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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    Most boat trailers can't handle the loads induced to them from a WD hitch. It also becomes a PIA when launching. When you start towing things that heavy, knowing your numbers is critical to good handling. Weigh safe is a good idea, but once your trailer is set up, you probably won't need it...
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    I had read Ram was losing sales because 2500 payloads were so low, despite owners going way beyond rated payload without issue. Ram considered revising the numbers. They probably will, then have customers b!tch about registration costs going up! You can't make them all happy.:D
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    Yet the f150 has about as much or more payload than the Ram 2500. Me thinks Ram is sandbagging to keep registration costs down, and Ford is swinging for the fences! Although the unloaded ride in my truck would make you think the Ford is sandbagging too - until you put 700 + lbs on the ball. :(
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    I own a an 18 f150 Eco, max tow, SCREW, short bed. With the Islander fully fueled and watered, I'm at 10k lbs. Power and stopping are no issue. Be sure to use 91+ octane. I turn off 8th-10th gear on the freeway for best mpg and minimizing shifting. However, weight distribution is critical. Too...
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    I don't know anything about them. Be sure to find out what brand of axle and brakes are used on that model. Then search for that brand. If they have a bad rep, run.
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    Trailer Recommendations for Freedom 285

    At 9.5', a 285 isn't that wide. Most trailers with capacities north of 10k lbs are trailering boats with that beam or more. There should be plenty of trailers that can work. The more important question is which one isn't using garbage brakes and axles with proprietary mounts that require you to...
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    Replacing generator with inverter on 330 Express

    Coming from a guy that is not averse to risk, I would not run a LiPo direct off your engines unless they are Mercs blessed by Merc to run lithium. I put in a lot of time on the subject to determine if it would be an issue. It likely wouldn't, but there are a lot of variables the average Joe...
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    What model Grady White do you own?

    I genuinely wonder how this happens. It happens on every forum, but I've never seen an explanation.
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    As I suspected, seems like most with high hours are putting on a lot of low rpm hours. Had I fished like years past, this would have been a 40-50 hour year from trolling. My 20 hours of troll time would equal 40 total fishing hours alternating between engines.
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    If only it were the same...
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    Very Nice Minn Kota Install

    Good call.
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    Very Nice Minn Kota Install

    That is nice, but my guess is the installation cost more than the trolling motor.
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    Any 248/258 with single 300 hp ?

    The issue I had with the single 248 was the bow riding high and poor ride because the bow wasn't down far enough in the water unless I had the engine trimmed almost fully down. I don't know if it was because of the 5" longer outboard shaft (30" single vs 25" twins) or if it was weight. Due to...
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    I've spent countless hours on boats, motorcycles, fast cars, and women. The rest, I squandered! :p I know that isn't how the saying goes, but it isn't far off from the truth!
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    If that were the case, I have 30 hours on engines, at least 100 hours on the water, and another 30+ in the garage!
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    I do as well. I just don't get those opportunities often enough in part due to weather. 50 mile trip was amazing conditions. 34 mile trip was rough as @#$&!
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    I appreciate the total numbers, but I'm wondering things like: - long cruise runs - long no wake/idle zones - extended trolling - some have mentioned engine idling for charging This year I probably had more cruise hours between 25-38 mph than in years past. I think my moving average this year...
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    There are plenty of days where we only head out to behind the break wall or go to a cove. 30-40 minutes round trip. Even with fishing trips, I rarely have to go more than 5 miles off shore. I guess I'm spoiled. Lots of good spots close to home.
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    I had a lot of that this year! Normal I fish cruise 50/50. This year was 100% cruise because I didn't want to get out of bed. Thought it was age. Turns out it was medically related. Hopefully next year will be different.
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    What kind of hours do you rack-up?

    40 miles/trip. Offshore fishing?