"PocoLoco" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 28 Aug 2005 20:02:02 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Bowgus" wrote in message
...
For your consideration ... it's recommended that the anchor chain be at
least
the length of the boat in length ... acts as a shock absorber. And I
really
like my fish finder vs a depth sounder with depth/thermometer/speed (I
don't
really need GPS where I boat) ... it's interesting watching the bottom
roll
by, drop
off etc.

4. No anchor chain. I added 6 feet of galvanized chain rode today.
We
will be anchoring this boat only in the shallows while swimming.
5. No depth sounder. Ordered one on line last night and will receive
it
Monday.

I am very happy with this boat and our decision to purchase it this
late
in the season.

And that's the main thing. I'm sure some people get a good laugh out of
our
old beater, but we have come to really like it. We had an absolutely
great
day in the 1000 Islands last week, and an absolutely great day up at
White
Lake yesterday.





We anchor only when swimming and set it in 5-7 feet of water. I know the
6
feet of chain is overkill for this scenario, even in high winds or
unfavorable seas (we would not be out swimming in those types of
conditions). Your suggestion for having a chain rode at least the length
of
the boat is probably valid for deep water anchoring.

Took the boat out today, leaving in 2 cars as my daughter had to work
later
in the day. Put 13 gallons of gas in the boat at the Wal-Mart station at
$2.33/gallon. We launched at the public dock in Vermilion and were on the
Lake by 10:30. Gas on the river was going for close to $3/gallon...thank
you Wal-Mart.

We pulled the kids on the tube for an hour or so, then ran out to Ruggles
Beach for some swimming (I also waxed the boat...a pretty easy job with a
20
footer). My daughter had to work at 4:30 so we pulled up anchor and
dropped
her and my son off at the public ramp, then took a little river cruise.
It
was close to 90 degrees today so we headed back to Ruggles Beach for some
more swimming. We hooked up with 2 of our friends (one arriving the same
time we did) and spent the rest of the afternoon in the water chilling out
with a few brews.

We headed back to the ramp at 5:30, loaded the boat on the trailer and
headed home.

It was an absolutely beautiful sunny day with just a slight chop on the
water. The boat ran flawlessly. We even saw an American bald eagle. It
just does not get any better than this.

Both my son and daughter got a chance to drive the boat for a bit and both
are looking forward to taking the USCG Power Squadron boating safety class
over the winter so they can take it out on their own next year.

The boat is now sitting in our drive for the next couple of days so I can
install the depth sounder I ordered on Friday.

This is going to be a long, long winter. However, the great memories of
this day will help us survive it. ;-)


Fantastic! And I didn't see one bit of bad news, so the boat must be doing
well.
That's just great!
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Thanks John. It ran better than I thought it would. A nice solid boat with
plenty of power.