Kevin Van Dam Forums

Camo Wraps for Boats - Camo4u Fishouflage

2012-03-19T14:45:46Z

Has anyone wrapped their boat or truck with Fishouflage like this:

http://www.camo4u.com

I like their bass camo and their crappie camo….

Motor long enough???

2013-05-08T10:46:05Z

Below is a link to my build on my jon boat. Im just curious if you think Im good with my motor or need a longer one? Pics are near that bottom. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w546/TheOutdoorsman25/1jonmotor2_zps384db1e4.jpg

2013 Boat Upgrade Complete

2013-04-03T09:55:11Z

Well every year I do a major upgrade to keep my 2008 Ranger 620 up to date. This keeeps me from wanting (not NEEDING but WANTING) a new boat. A friend recommended this and it does seem to work to keep away the urge to buy a new rig .
This year I had considered the Lowrance Sonic hub, and a couple other moves. I decided against them all at the decision point.

So this year’s upgrade is…......
Today I took delivery of my new Lowrance HDS 10 Gen 2, and my new Lowrance HDS-5 Gen2, along with the Lowrance 4000 antenna. I figured what the heck…“let’s upgrade the electronics on this thing !!” The boxes are sitting here in my office waiting for the rig to come out of storage. I sold my HDS8 Gen 1 in a day on Craigs List.
The HDS 10 will go at the console on a Ram….and the 5 will be flush mounted in the panel up at the bow.
Now just need to get rid of the SNOW !! Cannot wait to run these new units.

Hard Water Spots on boat and motor

2013-05-05T11:55:32Z

Hi all, I’ve been using a solution of vinegar and water 50/50 to get the water spots off my boat and motor. It seems to work ok if I get right at it but if I wait a day or two, it doesn’t work so well. I’m open to ideas, what does everybody use? Any new products out there?

Trailer Tires

2013-01-27T11:47:56Z

As I mentioned before, each year I make a couple improvements to my rig. This year, a new front GPS/Finder…and I am also putting 4 brand new tires on my trailer. The existing ones still have tons of tread but they are 5+ years old (not sure how long they were in inventory before being put on at the factory) and I have read that’s close to max service life on a tire.
There has been a lot of talk recently about all the Goodyear Marathons being made in China for the last couple years, but in talking to some engineering guys at Goodyear, they say this is no longer true. They said there were too many quality issues and production was quickly brought back here. In speaking to a Goodyear dealer, he indicated that he can get me US made Marathons.

My trailer is a tandem for a Ranger 620 Fisherman. Does anyone else run a heavy boat that has had good luck with any other brand ? I’d be interested to know.

Got a new trailer

2013-02-21T18:27:15Z

After a few years of driving around with an ugly and falling apart home-made trailer - I bought a brand new trailer from a local boating shop.

So now I have a 50+ year old boat (1960) and a brand new (2013) trailer. Fits like a glove in the small garage - can’t wait to launch from it!!!!!!

10 gauge wire for my trolling motor?

2012-05-20T00:29:12Z

Hi guys
I’m new to installing a bowmount trolling motor.
I purchased a Tracker grizzly 14 foot jonboat and bought a minn kota edge 45 pound thrust motor 12 volt.
I went to the marine store and purchased a side mount plug in kit for the motor.

The plugs came with 6 inches of 10 gauge wire already installed with crimps on the ends.
The marine store clerk asked me how many feet of wire I plan to run from the plug to the battery.

I told him I measured just over 5 1 /2 feet , so he said that’s around an 11 foot run.
He cut two lengths of 6 feet positive and negative and said that would be fine.

My question is will this be okay or should I go to 8 gauge wire ?

The trolling motor has 8 gauge coming from the foot control but the plugs came with 10 gauge.
Thanks
Jim

Also forgot to add
I’m also bought and plan to install the minn kota 60 amp breaker next to the battery.

Boat Storage Options

2013-01-13T16:23:45Z

I just bought my first boat (Basstracker Pro Crappie 175) and i’m deciding how to organize my tackle in it instead of using my bulky tackle bag. I already have an Alabama Rig tackle container and a spinnerbait organizer. Does anyone know of any other types of specific tackle storage options for different types of baits?
Thanks

A few winterizing questions…

2012-10-28T22:05:11Z

Sadly have to store my boat for the season. Had it winterized at the shop, but had a few follow-up questions. It will be kept in my unheated garage…

1. I have a transom saver, so I can leave the motor raised, right? Keeping it raised gibes me a bit more clearance lengthwise…

2. The batteries were load tested and levels checked, both were fine. I have a BPS on-board charger with a maintainence feature. Can I leave them in the boat with the charger hooked up? I don’t have a good place to store them, so the boat would be best

3. I’m going to get some glue traps to put near the tires and some tupperware with mothballs for the compartments to keep the mice out…any other ideas?

4. Since its in the garage, and my garage was just re-roofed, there’s no reason to get a cover, right?

Thanks!

First bass boat

2012-10-20T00:24:30Z

Just purchased a friends 1981 18’ Skeeter bass boat w/a Mercury 150 as my first bass boat. Figured I neede a boat that I could practice with and not be afraid to get some dings on it. Just wondering what kind of tips any experienced owners might have when it comes to the actual driving and operation of a bass boat.