Ski Fish I/O motor for fishing

[Larson15]

I have always had boats with outboards and I recently bought a fiberglass ski fish with a 4.3 volvo I/O. I plan on fishing a lot out of this boat, mostly bass fishing. Is there anything I should be aware of or have any tips with this setup?

[marine_man]

Welcome to Fishing Minnesota!

Congrats on the purchase... how is it setup right now? Trolling motor? Depth Finder, etc?

marine_man

[Larson15]

Right now it got a minn Kota 70lb V2 wireless up front along with a lowrance X52. At the wheel I got a lowrance color screen with GPS. Any ideas?

[hydro]

Sounds like a nice boat. Get out and use it, getting to know how to control it with the trolling motor. Learn the menu on the X52. You may want to get a drift sock to help with control. Get 2 good batteries for the trolling motor.

Think of it like a bass boat type of control with everything done from the front "office" At slow speeds boat control is better than backtrolling with a tiller outboard. It's kind of nice once you get used to it.

[Larson15]

This is the link to what I will be picking up this Saturday.

Larson 180sf

http://larsonboats.com/180series/180skifish/

I think that I will like it once I get used to it.

It already come with the 2 batteries for the trolling motor so I'm good there. I definitely have to get used to the new trolling motor. Does anyone use the wireless co-pilot? This is a feature that comes with the boat and have never used one.

I want to add rod savers as well just have to figure out which ones to get and how/where to mount them.

I was also wondering if it is possible to troll at low speeds for walleye on occasion.

Hydro, I have never used a drift sock before, I know they are good for boat control and Im guessing they could help out with trolling as well.

[hydro]

Nice boat Paul!

To your question about trolling for walleyes, with that trolling motor you will be in the zone for trolling speeds. Once you learn the Co-Pilot control your accuracy will be very good for following structure. I made the switch from a tiller boat to a front trolling motor platform a couple of years ago and I like my current setup much better.

[marine_man]

Nice boat! The co-pilot works very well... and has been discussed at great length in this forum, as well as the equipment forum, but is a very nice accessory to have.

It will be possible to troll for walleyes... as hydro said, get used to your trolling motor, and if you're going too fast, invest in a drift sock, that will help slow you down.

marine_man

[Eckie]

Hey Paul,

Nice boat -- I have the same one, just a few years older. It's great for a multi-purpose boat. The family loves to go for a ride, and with a 3 1/2 and a 2 yr old, it works great for that. When I'm alone, it's easy to fully convert it to a fishing boat. My only complaint is I'd like a longer shaft on the trolling motor...in a strong chop, the blades come out of the water every now and then. Boat is very stable and dry, and I'm a big fan of the bunk style trailer. Winterizing is a piece of cake as well (I spent a couple hundred each year until I learned)...

The Volvo 4.3 is a great motor...quiet, yet plenty of giddyup..

You'll enjoy it -- Congrats!