You guys got me thinking again, and doing a bit more research on the motors and the color combinations. I really wanted to get away from a 2 stroke motor, just to avoid having to fool with the oil, though I know they are much more efficient and cleaner burning than they were back when I was running the 200 Merc on the Pantera. The 4 stroke Yamaha is a bit more in price, but I think long term, it would be worth it in almost every respect. I also understand about maxing out the HP on a boat, so appreciate those comments as well. Certainly, if the boat was rated for a 200, I would never consider putting a 150 on it, but in this case, especially if I go with the 4 stroke SHO, I dont think it being “only” a 150 would be a big issue down the road if I ever had to sell the boat for some reason. And the fuel economy seems to be a bit better at “cruising” RPM with the SHO…cruising in my case is running about 2/3 throttle, which I think in this boat would typically get me in the 50 mph range and is plenty fast for those times when Im not in a huge hurry to get from point A to point B, or fishing a Tournament. My Pantera would run 50-55 mph with ease, and that was a comfortable speed at about 2/3 to 3/4 throttle.I also reconfigured the colors and came up with something I like even better…I tend not to like really “disco” looking boats (no offense to those who like sparkly stuff), so did the black boot, Raspberry hull, Silver Mist bolt with Malibu Silver trim, Raspberry cap/consoles, and Silver Mist cap inserts. That configuration looks a bit more subdued to me, and matches my tow vehicle a little better, since it is more of a burgandy/maroon color.I would still like an opinion about the carpet…is the Storm more of a “Dove Gray” and the Ash more of a “Charcoal Gray”…the Ash looks almost black when you “design your boat” on their website, but I seem to recall it being a lighter color than is shown, when seen in person.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Thanks!! I thought that was the storm color on Razercats boat, but wanted to be sure. MeanV2…that is a great looking boat you have there!! And great photos showing the true tone of the Ash carpet…thats what Ill be going with on my boat, when I get it. This is going to be a little while off, but I like to plan ahead and do lots of research so I only have to do things once.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Did you ever determine how the water got into the two compartments? Is there no drain in those compartments or a lip to divert the water someplace other than letting it build to the point of entering the boxes? Water entry in those boxes is unacceptable, IMO.Aside from that, how do you like the dual consoles in the Margay? Do you feel they get in the way more than they would on a larger boat? I am looking hard at the Margay, but would definitely want dual consoles so my passenger would be protected in bad weather or cold. Pros and Cons? Also, do you have any photos available looking at the boat from different angles so I can get a better idea of the general look of the DC Margay? As stated, there are very few of them, and finding a decent photo is all but impossible.Last edited by Midnight Rider on September 13th, 2014, 3:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Thanks for the feedback and the pictures….beautiful boat!!2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Just understand that Bucks Pocket itself does not have lake access…you have to drive 7 miles to the boat launch on South Sauty. The creek in Bucks Pocket is usually VERY low this time of year, and never navigable in anything other than a canoe or kayak. Bucks Pocket is actually down in a gorge/canyon. Its a beautiful place, but the road going down into the park itself is very curvy for its short distance. Pulling a 21 foot boat up and down that little road could be a bit tricky. The campgroud is pretty decent, though last time I was there for the day, the bathhouses could have used a bit of work. It is a secluded area…you have to want to get there, as its “out in the country”.If your primary goal is fishing, and convenience to a boat launch area, you might want to consider another location in the area. Goosepond is located near Scottsboro on North Sauty Creek, has nice campgrounds and cabins for rent. Most of the cabins have piers, so you dont have to launch and pull out every day. The campground has communtiy piers. There is an excellent boat launch area there, and the fishing it that area is excellent, even if you dont get out on the main river channel and just fish the creeks.Guntersville State Park is another excellent location, with a huge campground area, recently remodeled because of tornado damage a few years ago. There are cabins, chalets, and a lodge there, plus a couple of boat ramps. Part of the park is located on Town Creek, which also has primitive camping areas. There is a restaurant in the lodge and a small gas station at the entrance to the main park area with basic necessities.Just food for thought. I have never actually driven to the boat launch area from Bucks Pocket, but if I was going to Guntersville to fish, I would personally choose another area for base camp.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Well, just have a good time, thats the main thing. Guntersville is about my favorite lake in Alabama, both because the fishing is so good and the fact that its also a pretty lake.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Almost any boat with a pad hull will chine walk at some given speed. If your “rooster tail” is higher than the engine cowling, the motor is trimmed up too much. If you have a lot of right torque on the steering wheel when trimmed up, its trimed up to high, or the motor is too high on the jackplate. When trimmed properly and engine height is correct, the steering should be almost neutral. Then, when the boat tries to fall off the pad, generally to the right, you have to make a SMALL left correction…Im talking about a twitch, nothing more. Its not a one time thing, but a relatively constant movement. An unbalanced load in the boat makes it happen more often. My old PII had a 4 blade Eagle Predator prop on it and steering torque was almost completely neutral when trimmed properly. A three blade prop made the torque a bit worse, but not unmanageable. If I had a large partner in the passenger seat, I would have to compensate more…the older PIIs had dual 21 gallon tanks, plus an oil tank, and three batteries, so I would try and balance things a bit by using more fuel from one tank or the other.I dont know what your prop is like, but I LOVED the Predator prop…I was running a 200 Merc XR6 and could get 70mph with two people and a tournament load if I drove it right. But, my normal running hole to hole speed was more like 60mph, just to save a bit of fuel, as the old motors liked gas…2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
I understand where you are coming from with the towing capacity…I have a Mazda CX9 with the same tow rating, with the towing package from the factory. A Pantera is too heavy for your vehicle, IMO. Even with a single axle trailer, youd be pushing the absolute limits of your vehicle. If you could find a used Sabre single axle, youd be right around the 3K range with gas/gear/batteries/oil reservoir.So, Im looking at the Margay for the same reasons you are, and will get brakes on the 3″ frame trailer that is standard (the brakes are not standard, but from what BCB told me, are available). I am calculating the Margay with a 150HP will end up weighing just under 3k, so IMO, your tow vehicle needs the assistance of the trailer brakes. If you hang a 115HP on the back, it would be slightly lighter. Again, IMO, I would not go less than a 115 on the Margay….the additional power just gets the boats hull out of the water a bit more for more efficient running. A 150HP would allow running in the 50mph range at MUCH less than full throttle, and if you wanted to go into the mid 60s, you could.I do understand your hesitation in taking out a loan for a new boat, but with 14,000 to put down, financing the balance would not be a big deal. It would be nice to be able to go in and write a check for a 25-30K boat, but I dont have many friends with that kind of money laying around….I sure dont, so mine will be financed when I get it (next year). If I could find a really nice used one then, Id consider it. Im 63 years old, and one thing I have learned about buying things I WANT, is to do it right the first time. Yes, you could save some money putting some of the old stuff from your old boat on the new one, but having a more modern engine, trolling motor, and electronics would make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the boat. Again, my opinion.Depending on the loan, interest rate, and how many months youd be willing to finance the boat for, the payment would be in the neighborhood of $250-$350 per month. Then youd be getting EXACTLY what you want, including colors, type/brand of motor and TM, plus choose the electronics you would want. And you would not be “settling” for anything.Just my opinion…that and about 5 bucks will buy you a Starbucks…2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Well, like they say….You learn something every day. Do you install the transducer based on the order placed for the build, which would include electronics in most cases? So If I ordered a boat with the new Lowrance Chirp and DI, etc, the transducer would be the type needed and it would negate the need for a transducer attached (with associated wire) on the trolling motor and shaft?2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
http://maintenance.yamahaoutboards.com/engine-oil-lube/All the things you hear from these old school mechanics, or new school who have been taught incorrectly…like synthetics are too “slick”, wont allow rings to seat, etc. is complete horse hockey pucks. Yamaha sells synthetic oil for a reason. After the initial change, there is no reason not to put synthetic in it. The only reason to change the first 20 hours is to remove contaminants from parts seating in. Most importantly, ALWAYS get your engine up to normal operating temperatures, usually by running it hard for 10 minutes or so, in order to evaporate the fuel and water that makes it past the rings in ANY engine during the combustion process. The way we fish, which is typically running the engine for 2-5 minutes at a time moving from spot to spot, is not adequate to evaporate stuff in the crankcase, thus the smell of fuel in the crankcase oil. There are a bunch of reasons to use synthetic oil, mostly related to its ability to withstand higher temps and shock resistance than conventional oil. It lasts longer too. With todays oils, the old rule of changing every 3k miles in your car is a complete waste of both money and a valuable resource. The only exceptions are if you run in extremely dirty environments, or are always just running down the street to the store and the oil never gets up to proper temps. Even then, synthetics are less subject to breakdown from fuel dilution.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
I have seen the one at Brech Marine and it is a beauty. Plus, Scott is a really good guy and will give you a very fair price and lots of support, if needed. I love the Eyra layout and look…if I could afford one, that would be the boat.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Look around for skiing apparel, or backpacking gear. I have some Arcteryx gear. Ive got a pair of bibs and a jacket Ive had for 20 years and its great gear. Goretex, or equivalent will do the trick. My stuff is strictly shells, but I can wear it in all Temps (other than 90 degrees, and then Ill just get wet to cool off). Its a bit oversized so you can layer up with fleece and put that on for both waterproofing and windproof ing. A thin shell is all you need for rain gear, but good stuff will last a lifetime. And its not going to stifle you in the warmer Temps. Expect to pay 300 to 500 for good stuff. Visit Sierra Trading Post online….Last edited by Midnight Rider on January 29th, 2017, 6:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Thanks…I am torn between the DC margay and the sabre ftd…deck looks a little bit bigger on the margay. How many inches difference on the ftp?2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
I have colors in mind, but these are colors I like (I think), and its there, time to get a decent deal, and it has a few extras. Its got a black boot (bottom), slate hull (sides), a midnight mist bolt with silver mist pin stripe, a midnight mist cap (including console color), with silver mist for the cap inserts. Midnight mist fenders, black trailer, x5 motor guide, single axle with Roque wheels, strapless cover, helix 7 SI on the console, helix 5 on the bow, which I will upgrade to a 7 DI so theyll talk via ethernet. I would just need the console, slight upgrade to the bow graph,.and the step/pole. Colors I would like. My mid 90s Pantera I I was midnight silver all over, except the bolt, which was burgundy, with silver pin…same insert and pin on the top cap inserts (burgundy and silver…the Siluette option, I think). So I like the colors, I think. Have never seen the midnight mist color, but Ithe sounds like it looks good…advice on the colors on this boat…like they dont play well together? Ill order one otherwise, though it would be back bottom, Malibu silver or Malibu red on sides and cap/console, Burgundy bolt with silver mist pin, then burgundy inserts on the cap inserts. Dont want a dual axle trailer…looks nice, but this boat is not heavy enough to really need the extra axle…and this one has the pivot tongue.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
Thanks for the photos….Ive got a much better idea now of what the color looks like, and really like it. 2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
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