A New Woman?

I’ve had the salty urge for a couple of years now. Fishing with Up2Specks just made it that much worse. The Other Woman and I have a great run for the last ten years. But now it’s time for something a bit more versatile. Looked around for months and thought I had found one that would take me where I wanted to go. It was a 1648 in pristine condition. So I was told. First look I had no tape measure but everything was so good I went to the bank. Money in hand and a list of things to check, I went back. It seems that floor shrunk 8” in width over the weekend. Scratch that one.

Next one was basically an aluminum bass boat, an older Lowe brand with a 40. He had taken the carpet out and it was basically a good project boat. Mama told me not to bring a project home and this time I took her advice.

Next one was touted as a 17’ Landau welded boat with a 50 Nissan on the back. Looked great, started easy and built like a truck.....very nice. Hand Phil the end of a 16’ tape measure and I can measure the boat. Wait a minute......it’s supposed to come up short! Long story short, it was 15’ 5”. The money was even right. My deep down feeling was that if it started with a lie it would never be anything good and I walked away from that one too.

Tonite I drove an hour to look at the last one on my list. If this one fell apart I was going to buy a 14’ Jon and keep the other woman. Got a different feel from this guy. Pulled up and walked up to the boat and it was as good or better than the pics. Started right up and peed a strong stream, impeller done last year. No sun rash, and that’s rare in Florida. Solid trailer and the money was right. You know the rest, she’s in the driveway now. A Carolina Skiff 17 with a 40hp Mariner Magnum. No speed demon but I believe it will push it enough for my needs. Some stuff will come over from the other woman but not much. An alarm sounds but it does it from the time the key is turned on so I believe it’s a sensor. Tomorrow will be a day of familiarization, haven’t had a new to me boat in ten years. Here’s a couple of pics, and wish me luck. And look.....room for even more folks! Now I have to see if the Bimini top will work when I fish.

You just broke my heart, you know I have been in love with the other woman for a good while. Don't you sell her to anyone who will mistreat her. I have to say, I could get use to that roomier interior. Con grats on the ride.

Thanks Sam. I was hoping you would see this. Looking forward to some pics of you in the back seat while we’re whackin and stackin!!

Good choice for sure, i think the 40 horse might surprise you on the speed end assuming it’s not loaded heavily.
I thought hard on one of those before buying my Alweld Jon boat, but decided one glass boat might be enough.

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Very nice, congrats!

You probably know the Mariner was a short lived marriage between Mercury and Yamaha. Nothing wrong with that and Yamaha bought out the Mariner brand when they split up. Just a heads up that some parts were Mercury and some Yamaha so once you figure out which is which you have two sources for parts. I bought a 55 HP 2 cylinder Yamaha and was puzzled as to why all the 40s and 50s were 3 cylinder and this had 2. Turns out it was a left over Mariner that was re-branded and sold under the Yamaha cover.
Never had a parts issue because it ran like a scalded dog and never gave me a minute's trouble. In retrospect I wish I had kept that boat. :Doh:

Congratulations...

Skeet- Congrats on the first of two of the happiest days in an anglers life= the purchase! Now you'll have a slight dilemma...fresh or salt, beast coast or best coast.:scratchhead Knowing you it will be an easy decision...NOT!:juggle:banghead Here's hoping it is more than you expected.:cheers2 Hope you get some tutelage on the sunrise coast.
u2s

Looks good Tim...I like it.

Very nice. That will treat you well. Just in time for the fall blitz when everything lifted up.

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Now you will be able to see some of these coming up over ocean. Puts a touch different glow on the skyline. Tussle with a bunch of sharks this morning over there. Got some nice steaks for the grill tomorrow[emoji6]Attachment 352919

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by SeaRay

You probably know the Mariner was a short lived marriage between Mercury and Yamaha. Nothing wrong with that and Yamaha bought out the Mariner brand when they split up. Just a heads up that some parts were Mercury and some Yamaha so once you figure out which is which you have two sources for parts. I bought a 55 HP 2 cylinder Yamaha and was puzzled as to why all the 40s and 50s were 3 cylinder and this had 2. Turns out it was a left over Mariner that was re-branded and sold under the Yamaha cover.
Never had a parts issue because it ran like a scalded dog and never gave me a minute's trouble. In retrospect I wish I had kept that boat. :Doh:

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This one is a four cylinder but has Yamaha fuel fittings. I have a good mercury mechanic close by who’s going to go over it before I get real excited about things. The seller agreed to help share the cost of anything serious was found and this is much different than most of what I’ve owned so far. It also came with a repair manual so I’m not completely in the dark. I wasn’t looking for a powerhouse but something dependable and light weight. If this is in good shape I’ll keep it for a good while. After ten years with the other woman, and seven years with the one before that, you can see I’m not a boat hopper.

Best of luck with the purchase Tim, this will be like riding a bike for you with the new"salt" options, as I know this isn't your 1st rodeo...more experiences, passions, & the best that Florida can offer is at your reach, you won't lose that speck itch though, but rather find more areas that need a scratch, which in the fishing world, is a good problem to have.... as far as maintenance, non-eth/ non-eth/ non-eth & she'll treat you right, now it's time to slime:highfive

Very nice!
I’m partial to a center console.
Now I get to look forward to both salt and fresh water reports


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Nice!

Congrats Tim, here's hoping for many wonderful memories and stories to boot! :ThumbsUp

Regards,
Marv

Congrats on the new to you ride Tim. I can't wait 'til the day when I can make my own announcement of a new boat and getting back on the water again.
We'll be looking forward to hearing more salt and freshwater reports as you widen your horizons and your adventures.

Congrats on the new boat. The Carolina Skiff is a good boat. All composite no wood construction. The floor is completely foam filled, a little rough on the chop like all flat bottom skiffs. But a solid boat .. Hope you enjoy countless hours on the water. [emoji106]

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Congratulations! Sounds like you picked her up from a decent guy. She looks lucky to me.

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Congrats on the new ride, hope to see you out soon !!

Looks like a nice ride Tim. The only problem is now I have to look out for you in a different boat...........

Congrats on the new ride. She looks great. Now I'll have to learn how to spot you in the new boat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Crappieday

Looks like a nice ride Tim. The only problem is now I have to look out for you in a different boat...........

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Or just be in it with me!

When I dropped it off at the doctor yesterday, he recognized it immediately. Connected the battery and trimmed it down to demonstrate the non stop squeal it had when I picked it up. Turned on the key and it went beep. And shut up. There’s a float in the oil tank that only travels a little over an eighth of an inch and when the sit for long periods dry or just get old, they get sticky or saturated and don’t act right. Tech said the movement towing probably bumped it back into play, and they would check it out and let me know. Got a little wood replacement on the rear deck to do. When they cut holes for seat base and cup holder, they didn’t seal the wood. Might even let me do some mods. Looking forward to the call to bring her home.

VERY NICE,


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Tim , just gotta ask. Is this the "New Woman" or the "Other Woman's Girlfriend" or what, wondered if ya had named her yet??

Congrats Tim. We gonna have to change your screen name now?

Hey Tim, Congrads on your your NEW Lady. I hope you cover the floor with Crappie Scales, and Im sure you will. Good Luck

I’m leaning towards “Another Woman” but the jury is still out. I have to tell you all that it’s gonna be tough to cut the other woman loose. I have made and solidified many friendships, seen so many smiling faces, and guided a few first fish to the net in her. She’s much more than a boat, a fishing platform. Another woman has a large set of shoes to fill. I have definitely become attached to her, and whoever winds up with her has nothing to do but personalize and fish. She’s healthy and strong, better hold onto your hat.

With her being legal and a reasonably clear bill of health from the doctors, it was time for a ride. She weighs so much less than the other woman, very different to tow. Dropped in and headed upriver, hard to drift upriver if things don’t go well. But that was a moot point. She fired right up, cleared the slow zone, and off I went. Right up on plane, trim doesn’t matter cuz all she do is porpoise if it trims too high. No nosebleeds here, 32.7 WOT. I ran from Highbanks to Monroe and out into the lake a little, looking for familiar faces and rigs. None seen I checked my fuel and headed back. Having run this far wot I eased back at 25. Runs good, steers a little better, and when I was done I had used about 4 gallons. I’m pleased with her, but with the vertical sides it is a wetter ride. Couple of more fixes and a TM transfer and I’ll be fishing and the other woman will be officially available.

Glad you had a pleasant ride. Nice when things work out for best.

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Cool Tim. Glad you’re happy with it. Can’t wait for a ride in her.


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