TheCount

"Audio" retailer/wholesalers like RS Components (https://au.rs-online.com/web/) or Amber Technology (www.ambertech.com.au - wholesale only, but they will recommend a retailer in your area) to name a few. I think Jaycar has a limited range too. As a guide, each piece is around $10 wholesale.. TC.

I know I'm late to the topic. I've been running 3 x 100W panels to individual 2 x 10A MPPT and a 1 x 20A MPPT chargers to the 3 sets of batteries for 5 years - starter, accessories and a pair for the Motorguide electric (cable between them disconnected to bring them back to 12V). Volt meters on all. Use the thickest cable you can get to minimise the voltage loss - but that does depend on the distance between the panels, chargers and batteries.. I work for an audio company so thick speaker cable is in my system - but I also ran it through conduit all through the roof cavity.. Not one of the batteries has failed (so far) and every month I disconnect the charging cables to give them all a rest. Neutrik 30A connectors are used for easy connection. The females are setup in a stainless panel and male ends from the chargers. Dealing with power - don't go cheap. TC.

Good questions! I run an 80lb Motorguide and have the 120mAh batteries setup as 24v.. Short explanation = I charge everything from solar panels on the roof and being a 12v system, I run a thick cable between the two batteries (with Anderson plugs) so they when the cable is pulled apart, the batteries are back to being individuals at 12v. Longer explanation = I've built an ss316 chassis at the transom to house Neutrik connectors that are connected to the 4 batteries on the boat. 1 main, 1 accessories, 2 for the Motorguide. When at home I plug in the charge controllers to the panel and each battery is looked after. The 2 batteries for the Motorguide need to be disconnected from each other before this or you'll start hurting things. I didn't want to go to a 24v charger as I had the 12v solar in place and apart from their purchase price I now charge the boat plus a multitude of other things at home from the Sun. Cheers, TC.

Maybe this helps you...A version of what the guy has on eBay - I had this plate made from 3mm stainless 316 bolted to the boat and then the motor attached to it. Cost me nothing (sorry I know that's not helpful) but it's just a piece of plate steel with then edges bent to give superior rigidity. TC.

Yesterday morning put in at Woy Woy, looking forward to a few hours by myself was almost crushed when attempting to start the motor... Dead, dropping to 6V when the ignition was turned. After a few choice words (as the engine fired up fine the day before) there was enough power to bring the engine back up and I engaged the Motorguide and off I went and happy to say I got those few hours by myself!! It's the 24v model and would have been on for around 3 hours and systems voltage dropped from 12.6 to 12.5 which is absolutely perfect... I've got the main battery on recondition mode with my Ctek so I'm hoping it's just a blip and not terminal... TC.

Thanks for confirming the Coast is better, but I'm just never home till 7 or 8... I'll do a drive-by visit to some areas close by like Abbotsford and Cabarita next week - thanks Waza. I won't fish around Rhodes due to the residual dioxins so aiming further East is a better option. I'll have a crack this weekend and see what happens. Cheers, TC.

Aiming to get out on Sunday morning at similar places.. Taking bait and we’ll see what happens.. Whereabouts do you get yabbies? I usually run with chicken for bait but when Spring hits I’d love to try the little guys. Cheers, TC.

Living on the Central Coast and working in Sydney means leaving early 5 days a week to miss the traffic. I'm thinking that I should not be so keen to get to the office but bring a rod and gear with me and check out some areas along the way. Work is at Rhodes, so trying anywhere close is not going to happen so I'm asking for ideas where I can have a go (land based) and I'd love to target squid. Thanks, and I look forward to writing a bit about the experience. TC.

Hardys Bay and the surrounding area produces all year round and a decent variety of species with the majority being flathead and bream. I hit that area first each time I go out, and rarely leave empty-handed. TC.

Check the frequencies used on older models as the Fed Govt has sold off a lot of bandwidth over the past few years. There is less need nowadays with mobile coverage, but it never hurts to have a backup. TC.

"Bang for buck" hands down Motorguide every time. I know I've had mine a short time, but it performs brilliantly. As onearmedfisho also said - the GPS is far more accurate that any video, and the price savings are not to be ignored. Good luck! TC.

The issue is with salt in the air whilst out and about - as we all know it gets into EVERYTHING.. I'm not going to spend time worrying about it only because you could go through the time and cost of coating/spraying the join over X years (not to mention the number of times I'd forget) and still have a problem. If I run into issues, just cut and re-crimp into new connectors. TC.

I see where you're going with it, scrub out a letter etc etc. I can't see anyone getting the chance as she sits on my property with the bow to the street and covered to the trailer line. If anyone comes near the house I'll get them on CCTV. Appreciate the concern but I'm comfortable with it. TC.

Hi Fil, The turtle I saw was at least 50cm across, so let's hope there's more than a few of them around. Cheers, TC.

Hi anthonywardle and 61 crusher, No name as yet. I'm working on a large format sticker design with, you guessed it, The Count as the focus. In the meantime I have ordered the plain lettering of "The Count" to go across the stern so at least she'll have a name. I'd better check the registration records to make sure I can use it though...... The boat is a Quintrex 475 Freedom Sport (bowrider) with 75hp 2-stroke Mercury which has been turned into my fishing boat purely through lack of use by the rest of the family. I'm going to put up a more detailed description in the Members Boat section with the mods once I'm done. Next round is to start working on that bait board and next week I'll get some additional rod holders installed just to make life a little easier and provide more options. Cheers, TC.