Our retirement boat II 2024
jbmaine reply :
Hi all,
I posted some time ago about the search for our retirement boat,
and as everything has been finalized I thought I'd bore you with our journey of where we are at and how we got there.
To recap- My wife and I love being out on the water/fishing. She is disabled and this is about the only thing we can do together outside.
Our current boat is a Lund WC Delux we bought 10 yrs ago, and it has been a great little boat, but the last couple of yrs it has been harder for us to enjoy it.
One of my wife's medications makes her very sensitive to sun and wind burn, and although she has tried hats, scarves' you name it, she is hurting and feeling sick by the end of the day.
As for me, I have back issues and running a tiller drive and using a anchor all day is getting harder for me.
So with the idea I will be retiring in a couple of yrs ( I'm 63 ) we started window shopping for a better boat for us.
We looked at used and new and got quotes on trackers and lunds.
I thought all of this was suddenly moot when last month I developed foot issues that took me out of work, and may very well mean early retirement for me.
However this process got kick started again when My local lund dealer called and offered some great incentives and price reductions if we bought a boat this month.
We had looked at a lot of used boats, and found several that would have worked for me, or her, but not both with out a lot of work, and weren't the best fishing platforms. So we went new.
My wife and I talked it over and decided we would spend the money and go Lund ( it had the best fit form, and finish of any brand we looked at) , and if we didn't we would have to spend more next year, or just give up and sit at home .
So fast forward to today.
Our boat is on order and we couldn't he happier. Our dealer worked very hard to give us every price break and incentive he could and gave us discounts on options we wanted. he will also store it until spring for us at no charge. I can't say enough good things about him.
What did we get?
We got the lund 1625 Fury XL sport with a 50 hp. Mercury and ordered the sun top with it.
With a full windshield and sun top my wife will be out of the sun and wind and I get steering wheel drive and a trolling motor ( no more pulling the anchor all day).
We did not order it with a trolling motor or electronics. This way we have all winter to decide what we want to get ( and look for good deals over the holidays) and our dealer will install it all for us before we pick it up in the spring.
We thought we would feel buyers remorse after doing this ( given our present circumstances ) but surprisingly no, not at all, we can't wait for spring.
Well, thanks for reading this long narrative and don't worry, come spring I'll bore you again with a crap load of pic's.
Jim
PECo reply :
Congrats on the new boat. You're also lucky that your wife enjoys boating with you. Mine rode on each of my first two boats only once and hasn't even set foot on my current boat.
For the ultimate in ease of use, a Minn Kota Ulterra would be a good choice for a trolling motor, because it can deploy and stow itself. However, because you'll need a long shaft, an Ultrex might be better. Although you'd have to deploy and stow it by hand, the mount is strut-assisted and is much, MUCH more robust than the mount for the Ulterra.
jbmaine reply :
On 9/15/2017 at 10:26 PM, PECo said:Congrats on the new boat. You're also lucky that your wife enjoys boating with you. Mine rode on each of my first two boats only once and hasn't even set foot on my current boat.
For the ultimate in ease of use, a Minn Kota Ulterra would be a good choice for a trolling motor, because it can deploy and stow itself. However, because you'll need a long shaft, an Ultrex might be better. Although you'd have to deploy and stow it by hand, the mount is strut-assisted and is much, MUCH more robust than the mount for the Ulterra.
Thanks,
I am lucky, my wife enjoys being on the water just as much as me and I wouldn't head out without her.
The Fury comes with a 12 volt trolling motor system so I've been kinda looking at the Terrova with 55 lb of thrust.
Jim
tcbass reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 12:11 AM, jbmaine said:Thanks,
I am lucky, my wife enjoys being on the water just as much as me and I wouldn't head out without her.
The Fury comes with a 12 volt trolling motor system so I've been kinda looking at the Terrova with 55 lb of thrust.
Jim
I wouldn't get the Terrova.
If you are getting up in age and already have health issues you'll appreciate the auto stow/deploy of the Ulterra. The Terrova can be a hard on your back after a day of stowing and deploying.
I bought the Ulterra to replace my Terrova from Tackle Warehouse with a gift certificate at 10% off and then got 15% off for Memorial Day and another 10% for being a Veteran so my Ulterra was 35% off with free shipping.
Black Friday should have some good sales.
jbmaine reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 2:19 AM, tcbass said:
I wouldn't get the Terrova.
If you are getting up in age and already have health issues you'll appreciate the auto stow/deploy of the Ulterra. The Terrova can be a hard on your back after a day of stowing and deploying.
I bought the Ulterra to replace my Terrova from Tackle Warehouse with a gift certificate at 10% off and then got 15% off for Memorial Day and another 10% for being a Veteran so my Ulterra was 35% off with free shipping.
Black Friday should have some good sales.
I would love the ulterra but my budget is maxed out as is, plus I would give up storage space in order to fit another battery for a 24 volt system. My understanding is the terrova has lift assist so I'm hoping it won't be to bad.
That being said, should we get a windfall between now and spring the Ulterra is tempting.
Thanks
Jim
tcbass reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 5:38 AM, jbmaine said:I would love the ulterra but my budget is maxed out as is, plus I would give up storage space in order to fit another battery for a 24 volt system. My understanding is the terrova has lift assist so I'm hoping it won't be to bad.
That being said, should we get a windfall between now and spring the Ulterra is tempting.
Thanks
Jim
Yep. Keep it in mind. I forgot the new Terrova's have lift assist, my old one didn't.
WRB reply :
Since this is a bass fishing site we think in terms of bass fishing when discussing boats and accessories. I don't recall and think you are a multi species angler, not dedicated to bass fishing. Trolling manual motors are not easy to deploy and stow, especially from a V bottom boat. Electric anchors like Minn Kota 25R may be useful if you are not a bass angler that uses the trolling motor all the time.
Congratulations on your new boat, enjoy many happy years with your wife boating and fishing.
Tom
Further North reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 12:11 AM, jbmaine said:Thanks,
I am lucky, my wife enjoys being on the water just as much as me and I wouldn't head out without her.
The Fury comes with a 12 volt trolling motor system so I've been kinda looking at the Terrova with 55 lb of thrust.
Jim
Jim, congrats on the new boat, you'll love it. Lund makes great boats and it sounds like the one you've picked will fit your needs well...but...
....do yourself a favor, and go to an 80 lb. thrust, 24 volt motor. I ran a 12 volt, 55 lb. thrust Terrova on a boat slightly smaller than yours...and it was frequently down to its last gasp after a day on the water...and it's waaaay under-powered for that LUND, IMO....
I'll bet dollars to donuts You'll be disappointed in a 12 volt trolling motor on that boat, and since your trolling motor impacts how you fish so much more than other electronics...I'd cut back there before I'd go to a 12 volt trolling motor.
Given your age and existing/potential health issues, I'd recommend an 80# thrust Ulterra. I have a 60" version on my boat and it works just great, zero issues with anything at all...the mount and deployment work just fine with no interaction from me.
slonezp reply :
Minn Kota runs mail in rebates every spring for higher end units purchased Jan 1st to May 31st. Generally they equal the thrust of the motor. There are reputable electronics discounters online...and there are not. Universalmania is one of them. Over the years I think I've bought 5 graphs and 2 trolling motors from them and the experience has always been good. I once bought a trolling motor off Amazon and it was a horrible experience and will never do that again.
As far as the boat, congrats, I'm sure you will be very happy. If you choose to go with a bow mount electric steer trolling motor, my recommendation is to avoid the MK Powerdrive like the plague. For tackle storage, walmart has the best prices on Plano 3700 boxes. Lund storage is well thought out and the 3700 boxes will store nicely. When you pick up the boat, make sure the dealer walks you thru EVERYTHING. Mercury has a pretty strict break in procedure. Follow it as well as the maintenance schedule and the boat and motor should give you years of joy.
Further North reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 8:24 AM, slonezp said:If you choose to go with a bow mount electric steer trolling motor, my recommendation is to avoid the MK Powerdrive like the plague.
Oh man...yeah...Powerdrives are awful and should only be considered if there is no way to squeak a little more $$$ in the budget
Russ E reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 8:30 AM, Further North said:Oh man...yeah...Powerdrives are awful and should only be considered if there is no way to squeak a little more $$$ in the budget
My last boat had a power drive when I bought it. After one trip and running into several trees and a dock, I put a cable drive on the boat. Some people like them, but I am used to a cable drive and drive the boat by feel.
You have to constantly look at where the motor is pointed on a power drive.
Further North reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 8:36 AM, Weedwhacker said:My last boat had a power drive when I bought it. After one trip and running into several trees and a dock, I put a cable drive on the boat. Some people like them, but I am used to a cable drive and drive the boat by feel.
You have to constantly look at where the motor is pointed on a power drive.
It's not the electric steer that makes Powerdrives awful...it's other things...the stow and deploy, the foot pedal...
Terrovas, Ulterras and to some extent, Ultrex trolling motors are all electric steer (along with some models from Motor Guide) and they work just fine.
There are trade offs between electric steer and cable steer (fast response vs. set it and forget it, for one) that mostly come down to personal preference. I've had Terrovas and an Ulterra since they came out, and I wouldn't go back to cable steer on a bet...but there are others who feel just as strongly the other way...nobody is wrong...until they start calling the other guy's preference stupid...
Russ E reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 8:42 AM, Further North said:It's not the electric steer that makes Powerdrives awful...it's other things...the stow and deploy, the foot pedal...
Terrovas, Ulterras and to some extent, Ultrex trolling motors are all electric steer (along with some models from Motor Guide) and they work just fine.
There are trade offs between electric steer and cable steer (fast response vs. set it and forget it, for one) that mostly come down to personal preference. I've had Terrovas and an Ulterra since they came out, and I wouldn't go back to cable steer on a bet...but there oare others who feel just as strongly the other way...nobody is wrong...until they start calling the other guy's preference stupid...
I own an Ultrex. It is a power assisted cable drive. depending on how you look at it. either the best or worst of both worlds.
I am not calling anyone stupid for their decision.
the pedal on a true power drive did not work for me. I simply could not drive it well.
Further North reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 8:58 AM, Weedwhacker said:I own an Ultrex. It is a power assisted cable drive. depending on how you look at it. either the best or worst of both worlds.
I think it's pretty close to the best of both worlds...one thing keeping me from making the jump is that I really like the power trim on the Ulterra.
On 9/16/2017 at 8:58 AM, Weedwhacker said:I am not calling anyone stupid for their decision.
I didn't mean to imply that you did...I should have been clearer...it's just something I've seen before.
On 9/16/2017 at 8:58 AM, Weedwhacker said:the pedal on a true power drive did not work for me. I simply could not drive it well.
Yes, the pedal is awful, as is the stow and deploy mechanism. Also...if you add iPilot later...you can't use the pedal any more...
Russ E reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 9:02 AM, Further North said:I think it's pretty close to the best of both worlds...one thing keeping me from making the jump is that I really like the power trim on the Ulterra.
I didn't mean to imply that you did...I should have been clearer...it's just something I've seen before.
Yes, the pedal is awful, as is the stow and deploy mechanism. Also...if you add iPilot later...you can't use the pedal any more...
power trim would make the Ultrex nearly perfect.
With everything they added to the ultrex and it still has the cheesy compression knob of the original power drives to adjust motor height.
slonezp reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 8:58 AM, Weedwhacker said:I own an Ultrex. It is a power assisted cable drive. depending on how you look at it. either the best or worst of both worlds.
I am not calling anyone stupid for their decision.
the pedal on a true power drive did not work for me. I simply could not drive it well.
The only pedal design worse than the Powerdrive V2 is the pedal on the original Powerdrive. I've run the original Powerdrive, the V2 with Ipilot which wasn't too bad because it is hand control only, no foot pedal with the ipilot option, the terrova ipilot, and currently the terrova ipilot link. It's what works for me. I spend time off shore and multispecies fishing. A pedal drive is not optimal for these conditions. I have pondered upgrading to either the Ulterra or Ultrex. Maybe someday...
Russ E reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 9:30 AM, slonezp said:The only pedal design worse than the Powerdrive V2 is the pedal on the original Powerdrive. I've run the original Powerdrive, the V2 with Ipilot which wasn't too bad because it is hand control only, no foot pedal with the ipilot option, the terrova ipilot, and currently the terrova ipilot link. It's what works for me. I spend time off shore and multispecies fishing. A pedal drive is not optimal for these conditions. I have pondered upgrading to either the Ulterra or Ultrex. Maybe someday...
while I love my Ultrex, they are ridiculously priced. Only reason It is on my new boat, is it was either power poles or the Ultrex. With my style of fishing the Ultrex made more sense.
I would suggest not buying a first generation Ultrex. there has been a few issues with them.
I just had a defective position sensor and broken cable replaced. when the sensor went out the motor did not know where it was, and broke the cable in the process.
it was under warranty, but still put the boat out of commission for a week waiting for parts. supposedly the new sensor is more robust.
couldn't run with the remote very well, because it didn't know where it was, and would just keep spinning. there was no over travel stop.
tcbass reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 9:30 AM, slonezp said:The only pedal design worse than the Powerdrive V2 is the pedal on the original Powerdrive. I've run the original Powerdrive, the V2 with Ipilot which wasn't too bad because it is hand control only, no foot pedal with the ipilot option, the terrova ipilot, and currently the terrova ipilot link. It's what works for me. I spend time off shore and multispecies fishing. A pedal drive is not optimal for these conditions. I have pondered upgrading to either the Ulterra or Ultrex. Maybe someday...
I am very short and didn't have a pedal pan/tray that allows the pedal to be flush with the deck with my cable steer, because of this, my foot was always really high putting my leg at an angle all day and at the end of the day my leg ached.
I got a new boat with a pedal tray and still had the same problem, cable steer pedals are just too hard for me to use. I use the two toe directionals on the Ulterras/Terrovas and love them! I never use the footpad.
Something to think about if your older and don't' want to wear out our leg or be off-balance using the pedal.
jbmaine reply :
Thanks for all the replies and kind thoughts and suggestions.
I'll call my dealer tomorrow and see what might be involved in upgrading to a 24 volt system.
We mostly fish for bass, but I am thinking of trying some trolling for lakers and salmon.
Do all of you have onboard chargers or might there be a less expensive way to charge the battery's.
Thanks Jim
slonezp reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 10:34 AM, jbmaine said:Thanks for all the replies and kind thoughts and suggestions.
I'll call my dealer tomorrow and see what might be involved in upgrading to a 24 volt system.
We mostly fish for bass, but I am thinking of trying some trolling for lakers and salmon.
Do all of you have onboard chargers or might there be a less expensive way to charge the battery's.
Thanks Jim
So, I don't know about your fishing habits. I spend 90% of my time on the trolling motor and 10% on the big motor. Skimping on the batteries and charging system is not an option. Get a charger with a bank for each battery. If you decide on 24v, get a 3 bank charger. One bank for the starting battery and one bank for each TM battery. Charge the batteries after each use. The 3 most popular brands I hear bout are Dual Pro, which is what I have. Minn Kota, which I had in my last boat, and Noco Genius.
jbmaine reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 10:44 AM, slonezp said:So, I don't know about your fishing habits. I spend 90% of my time on the trolling motor and 10% on the big motor. Skimping on the batteries and charging system is not an option. Get a charger with a bank for each battery. If you decide on 24v, get a 3 bank charger. One bank for the starting battery and one bank for each TM battery. Charge the batteries after each use. The 3 most popular brands I hear bout are Dual Pro, which is what I have. Minn Kota, which I had in my last boat, and Noco Genius.
Thanks again,
Won't the mercury charge the starting battery?
Hope you don't mind all the questions. This will be my first boat with a trolling motor.
Jim
slonezp reply :
The Mercury will only satisfactorily charge the motor if you are doing long runs. If you figure the starting battery will be used for starting the motor, powering the livewell, the fish finder(s), the radio, any accessory/lighting, you will have a constant drain. If you are running 5 minutes from spot to spot, the alternator isn't doing much.
tcbass reply :
I definitely agree with 3 batteries and a 3 bank charger.
I have 3 batteries and a 2 bank charger, the previous owner skimped on the charger and my runs weren't long enough for the alternator to charge the big motor. I found out when my big motor wouldn't start and I had to take an hour long boat ride back to the launch using the trolling motor. So, I had to buy a separate charger/maintainer for the big motor. What a PITA!
Dual Pro imho are perhaps one of the best chargers but they are expensive.
I'd get a Minn Kota and buy it from Cabelas. I've never had problems with mine but my friend went through 2 and Cabelas just exchanged them rather than him having to send them in for repair.
If you are using your TM 90% of the time spend the money on a 24v Ulterra or Terrova.
A-Jay reply :
The Dual Pro is a solid performer.
I'm also a fan of charging the cranking battery with this unit
A-Jay
jbmaine reply :
Thanks again for the continued advice and counsel,
I talked to my dealer this A.M and was told reconfiguring to a 24 volt system was a minor thing to do, so I'll add this to my game plan. I'm really glad you all recommended this to me, because as I think of this, a boat with a full windshield + sun top will generate a good amount of wind resistance trolling against the wind on a breezy day.
Jim
tcbass reply :
Just watched this video on the new Terrova with lift-assist. Either you have to bend over, unlock it and then lower it or use your foot to unlock while lifting. Same for stowing. It takes a bit of dexterity and flexibility.
If this is your last boat, I'd definitely say spend a little more and get the Ulterra, your back will thank you in the long run.
I used a loan to get my first boat and after I got the loan I modified it to raise the amount and got my first TM, a Terrova. Worth every penny.
Further North reply :
On 9/16/2017 at 10:34 AM, jbmaine said:Do all of you have onboard chargers or might there be a less expensive way to charge the battery's.
Go with the onboard charger. To steal a line from Porsche back in the 80s... "Nothing else even comes close."
tcbass reply :
On 9/17/2017 at 8:48 AM, Further North said:Go with the onboard charger. To steal a line from Porsche back in the 80s... "Nothing else even comes close."
Yeah, having 3 separate chargers that you need to connect each time to charge would suck!
If you have have 3 batteries and a 3 bank charger you just connect 1 plug in and done.
If I was you and could afford a Dual Pro that's what I'd get. If not, Minn Kota. My next boat will have a Dual Pro for sure. I had like a 3 year old battery size 31 and a size 27 two year old battery on my old boat when I got it and that charger charged those two for over 6 years. I think the Dual Pro had a lot to do with their longetivity.
Further North reply :
I run 5 batteries in my boat (3 for 36 volt trolling motor, 1 for cranking/boat electrics, and 1 for electronics).
This pushes me to two chargers (one 4 bank, on single bank), all Minn Kota. Not sure if Dual Pro is any better, kinda hard to put that into perspective when I've never had any issues with the Minn Kotas going back 8 years.
I have both chargers wired into a single plug, back the boat into the garage plug into cord hanging from ceiling...I'm done in less than a minute.
tcbass reply :
On 9/17/2017 at 11:40 AM, Further North said:I run 5 batteries in my boat (3 for 36 volt trolling motor, 1 for cranking/boat electrics, and 1 for electronics).
This pushes me to two chargers (one 4 bank, on single bank), all Minn Kota. Not sure if Dual Pro is any better, kinda hard to put that into perspective when I've never had any issues with the Minn Kotas going back 8 years.
I have both chargers wired into a single plug, back the boat into the garage plug into cord hanging from ceiling...I'm done in less than a minute.
How did you splice the two chargers into 1 plug?
slonezp reply :
On 9/17/2017 at 11:40 AM, Further North said:I run 5 batteries in my boat (3 for 36 volt trolling motor, 1 for cranking/boat electrics, and 1 for electronics).
This pushes me to two chargers (one 4 bank, on single bank), all Minn Kota. Not sure if Dual Pro is any better, kinda hard to put that into perspective when I've never had any issues with the Minn Kotas going back 8 years.
I have both chargers wired into a single plug, back the boat into the garage plug into cord hanging from ceiling...I'm done in less than a minute.
As do I Boat came with a 3 bank and I upgraded from 24v to 36v trolling motor. Added a single bank charger and have both chargers connected to a multi tap extension cord hidden under the front deck.
Further North reply :
On 9/17/2017 at 1:43 PM, tcbass said:
How did you splice the two chargers into 1 plug?
Cut off both plugs, strip the wires from 1 plug and both wires going to the chargers, twist the wires all together, solder, cover with shrink tubing, then wrap with GB Repair (Self sealing silicon) tape: http://www.gardnerbender.com/en/news/repair-tape
Farm and Fleet carries it locally.
I'm probably over the top with all of that...but my connections don't fail...or get wet.
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