New Guy Here

[John Watts]

Hi, I'm new here. I found the board a few days ago and have enjoyed reading the postings. I pick up my new Targa 18 on Wednesday, and it's my first "real boat". I have owned a canoe for 25 years and a 17' flat bottom "resevoir rig" for about the same time (electrically powered only, for use on the water supply reservoirs here in Maryland) so I'm not entirely new to boating.



I plan to use the boat on the upper Chesapeake Bay, the back bays at Ocean City and Assateague, as well as pulling it to the Potomac around DC, and Lake Anna and the Chickahominy in VA. Does anyone here have experience with this boat on the Bay? How does it handle rough water there? What are your experiences good and bad with this model? Any tips to get the most out of the package?



Regards,

John

 

[TOMMY RICH]

EVERYBODY I talk to just love their Targa's...BIG WATER eaters.

TEE

BTW...Welcome to one of the most informative and LOONY sites on the net.

 

[Texas Transplant]

John,



I had a Targa 18 for three years. Just sold it. The day that I delivered it (S. Central Illinois) was one of those weekends when all the storms and tornadoes were howling across the midwest.



We met a Rend Lake, and put her on the water. We were running in four foot swells that day. I had watched a 17 foot basstracker venture out beyond the 'seawall', go 200 yards, and come back in. It was real rough. Three adults in the boat, and it handled it very well.



Congrat's on the new ride. What all do you have on it?



Tex

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Welcome John. Enjoy the boat and enjoy the luncay here! We do have something to contribute from time to time! LOL

 

[John Watts]

I forgot - I have the 90 hp 2 stroke - how has this motor performed for others on this rig?

 

[TOMMY RICH]

Grrrreeeat! It's a good motor...a little cold natured but, you'll get the hang of startin' it. Should push that Targa 17 great. Mine is a 2002..runs good and is stingy with oil.

TEE

 

[TrepMan]

Tex'll jump back in here, he had the same 90 on his Targa 18.



Since you mention "upper Chesapeake Bay, the back bays at Ocean City and Assateague" I assume you got the galvenized trailer? I'd check with Tracker on their "warranty" period (1 year on boat/trailer and I believe 5 years on the hull) on how that is affected by Saltwater use.



I know from an extended warranty perspective they have a seperate "saltwater" use package.

 

[Rich D]

Welcome!

 

[Texas Transplant]

Yep, that motor for me was a real gem. Had one bout with a broken piece of electronics (power module), but other that that, very good. I'll double up on the cold natured. Sometimes hard to start, but once cranked, just started without a hitch.



Tex

 

[Kenny Lively]

Welcome John,



Some good folks, and good info here. KENNY from the bass fishing capitol of the world East Texas.

 

[Texas Transplant]

Amen to that - Kenny!



Tex

 

[John Watts]

I did get the galvanized trailer. At the BPS near me that's the only way they sell them due to the amount of saltwater around here. I'll check about the warranty situation, but I told the sales guy of my intended uses and he didn't say anything about any warranty issues.



We plan to pull it down to OC this weekend for the maiden voyage, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks to all for the warm welcome and the tips!

 

[Carlos Hathcock III]

John,

IF you ever play in the Potomac area, above the 301 bridge and below Occoquan, let me know.

Nice rig and welcome to the board.

Carlos

 

[Greg Meyer]

Welcome John... You are among "friends" here... You may regret the company you are about to keep... And, if you are married I wouldn't mention this place to your wife.... She might not let you come out and play anymore... LOL

 

[Mike L.]

Welcome John!..Enjoy your Maiden Voyage...Happy & Safe Boating!!!..Mike L.

 

[Bruce Freeman]

Welcome John: You will love that boat on the upper bay,Anna and The James river,Heck anywhere you take it for that matter. I lived in Ellicott city along time ago.. On your lectric rig you fish tridephia any? I always wanted to and never did.. Did spend some time on Pretty Boy and Loch Raven. (Those are lake names so grow up)....

BF

Hazard County MD

 

[Larry Harp]

OK! Let's all head over to John's house for some crab!!! Kenny'll bring the Lone Star.



Good luck with the new boat, John. Welcome

Harpo

 

[John Watts]

I only fished Tridelphia once, most of my time with that rig was spent at Liberty, a great smallmouth lake. I did put it on the bay at Ocean City a few times with a little 7 1/2, but needed a huge bilge pump to keep out all the water from passing boats, so I gave that up - more like swimming than fishing! I even launched the canoe from the beach a couple of times and paddled around in the surf, but hey, I'll try almost anything once, no matter how idiotic. I figure the Targa 18 is like life insurance so I can fish out there without killing myself!



Hmm . . . . I wonder if I can get it out through the inlet . . . .

 

[Mike Levesque]

Welcome, John, another tinman comes aboard, enjoy the Targa!

egMike