[Gfunk]

Thanks Reel,
I had this IPilot setup on a previous boat (the turd as we now call it). I've had a few of the autopilots and knew when I got this one that I needed to have the most power I could get, so I went with the 27 series, more than enough to keep me out there most days. I have a Basspro shops 3 bank 15 amp charger maintaining them and my starting battery. I hate when things don't run or start, so I tend to overkill. PO was the same way and has the boat already wired for 2 main batteries, although I did have to move them around a bit in the rear hold to make room for the Opti's oil tank. Tight fit, but I got it all in there.
Good advice on the splashwell, I'm pretty sure the transom is in good shape, but you never know. It was one of the things I spent the most time on before I bought it, especially after reading the horror stories on here about replacing them. The PO thought I was nuts when I practically crawled into the hold with a flashlight in my mouth, but it seems to have paid off, the inside of this one looks factory new, no telltale black mold or anything I can see, at least in the transom. The floor however will need some attention at some point in the future. Both seats move a bit with weight on them.
Now for the important part, Cumberland. Been going there for the last 19 years in the spring, mid March usually and the occasional fall trip. Started going with one other guy, but now we have a whole caravan of folks, about 10 of us in 4 boats. We usually catch shad by throwing cast nets and then drag the baits around behind planer boards without any weight with our trolling motors. The slower the better. Usually the bigger the shad the bigger the bite. 10-12" shad for bait are not uncommon. Cumberland's down about 50 feet while they repair the dam but it's still my favorite place to fish hands down and the fishing can be amazing. In one 2 hour stretch this fall, we landed 10 keepers (over 24") with 4 of them being doubles on an umbrella rig. If you get bored trolling, you can bottom fish with live shad tail hooked with a circle hook. My best is a 29 pound female (Pictured) I caught a few years ago, but I've hooked two bigger that were in no mood to even turn around towards the boat. One of them straightened one side of a treble hook. They will definetley tell you where the weakest part of your tackle is.
Thanks for the advice, I've read alot of your posts because it sounds like we fish mostly the same way. I was really encouraged to see how you mounted your trolling motor. I wasn't sure mine would work till I saw yours. Mine's a 54" but the MK rep works just down the street from me and said it would only cost about 125$ to extend it out to 60". I haven't mounted it yet to see if it will work as it is, but I may do it just for some insurance on choppy days.