Just got my 2023 mako 17 skiff after watching your vids. I upgraded from my first boat a '94 tracker aluminum! What a night and day difference! Got the 80# trolling motor with spotlock, the bigger 75 hp motor that you recommended. Easy to tow, launch, and clean. It's been in both the lakes and ocean. It is a smaller boat but if you organize it the way you do, there's still plenty of space!
Rule #1 for a trailerable boat-If at all possible, keep it garaged! Rule #2 for a trailerable boat-If it is not possible for it to be garaged, keep it covered whenever it is not in use. These 2 rules will prevent most of the problems in this video.
Carolina skiff makes a 17ft If you are buying $100 trolling batteries and using them daily probably a year is right. Also you have them upfront so they are probably getting pounded in that boat. AGM batteries will last longer.
The biggest issue I see with these boats in 2023 is the price. Another guy on RU-vid got one brand new in 2018 for $18k out the door. Now they are listed at $32445 on Bass Pro's website and that's before sales tax.
I also had my AXLE SNAP on the hwy and nearly killed me. They need a RECALL on these trailers and are DANGEROUS. Im an engineer and found the axle was manufactured upside down with the bend going the wrong way. My lawyer gonna contact them 😮
Advantage of alum prop over stainless is if you hit something...like a sandbar or log when boating in shallow water. Aluminum prop may get torn up, but far less expensive than the lower unit. Conversely stainless can take a lot more punishment and usually provides a 3 mph advantage on the top end. So a trade off on where you boat and what's more important to you. If you run aluminum and boat in shallow water, carry a spare prop with you.
Ron, as others have mentioned go to lithium batteries. The better ones are quite a bit more expensive, but from what I have looked at worth it. Make sure to get one that has a battery management system. Generally that means the cells are monitored while charging, and will typically do cell balancing so you get the best performance. There are several distinct benefits to lithium, that make them better: First is a flat discharge curve, so you don't see a drop in performance from beginning to the end. The thing to be aware of is that the battery simply cuts off, unlike other batteries where you notice a performance difference as they lose power. Second they don't need the maintenance type charging which everyone called "memory effect". Basically it is what you are doing with the charger by keeping it plugged into the current batteries, keeping the chemicals active. Third there is a much lower self discharge meaning even without charging a full lithium battery will lose less than 1% of its charge per month, the lead acid is around 10-15% and potentially higher dependent on conditions. Then there is the weight, lithium is about half the weight of lead acid, Ni-Cd, Ni-Mh, etc. Finally lithium gets more total cycles, that is the number of full discharges and recharges which translates into longer life. Give me a call if you want any of the real technical info.
I have a Minn Kota 80 lb Terrova and I switched to a single lithium battery that does 24 volts 75 amp hours. I think it was about $1200 and it lasts me from sunrise to sunset but you might need 100 amp hours for that boat because yours is a bit heavier than mine. I’ll never go back to lead acid ever again. Make sure you get the right charger.
If it's faulting then the battery has power. I believe the problem will be in a transformer or fuse or contact somewhere. 2 wires touching live could cause a fault.
Hey Ron, I don’t know what’s wrong with your battery situation but I would recommend the you switch to a lithium battery. I know that you’re frugal but it’s definitely worth it. I Love the content you guys provide, keep up the good work. Oh, Say hello to the P.Y.T. for me!
With deep cycle battery you need to run the battery almost dead. Because if you run it for an hour then charge it it ruins the battery. Been running a cheap Walmart battery for 3 years this spring will be 4.
The issues with the lights and the batteries might be the same issue. If you have a short in the wiring you might be discharging and recharging the batteries at the same time and shortening the life expectancy. lithium might be the way to go but get your wiring fixed and you might get more life from the batteries.
Great video. I’m gonna check my kill switch bolt and nut in the morning. Great video, like the change of pace and being boat people I liked it! Tight Lines!
I actually looked the pro skiff over HARD at BPS in Daphe this weekend, as well as the Mako 19' skiff..I'd really prefer a Suzuki though so, might have to go with a different brand boat. Glad that you've had good service out of the Merc..I'm still considering it.
Suzuki's are def great engines no question on that one. I feel like the mercury on a lower cost boat serves its purpose for probably longer than the boat should last. but def cat hurt having a better engine
Ron I bought my mako new in 2019 for 21k and have had an issue with the front live well too, other than that no issues. I did install the MK power drive myself and used quality Marine connectors (no issues) that being said, last year I sold it for 23k and bought a Parker 2320 sc and it will be my last boat. Good luck with your Mako.
I have the Yamaha fsh and installed a garmin having issues with the transducer probably my placement, installing a Minkota ulterra this weekend. Love my boat, but need someone with experience in installation. Turns out I’m not mechanically inclined myself lol
Led acid batteries do not like to be drained more than 50% lithium batteries can be drained all the way daily and not have issues. Lithium batteries are the best investment for trolling motors
Use 303 on the plastic and vinyl... Works better than armorall and is great for marine applications.. And does the drain in the baitwell work? Fill it with ice and drinks and just let the ice drain as it melts
The pro skiff is all any one could need . The fish don’t seem to know the difference. The bait holder , dang man if there’s an issue , you fix it , I know you can there engineers might sponsor it.
Definately go to Lithium. The problem you are having is the bouncing and vibrations in the front of the boat does not agree with Led acid batteries. I have a Mako 191 inshore and I was gonna move my batteries to the front compartment instead of under my console, but my battery guy talked me out of it.
Batteries will break down on the inside by hitting waves hard 2nd is to get them them charged before 24 hours and use a trickle charger to keep the heat out of them Mine have over 3 years on 1 year battery
I purchased a brand new 2022 from Bass Pro Shop last year, have had it for 9 months now, and i have NOT had a si gle issue with the bait well...are you sure your inlet nozzle is opened?
I am sure they have addressed it on the newer models. It was a known issue on the 2020 and actually carried over from the 2018 model. It was so bad on the 2018 model that they didn’t even put a front gate well on a 2019.
Use Locknuts for ALL Electronic connections. You can get them in Stainless and they will NEVER get loose or rust. You can still remove them for replacing components, but I still recommend replacing them if you remove them a few times. They are very affordable insurance against electrical component failure and you can get them for every size terminal. Replace your front lights with a low profile permanent LED running light and seal it properly. This is a low cost way to eliminate having to store or find the running light stick and eliminates water intrusion completely. You can also find Anchor Lights that are permanent that eliminate that headache as well. For Batteries, Go to Dakota Lithium. You will save money over the long run and they are super heavy duty, while being almost half the weight. They also offer a single battery that is 24V and will free up space in the front storage.
bro your power issue......change out the all the cables from one end to another, invest in tent awning to park under, you already know the sun eats everything.....
