Bass & Walleye Boats articles from February 2007

Bass & Walleye Boats archives from February 2007

New name, new layout, new editor.(HOLESHOT)
February 1, 2007... Welcome to your magazine, BWB (the magazine formerly known as Bass & Walleye Boats). While we've updated the name and redesigned the layout of the pages, the content will continue to be the hard-core information you're accustomed to. In...

Out of range?(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... The 2006 Princecraft 196 GL test in the October 2006 issue ("Bring It On!") may have an error in the fuel range. If the boat holds 60 gallons as stated and you calculated the range based on 90 percent (54 gallons), then the range at 3500 rpm...

A matter of focus?(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... This is in reference to the letter from Ronald Milisci in the December 2006 issue ("Bass, Walleye & Bay") regarding the coverage of bay boats in your magazine. I currently own a copy of every single BWB magazine ever printed. I've been with you...

Let's get to fixin'.(BACKWASH)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... First, let me thank former editor Steve Quinlan for his hard work. I wish him great success with his new adventure. Until recently I was a dealer consultant, part of a support group designed to help increase sales, in the powertrain group...

Correction.(Correction notice)
February 1, 2007... In our annual Top Guns issue (December 2006) we listed the price of the Champion 200 Elite with a Mercury 225 Pro XS as $30,277. The price is $47,360. We apologize for the error.

Coneheads catch more fish!(Transducers)
February 1, 2007... Have you ever wished for a control that could dial up a wider transducer cone angle while you search for fish, and then dial it down to a narrow beam that would pinpoint the exact location of the critters you find? Well, you already have one....

Tough to criticize.(bass and walleye rigs)(Column)
February 1, 2007... I've been hoping for the time I could finally write a column about the day I tested a half-dozen new bass and walleye rigs and did not find any real fault with any of them. Recently, I experienced the pleasure of doing just that. We gathered on...

An American beauty: Toyota's all-new Tundra pickup is one impressive tow vehicle.(FAST LANE)
February 1, 2007... Back in 1993, Toyota rolled out a brand-new pickup called the T100. It was Toyota's first attempt to compete against Ford, Dodge, GMC and Chevrolet's full-size trucks. The T100 was a flop in that regard; it wasn't big enough or powerful enough...

Outcast the competition.(TACKLE TESTED)
February 1, 2007... Bass anglers are always looking for a competitive edge. One of the most important advantages an angler can have is the ability to cast lures with distance and accuracy. That's where this new column takes you, to a comparison of a...

EPA to study condition of nation's lakes.(AROUND THE DOCK)
February 1, 2007... This year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will begin a three-year study to assess the current conditions of lakes across the country. The EPA's goal with its "Survey of the Nation's Lakes" is to determine the ecology of the lakes and...

Skeeter donates "Boat Load of Toys".(AROUND THE DOCK)
February 1, 2007... Skeeter Boats rejoiced in the holiday spirit this past December when the company donated more than $3,000 in new toys to several local charities through the company's "Boat Load of Toys" program. More than 300 toys, which had been collected...

Web watch: boat buying resources help you navigate your way.(AROUND THE DOCK)
February 1, 2007... Are you thinking of buying a new or used boat this year? There are a number of resources that can inform and educate, such as BoatU.S.'s "Guide to Buying and Selling a Boat," available online at BoatUS.com/guide. The 34-page guide explains what...

Tohatsu moves to larger headquarters.(AROUND THE DOCK)
February 1, 2007... The distributor of Tohatsu and Nissan Marine outboard engines has relocated to a new headquarters facility to accommodate for growth the company has experienced within the past few years, as well as plan for its projected growth. Tohatsu...

Reader survey.(AROUND THE DOCK)
February 1, 2007... How many times do you fish in your boat each year? a) Fewer than 12 b) 12 to 24 c) More than 24 Go to BWBmag.com and click on Survey Section. We will report the results in an upcoming issue.

Electronic specialities' MagLead: this unique test-lead set fits most digital and analog multimeters.
February 1, 2007... Electrical problems are the most common type of malady in a majority of boats and outboard engines, especially in saltwater environments. Having the right tools and the knowledge of electrical circuits go a long way in efficient troubleshooting...

Humminbird's SmartCast sonar units let you cast a transducer where you want to scan.(ELECTRONICS TEST)
February 1, 2007... Humminbird's unique SmartCast systems have become more versatile with each generation since we covered their introduction in 2003. Our RF25 test unit ($130) combined a small rod-mounted display with a wireless transducer that senses both depth...

New prop for kickers increases performance.(FINDERS KEEPERS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Rascal aluminum propellers, available in 11- and 13-inch pitches, are specially designed to improve performance in outboards with a 2 1/2-inch gearcase in the 9.9- to 15-hp range. The Rascal props, from Turning Point Propellers...

Ratchet-fastening cover provides a custom fit.(Guardian)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The Guardian boat cover from DOWCO (800/558-7755; dowco-inc.com) contains a ratchet-fastening system that provides a secure fit on your boat while protecting it from the elements. The cover's Clima-Shield Plus fabric, which is water repellent...

New Marine seat designed with shock-control technology.(FINDERS KEEPERS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Riding to those far-away places where the fish bite best is a lot more comfortable in a Reflex seat from Tempress Products (214/678-9400; tempress.com). Two levels of shock absorption on the Tempress keep your back ache-free. The seating...

Super professional; ProCraft's 200 Super Pro SC: one sweet ride.(Cover story)
February 1, 2007... When I hit the calm waters of southern Missouri's Table Rock Lake with ProCraft's 200 Super Pro SC, I had no idea I was in for such a nice ride. It isn't the fastest or the quickest on the lake--it never will be. However, it provides a great...

Repair rebuild or replace: engine repairs can be costly, but you can reduce the dollars required by knowing what parts to salvage and re-use.
February 1, 2007... You're flying down the lake and the engine is running better than ever. (Engines often run best just before they quit.) Soon, that sharp staccato exhaust is mixed with a gentle knocking sound that gets progressively louder, and your boat begins...

Anchor away: anchor systems for walleye boats.
February 1, 2007... A good hour into the boat ride across a bumpy Canadian Shield lake and up the tannin-stained river that fed the famous walleye fishing grounds, my guide relaxed his grip on the tiller and allowed the outboard to slow just enough to hold the...

Skeeter's bay boat bonus: versatile Skeeter ZX22V centers on fishing for all species.
February 1, 2007... I think we caught everything but a walleye today!" exclaimed regional Skeeter sales rep Paul Rossi as anglers compared notes next to a cleaning table brimming with fish. While the final team of tired anglers straggled in, dumped their...

Custom colors: powdercoat your jackplate (and other components) for some added show with your go.
February 1, 2007... When it comes to color coordinating accessories, bass and walleye anglers usually aren't overly concerned. True, there are high-end bass boats on the market that come with matching powdercoated instrument bezels, grab rails and cup holders as...

Multispecies multipurpose: Ranger's 619 VS dual console is a versatile design that's perfect for big-water fishing or family outings.
February 1, 2007... Ranger Boats has a well-deserved reputation for building quality bass boats, but that isn't all the company does. It also makes quite a multispecies boat that is often undeservedly overlooked. We recently had the opportunity to try Ranger's...

Blasting off: Honda's new 90 and 75 hp four-strokes are tailor-made for anglers.
February 1, 2007... Need a smooth-running and punchy midsize mill that's as good at the top end as it is poking along at trolling speed? If you do, Honda's new four-strokes fit the bill and would be a welcome addition to the back of any boat. Quiet and torquey,...

Out board Buyer's Guide: technological advances and more efficient power define the current state of outboards.(Buyers guide)
February 1, 2007... There's nothing more important to BWB readers than power--and lots of it in most cases. Bass anglers want torque and high-end speed. Walleye anglers need both power and control, usually in the form of two separate engines. Our guide offers a...

Hole in the head.(SHOP TALK)
February 1, 2007... I have a Ranger 158 with a Mercury 40. The boat and engine have been well cared for throughout the years and have never given me any problems. The last time out, the engine began to miss badly. Upon inspection, I found that the top sparkplug...

Time for service?(SHOP TALK)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... My Evinrude E-Tec 90 is coming up on three years of age, and while it runs fine now, should I take it in for service even though I don't know how much time is on the engine? The advertisements say it does not need service for three years or 200...

The spark is gone.(SHOP TALK)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... I have a 1957 Evinrude 35-hp Lark that won't start. There's no spark. I've replaced points and condensers, and the coils checked out OK. The wiring is properly routed and appears to be in good condition. I've cleaned all the contacts. Do you...

Exhaust tube full of carbon.(SHOP TALK)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Several years ago you had an article about keeping a Ficht motor tuned up ("Fact and Fichtion," August 2000) and I use that as a guide along with the service manual on my 2001 Evinrude 225. The problem I'm having is the exhaust tube--it's...

Sluggish performance.(SHOP TALK)
February 1, 2007... I have a shallow creek behind my home, and last year I bought an aluminum jonboat with a 60-hp jet outboard. Last year the boat ran well, but lately I've noticed that I'm losing some of the original performance. The engine still runs well, and...

Seat time in new seats.(SHOP TALK)
February 1, 2007... I just picked up a copy of BWB at my dentist's office and was so impressed that I immediately mailed my subscription form. I think I'm really going to enjoy this magazine. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I have a question you might be able to...

Ask the experts.(SHOP TALK)
February 1, 2007... Got a tough question you need answered? Write it down and send it to our panel of experts here at BWB. Write to us at 20700 Belshaw Ave., Carson, CA 90746, or e-mail us at dkodama@ehlertpublishing.com. Please include your full name, address and...

A speeding Bullet.(HOT RIGS)
February 1, 2007... E.J. Millet Jr., loves to go fast in his boat. The Louisiana resident also catches plenty of bass in his Bullet 20 XDC. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This 2006 model isn't Millet's first Bullet. He owned a...

Out the door.(A JONES FOR BOATS)
February 1, 2007... I don't often compare boat dealers to car dealers because I like to think that the marine industry still has a soul. While it certainly isn't true in all cases, people who sell boats generally are closer to being one of us than anyone in a...