

Open layout

Ample storage

Creature comforts

I crawled all over a Carolina Skiff 218 Elite Series at Chatlee Marine last Saturday and fell in love. This boat is just pretty. Great layout, nice hardware, good fit and finish.

You that know me, know what motor I choose. YAMAHA F 150 for reasons I need not explain!!!

All I am adding to the base boat is a deluxe T Top and Carolina Blue sides.

Trollnheel and I will pimp her out and post everything we do.

Here is the short list:

1. Add house battery and isolate the house circuit, use the AUX charge lead to power the circuit

2. Fuel water separator

3. Install ShurFlo raw water wash down

4. Install a Garmin 740s

5. Install Standard Horizon Matrix

6. Install Digital 529 antenna and ratchet mount

7. Install stereo with iPod connection and control (have not decided on brand yet)

8. Install MinnKota trolling motor

9. Install Cannon HT downriggers

10. Install Boat Buckle Ratchet tie downs on trailer

That's a good start.

Jim has made recommendations on the electronics. We have not yet picked a stereo and speakers.

Andy recommend I get the Command Link gages. Looking in to it.

More to come!

Edited August 24, 2010 by HOTSPOT

[welder]

Spot, this sounds like a ball O fun and I can't wait to see the pictures. Tell Ralph NO BEER till the job is done every day.

[HOTSPOT]

You got it Les!!

[wiley]

Can't wait!

Ton of great things about to happen here on ReelBoating. Your posts being one of them.

Also, the integrated video system (ReelBoating.TV) should be complete by next week. Uploading samples right now.

[AJG]

Can't wait to see pics and progress on your new ride

[Trollnheel]

You didn't say anything about Capt Morgan...

[welder]

Nope, but you have to share the Morgan with Pops.

[HOTSPOT]

Okay gang.

The boat will be here within the next two weeks.

One change.........don't kill me Andy........she will have a Suzuki 150 Four Stroke.

Made me a deal I could not refuse. Better warranty and a factory rebate deal that netted me a $1k savings over the Yamaha F150.

I have a lot of friends that have Suzukis and have had great service from them, so we will see.

I am in process of pricing out electronics now, will post my decisions over the next several days.

[Overcurrent]

Looks like you're doing it right, Spot. Only thing I might have done differently would have been a Morad HD156 instead of the Digital 529, but they're both great antennas (I seem to have better luck with stainless antennas over fiberglass).

That CS will be the perfect rig for Bogue.

Edited August 19, 2010 by Overcurrent

[SCAngler]

good luck on the new boat Hotspot! can't wait to see the pics. The Suzuki 150 is a good engine and should serve you well