Recent content by CLDave

I did a write-up on installing underwater lights on my boat a couple years back - it's linked in my signature. You may have the plugs for this since you have the labeled switch, and if you do it's probably accessible from just under the deck by the transom in the stern. If not, it's not a...

You didn't mention if you're towing with a bunk trailer or a scissor (narrow) trailer. Anything longer than 10 miles I'd go for the bunk trailer - I've seen pontoons flipped over on the side of the road and it's always the skinny trailers. Our setup is an Audi SQ8, which has the same towing...

Just get an inflatable raft. We've had both, and now just keep the raft in the belly and an inflator by the batteries. Way more floatation, super easy to keep on the boat, and inflates/deflates in 5 minutes flat. Mission is the company I got mine from - they regularly have sizable sales.

Nice build! Get some protectant on those purdy, shiny toons ASAP and before you put it in the water - you'll thank me later. I skipped sharkhide my first season and wish I would've done it before - I had to acid-etch the pontoons after the first season to get back to baseline.

I use a Worx 40v cordless pressure washer - all you need to do on a lake is drop the hose over the side. https://a.co/d/g5PCxSO

Like DVW noted, Sureshade is the only powered bimini manufacturer, and you can order your own if you want. There are lots of great resources, including videos and a helpful PDF for install, on the Sureshade website. The only real trick is getting power over to the port side - if you don't have a...

I'd also try a toothpick and some VERY carefully applied superglue.

I use a Rave 12V inflator that I clip directly to the battery for inflating our Mission mat. The Rave inflators are built for pumping up tubes and trampolines, and it gets the job done quickly - around 3 minutes for our 4x8 mat. https://a.co/d/6A67Vey

We're in a cozy bay that's mostly protected. I had the same concerns, but so far so good in the last 15 years :) Thanks!

They actually do, yes! I had a similar setup with my previous lift, but the tubes guide the boat much better (and don't mark up the sides) vs. the old black-rubber guides on the old lift.

Some summer heat should get them back to normal. So glad they popped back for you!

Hey all! I posted early this spring that I'd ordered a new lift - and we've now had it for about a week. I got the 6,000 pound version with a 36 foot canopy and power side curtains. This thing is fantastic! Smooth operation, the side curtains keep everything cool and a bit less dirty (less rain...

Another option might be to request Vantage Sheild pontoon guards for the sides of the pontoons and to have them upgrade to rubber rub-rails. That way you're better than new and no downtime. Good luck - I bet somebody got in serious trouble for that damage.

Congrats Dave! We bought our last boats about the same time - so glad you found your dream boat. Be sure to stick around this time - great hearing from you again :cool:

I just purchased a new Shorestation with this setup and I'm very excited - moving from bunks like OP. The guides on my old lift marked the sides of my toons up pretty dramatically. Another bit benefit of the toonrails is the ability to handle shallower water.