Why aren't you boating? (A place to brag or vent)

[mtudb24]

Who's not still boating in Michigan? Ice is just a little inconvenience when your after the birds. HAHAH

 

[Madman]

Although winter in WI is not really conducive for boating, I still find related activities to get me through until spring. With the Yamaha tucked away, this is the time of year I turn my efforts toward catching up on household projects and maintaining the rest of our fleet. 15 to 20 years ago, I built 3 kayaks and a canoe. The first boat I built has seen better days and I’m still weighing my options on what to do with it. The other three are in excellent condition, but I’ve decided it’s time for a cut and polish, and new deck lines. I also need to replace the racing tape I used to help protect the stems and sterns. You can tell it’s not completely necessary because these are actually before pics, but it’ll still keep me busy through the coldest part of the winter.

 

[biffdotorg]

12” of ice in our bay and 10.5” on my early walleye hole. Game on! Saw plenty on livescope and brought the first one home for the pan! Nothing better!

 

[Coult45]

12” of ice in our bay and 10.5” on my early walleye hole. Game on! Saw plenty on livescope and brought the first one home for the pan! Nothing better!

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Clear ice like that is terrifying. It always looks thin. For some reason, if I can't see through it, it must be stronger and thicker.

 

[biffdotorg]

Clear ice like that is terrifying. It always looks thin. For some reason, if I can't see through it, it must be stronger and thicker.

You know it. And to make it worse, there is nobody on my end of the lake on the water. So it’s just me and the ice.

I literally walked all the way out drilling holes every 100 yards to test ice first. And while driving out, I was watching the ice crack in front of my SXS the whole way! I’m way more courageous when there is an inch of snow on top, so i don’t have to see it.

 

[biffdotorg]

Although winter in WI is not really conducive for boating, I still find related activities to get me through until spring. With the Yamaha tucked away, this is the time of year I turn my efforts toward catching up on household projects and maintaining the rest of our fleet. 15 to 20 years ago, I built 3 kayaks and a canoe. The first boat I built has seen better days and I’m still weighing my options on what to do with it. The other three are in excellent condition, but I’ve decided it’s time for a cut and polish, and new deck lines. I also need to replace the racing tape I used to help protect the stems and sterns. You can tell it’s not completely necessary because these are actually before pics, but it’ll still keep me busy through the coldest part of the winter.

Probably some of the most beautiful boats I have ever seen! Wow. I would be afraid to use them.

 

[Madman]

Finished detailing the Redfish “King” this week. New deck line, weatherstripping on the hatches, racers tape on the stem and stern, polished, waxed and ready for the next 20 yrs! It’s been interesting reconnecting with these boats. Has me thinking I should make more for the grandkids! Unfortunately my eyes are 20 yrs older and I’m not sure that my skills are at that level anymore…

The next one needs a lot more work… and will keep me busy until spring.

 

[Madman]

Probably some of the most beautiful boats I have ever seen! Wow. I would be afraid to use them.

Thanks, the biggest “problem” having these boats is all the love we get when launching, recovering and even sitting at a traffic light! You also have to be willing to get wet because you can’t just drag them on shore!