Priority1

Jim, CONGRATS.:thumb:

One thing these marine engines have going for them to help keep the oil cool is a 140 degree T.Stat. I seldom see temps over 160 F on my 3L. Normal temp on my 4.3 Truck is 210F.

Matt, Congrats on the mates job.

Robert, It's not the dog in the fight, it's the fight in the dog. Pound for pound I don't think there is a dog tougher than a Jack. The lil SOGs don't know they are small.

I'm sure you will like those rods.

If our weather gets as cold as Europe's we'll have to bring in the brass monkeys.

What a story. Thanks for posting it.

Ron, A warm welcome to the GLF site. Just holler if you need any help. One thing you don't want to use on your boat is treated plywood. The chemicals in the plywood eat aluminum.

Cory, Nice pic.

Skeeter, aka Nels is a member of this site. Last Spring Nels hit a partially submerged quad with his boat. The damage was substantial and he couldn't find the quad to get the ID#s from it. Boat damage is one thing but someone could have been killed or injured badly. I'll bet he wishes the pirates got that quad. It seems there is more problems with people and their equipment being stranded on the ice than ever before. Some of these people have no common sense. With a strong offshore wind they will plank over cracks and go out any way. There are a lot of responsible ice fishermen and like always it's a handful of idiots that spoil it for everyone. If there is abandoned stuff left on the ice get it off as quickly as possible by any means. I don't venture out on the ice anymore because of physical limitations. I feel a lot better with a boat under my A$$. Be careful on the ice and the water. Things can and will go wrong even under the best of conditions. If you are fined for sunken equipment, you are still responsible to have it removed. It's not an either or.

Ryan, A warm welcome back.

I just use a 12 volt fan that's mounted on the center of the windshield. I aim it at the starboard side of the windshield. When it get hot in the summer I aim it at me.

GJ Walleye Whacking. Thanks for the report.

Have you ever watched the real pros fillet Salmon? They will use a long blade straight knife for skinning, but most use a knife with about a 5 inch blade for filleting. I sure don't consider myself a pro. Mark, who used to fillet @ Harrisville and more recently @ Manistee uses this method. The knife for skinning is a lot duller than the fillet knife.

I think some of the bay fishermen thought that the 2008 and 2009 seasons was the way it would always be. Those two years were cooler than normal and 2010 was hotter than normal. Fish are like humans, they want to eat and be comfortable. BTW We do send all the cranky fishermen South. I'm the only grumpy old guy up here.

Capt. Tim, That Islander is just like me, OLD and SLOW. I just keep putting my time in and hope for the best. GL tomorrow. If you ever have the time stop on in.

The Thunderbolts do not use breaker points. I may be wrong but I think this system uses a magnetic pick up device to make and break the current going to the spark plugs. It is one of the earlier types of electronic ignition. It's my understanding that the newer Delco systems are more dependable. I'm sure Jim has a better handle on the old Thunderbolts than I do. The one thing you do have going for you is the twin screws. I'd make sure the engines are sound, and run them. The worst case scenario you limp in on one engine if one fails.

Those 4.3 GM marine engines will take a licking and keep on ticking. t sounds like they are in good condition. I'd have them checked out and if all is OK I'd add electronic distributors for about $550 plus labor. This upgrade will make a difference in dependability, performance and economy. A mechanics opinion before doing anything would be wise. That link to Michigan Motorz is a good place to buy the distributors. http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-121.html

Ya can't catch what isn't there. If your screen goes dry go back to where you marked and caught fish.

Go get em Bob.

My boat is in my garage. I look at her every day. I climb aboard most every day and do a few things.

Mark, GJ on the nice looking LT. I had a LT sandwich earlier.

The price of salmon just went up. The difference between a man and a boy is the price of their toys. Just call me boy. LMAO:lol:

I'm Thankful for this great site and everyone here. HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I want what they're drinking.

Roger, GJ on the Bucks. ^5s