Headin' to MN to pick up new skeeter

[Stormsearch]

The deal finally went down a couple days ago - over the phone. I got a great deal on a new 2001 1775t skeeter with the F80 yamaha. I am leaving the 24th to pick it up on the 25th.

I say the 24th because I am leaving from north of Detroit, MI. The destination is Crystal Pierz Marine at Forest Lake, just north of St. Paul, total trip is ~800 miles.

Anyway, wanted to know if there are any recommended places to stay in that area - nothing fancy.

Also, where are all of the good bait shops in that area? Probably won't have time to test the great ice fishery you have, but at least would like to bring home some stuff that I possibly don't see over here.

Last question, need to get new hitch/ball. Can anybody tell me how high the bottom of the trailer frame is off the ground when it is level? Thanks for everybody's help and god hope the weather holds for those couple of days.

[Dodge1]

Storm,

Congratulations on your new Skeeter :)

I don’t live in the area but I’m certain someone here will answer your questions about a place to stay and the best places to pickup some stuff.

Regarding the hitch/ball; I would suggest that you leave off buying the tongue until you get up to Crystal Marine. That way they can hookup the boat to your vehicle to see exactly what drop you’ll need.

[Gull Lake Guy]

Congrats on your new rig - it's a great combo. Regarding tackle stores, contact Thorne Bros. @ 763-572-3782 They are located about 20 miles from Forest Lake in Fridley, MN. They have the best selection of Musky tackle anywhere, custom rods for both open and hard water, and a very knowledgeable staff (even Matt). Call Crystal-Pierz and I am sure they can provide lodging info, as well as the trailer measurement you are looking for.

[mike]

Congrats on the new rig your going to love it, I own the same setup. I saw some pics of the new layout and was very impressed, they've totally redone the interior of that boat. Do you know how long of rod fits in the center rod locker? Where you able to pick out the colors of your new boat or did they already have a 2002 in stock?

Good luck on your drive.

[Grey Wolf]

Congrats on the new boat. Mikes bait is about 1 block or so south of Pierz in Forest Lake. He has a great selection of ice fishing gear, however don't plan on spending any time on our ice. Capra's in Blaine is on Highway 65 just about a mile sounth of the new Highway 10. They are also about 2 miles or so from Thorne brothers. great selection of everything. Capras number is 763-780-4557, well worth the stop. If you get up near Walker which I doubt, Reeds is the best place in the state. You want it, they have it, will get it and then ship it for free too.

[Stormsearch]

Mike,

I saw the 2002 layout and didn't like it all. The electronics command center sits too far back and can only fit one decent sized unit. It is a good location if you mainly backtroll, but that is it.

With the center rod locker, this boat has 3 rod lockers. I was told by the Skeeter rep directly that you can fit 7' rods in the center locker. Usually you can squeek out another 6" someplace. But with the center rod locker you lose storage, livewell size, etc, etc. That is why I didn't buy the 2002 Lund 1775.

We are able to still have a new boat made from the old mold at least until the 2003's start producing sometime this summer for the same price of a new 2002 model. Therefore, I was in the process of ordering a new boat in the old mold when I came across a new 2001 setup that just about nearly fit exactly what I wanted. The only thing I wanted that the new rig does not have is disc brakes. I picked it up (out the door cost) with many options/extra's less than the base cost of a new rig and about $5500 cheaper than my local dealer here in MI.

The Forest Lake store still had two other setups similar to mine. One is the boat pictured in the 2002 catalogue. Not the color I wanted. The other two boats were in a white hull with either moon dust or a green color. Somebody put their name on the green striped one with no money. I would imagine since the local boat show started yesterday I believe that both of those rigs are sold.

If you have any more questions, let me know. Thanks.

[Mike]

YOur going to be happy with your boat, they are great in rough water. My friend owns a 1775 pro-v and there is absolutely no comparison in ride, he gets beat up and very wet compared to the glass skeeter. I don't have breaks either but wish I did, it's a fairly heavy boat.

If you have the ability to choose your prop, pick the black stainless 17 pitch yamaha prop, it will give you the be all around performance. It will be far better than any aluminum prop they try and give you.

Good luck in your trip.

[Riverguy]

Not all the water around here is frozen! Check back in a few weeks, but right now the Mississippi in downtown St Paul is open and going good. If the above average temps continue-we are looking at big walleye and sauger hitting hard all winter!

You will should drive right by a couple of landings on the Miss that are on your way home-might be nice to stop for a couple of hours!!!

[SUPERTROLLER]

Riverguy, I know you mean well and you are offering your knowledge in good faith but fishing with an unregistered boat by an out-of state owner would probably not be in his best interest. lol. I'm sure he would buy a Daily license but it would be next to impossible for him to have it registered and numbered to make him legal. Maybe you could give him a ride that day instead. Hope your ice is safe if it cools off again. Good Luck.

[Stormsearch]

Thanks guys for all the bait store locations. Probably will not have enough time to tool around the local waters if it stays soft. However, I do want to make sure the motor is solid as much as possible before I leave home with it. I should get a 15 day temp registration if time & conditions exist to check things out.

My truck is already packed ready to go - the bad thing is I have a fishing trip planned for next weekend and need to re-pack. I am getting a little too anxious to get her home and get her rigged. Just ordered the 3000MT yesterday, the first toy. Plan on hooking it up to the truck for the ride out.

[Mark]

Hey Storm....just a thought...I don't know if you have pulled a rig through Chicago yet but it is horrible....you may want to time your trip through so you can hit a lower traffic volume....I had six accidents in front of me last year pulling to Chamberlain...I started to go through the UP and it was wonderful, although the weather can get tough quick up there....If the weather looks good as it does now....there is no question which way I would go...good luck with your new rig...Mark Sak

[SLS]

You might want to check out the adjustable hitch that reese manufactures (sides into a 2" square receiver type hitch). They adjust to 7" rise or drop and rated to 5000lbs. Walmart has them for around $65.00. Would be handy if you tow different trailers or have more than one tow vehicle.

[RANGER]

Stormsearch,

Did you happen over to the Boats and Motors forum? "Eyecon" is looking for you.

[Stormsearch]

Thanks again guys,

Mark, I checked the mileage from heading across the UP and it would only add 80 miles one way - not a bad idea at all if the weather is good. I plan on leaving early Thursday am so I if I went through Chicago I would hid it mid day, ~ noon. On the way back it would be late Friday night or possbily Saturday. I will probably still go around the bottom tip of Lake MI though because I-94 will take me right into the St. Paul area. A lot of easy boring driving I know. We will see.

SLS, help from Eyecon I think I have the right height, if not should only be off by an inch or so. If it is really off, then I can always pick up a new hitch. Oddly, I have pulled (4) different boats so far with the same truck and they all matched perfectly to my existing hitch. I guess I shouldn't have expected anything different except the sales guy said I needed a 4" drop which started that question. Next time I will just ask the experts here on this board.

Yeah Ranger I saw it, thanks. I took off early Friday and shopped around Cabela's to check multiple things out and spent the rest of the weekend making room in the garage.