First post, first jetboat.....first boat.

[dgfreeze]

Hi all, several firsts here for me. First of all, this site is awesome! When I was doing research on whether to buy the boat or not, I first became a member of YBJ (I already know I can say that here, just not the other way around). I was seriously doubting whether to go ahead with the purchase, due to the inactivity of the forum. It may sound strange, but it felt like walking through a museum after hours or something. Then I stumbled upon the "all-inclusive" jetboaters peeps, and apparently this is where the kegerators are kept, because there is regular discourse here, and friendly at that. Anyway, first time boat owner, my wife of two years (yes, I got married oldish) has been wanting a boat since I met her (4 years ago). She was wanting a fishing boat, but I wanted something more versatile, so we agreed to get a ski/fish boat. Then somehow we ended up with this SX230, because hey, great deals don't grow on trees, and I couldn't be happier with it. Part of the deal was that I make it fishing friendly, so I searched older posts about fishing setups, but I'd love to see and hear more about how people use these gems for trolling with lines out, and anchored up in coves. I do plan to take the dinette table off the post, and make a fairly wide aluminum table with rod holders that'll mount on the swim deck. Also probably put a couple holders on the rear grab bars, but what else can I do to make her happy? The thought of drilling holes gives me the chills, but if I see a great setup that would make it worthwhile, I'd probably get the drill out. FWIW, most of our fishing is shallow lakes, etc. No salt water, or deep stuff near me.

 

[Julian]

Congrats and welcome!!!!

I drilled a couple of rod holders into the back of my boat.....yes, drilling that first hole is seriously pucker making....but you get used to it! I prefer the fixed rod holders and they also double as a grill base.

 

[dgfreeze]

Thanks! If you have time one of these days to send a pic or two, I'd really appreciate it. I'm still somewhat green at this stuff, so I have a hard time visualizing exactly what you've got.

 

[Julian]

Thanks! If you have time one of these days to send a pic or two, I'd really appreciate it. I'm still somewhat green at this stuff, so I have a hard time visualizing exactly what you've got.

Just pulling away from the gate on a long international flight.....but if you look at my signature and click on the 242X link in it you will find links to all my mods.

If you dont see my signature, turn your phone sideways. ?

 

[dgfreeze]

You're a gentleman and a scholar! That helps, thanks! Safe travels!

 

[Liveto99]

Good luck with your boat. It looks like you figured out (happy wife happy life) already.

 

[Dean P]

LOL, I remember my first hole I drilled . Now, I love drilling holes cause that means I spent money upgrading/modifying the boat to make it better. Love it!
Congrats on the new boat and welcome to the forum. . As you have noticed, there are IMO honest and good members here to help keep you safe and keep you on the water making memories for as long as you need. Ask lots of questions and search for answers. Chances are your questions have been asked. Good luck and share pictures. We love pictures! Enjoy...

 

[ythao559]

If you are serious about fish-ability, and your budget is friendly to make it happen then I'd suggest look into purchasing a good Trolling motor and Fish finder. This actually means a lot more than it sounds.

I have a MinnKota Terrova i-Pilot LINK trolling motor which is networked to a Humminbird Solix 10 fish finder. This allows me to use the trolling motor to anchor (the term is Spot-Lock) within 5 feet radius without having to deal with any ropes. The network capability between my trolling motor and fish finder allows me to set a course and use trolling motor to steer with the boat engine to boost up speed, follow a path or contour, anchor right on top of fish and so much more. It's crazy.

Anyways, to get to that point, you have to consider:

1) Where and how to mount the trolling motor and fish finder + transducer.
2) Addition batteries to power the trolling motor.
3) All the wiring and circuit breakers needed.
4) Cost.

To me, these addons are worth their weight in gold. Allows me to use my boat year-around for different purposes.

Keep in mind I use my boat mostly for fishing and taking family out to swim on the water. Not so much wake-boarding or tubing. But when I do, I take down the fishing setup.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[dgfreeze]

Good luck with your boat. It looks like you figured out (happy wife happy life) already.

Oh, how I pity the fool who hasn’t...?

 

[dgfreeze]

Ythao, the budget is the catch-22. It will likely take some time for me to slowly get up to a full setup, but fortunately, I was raised in a mechanic/custom steel fabrication shop, so I love the challenges of new projects, etc. To be honest though, I didn’t figure a trolling motor would do well on a boat this size. Happy to hear I was wrong!

 

[ythao559]

My boat is a 19. I use an 80lb 60inch shaft trolling motor. Pretty sure a 112lb 72inch shaft should work for a 23ft boat. Won't win a race with it but should do the job.

 

[dgfreeze]

Ah, like most things, a little extra coin can make a problem go away...lol

 

[Scottintexas]

glad to have you on board,
if you store your boat outside or it gets wet a lot you may consider putting a seal or tape on the top of your ECU's to prevent water intrusion,

check out the link in my signature below of lots of great DIY/things to look out for with your boat,


.

 

[dgfreeze]

Scott, thanks for the link to that thread! I believe I remember coming across it during my pre-purchase research, so I appreciate you dropping that link in my lap! I would’ve forgotten about the ECU thing... I’ve already purchased the Atwood stainless scupper, and plan to install it sometime next week.

 

[Mike & Lilly]

Congratulations

 

[J-RAD]

 

[dgfreeze]

Took her out for he first time today, and I can’t overstate how invaluable this forum (aka, y’all) is. Thanks to previous research, noticed that only one of my two rear pee holes was squirting. Stupid mud daubers. Got it unplugged after a short battle, and she cruises like a dream! My brother went with me, he’s got a Tahoe, and he got a little jealous. He really likes it, and was surprised how well it steered, considering it’s a jet boat. Thanks to Cobra Jet there... I did notice there was an ever so slight throttle drop, so I’ll address that over the winter. Fuel gauge doesn’t work, I’ve got a KUS sending unit on order, and the Stainless scupper already waiting in the wings. So, thanks to all who have contributed to this encyclopedic wealth of knowledge over the years! It really makes the learning curve a lot shorter, and less painful!

 

[tdonoughue]

Just adding my welcome:

WELCOME!

Glad to have you. We will have you installing your own kegerator in no time...

 

[dgfreeze]

I’m more of a bourbon and coke kind of guy, but my wife loves her Summer Shandy! ? Maybe a mini fridge is in order...

 

[tdonoughue]

Oh, @Bruce put in one of those... You should check it out.