www.iFourWinns.com

Hey everyone, just working on getting all the necessities for my new FW H190.

I've been told by numerous people that a retractable boat hook is a really good accessory to have on board.

I'm leaning towards buying one from theboatloop.com

They offer a few different sizes, I've been looking at the 3-6' model, and the 4-8' model.

Any suggestions for this size of boat? Boat will be trailered, used on lakes in Minnesota for cruising, tubing, anchoring, etc. Just looking for a little help when docking.

Thanks for any input.

Steve

8' sounds good. John

We bought a paddle with a telescoping boat hook handle, and found a telescoping boat hook floating in the water that will go to 8 feet. I would recommend at least 6 ft extended. We found that having two hooks helped when going thru locks on the river and for some difficult docking situations. Having a hook readily available also helps for those occasions when your favorite cap or other floating object jumps out of the boat for a swim. The paddle came in handy when an electrical issue (bad fuse holder for engine computer) made me paddle across the marina to the ramp. The hook has also been handy for taking down some Christmas lights or for reaching something in the rafters of the garage.

So if you don't mind me asking...What part of Minnesota? We are in a south central suburb and trailer to the river(s) most weekends.

Have a blast with the 190. We bought a 190 new in '95 and ran it for 18 seasons and over 2000 hours before upgrading. It is a great boat.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I made one out of a mop handle, steel utility hook (the kind you screw into a wall or post), and a small hose clamp. Drilled a pilot hole into end of mop handle, screwed hook into it, then put the hose clamp around the end, tighting it to prevent splintering of wood. Trimmed the excess off of hose clamp and had the hockey player son wrap the grip end in hockey stick tape. Total cost, maybe $2 bucks. Works great so far.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

I'm in Maple Grove. I've got a ton of "homework" to do to find some nice lakes, I don't want to be stuck on the same lake all the time.

My list so far is:
Minnetonka
Lake Waconia
Medicine (real close to home)
Lake Carlos (Alexandria, aunt/uncles cabin)
Round Lake (Hayward, family friends cabin)
A lake in Buffalo I heard was nice (can't remember the name right now)

Would like to take a trip to Gull/Margaret sometime too. I'm more than willing to drive a couple hours to get in a "one day vacation".

I'll take suggestions

Minnetonka, Waconia, and Medicine are all close enough to do an afternoon/evening during the week. Minnetonka can be very busy on weekends, but any of these would be a good target for a day during the week.

We did the Carlos/ Darling/Le Homme Dieu chain several years ago and had a great time. Lots of nice lakes there and on up into the Detroit lakes area, lots of variety.

I do recommend Mille Lacs, the Brainerd area lakes, and the Whitefish chain by Crosby. All of these are within that 2-3 hour radius from the NW metro. If you want to range a bit further look into Vermillion, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Rainy Lake.

We have developed a preference for larger bodies of water. Small lakes are great for calmer water and water sports, but after about 3 laps you have pretty much seen the lake. Larger lakes and rivers offer more variety.

I do recommend getting a sonar or gps/sonar and familiarizing yourself with a lake before charging across the lake and hitting a rock. Have fun exploring!!!

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon