Merging

Hi all! I'm moving new posts to our family blog for the time being. You'll find it here: http://polkfamily.blogspot.com.

Woohoo! Doors fit...KINDA!

The driver's door on Dad's 1980 Scout II fits perfectly! The passenger side door has about 1/2" to go and we're done with that one, too. Whew!

Fishing for dog poo

The boys posed for shots in the boat today after I got a couple rod holders installed.

I broke it.

New Johns Lake + 22 mph + 2 rocks = ripped off skag on rock #1 and bent prop on rock #2. In 10 feet of water even!

$100 later Bismarck Prop Works will have me fishin' again.

If you'd like to know where these rocks are, I can show you. We'll take your boat.

Fish not jumping in the boat yet, but...

The boat's been working great. It could use softer seats (oak isn't exactly forgiving) , a fish/depth finder and a trolling motor, but it's quite nice as-is. We've had it on New John's, Brush and the Missouri without any serious problems or surprises. Starts well and runs great! Now I need to learn how to fish.

So I wonder what's next?

My choices are:

- Finish the Jeep
- Finish the basement
- Build a rock retaining wall at the front of the house
- Build a deck off our lower walk-out

Any suggestions?

Kart receives a transplant

3hp (if it was even 3) wasn't enough for the kart. It had trouble with hills, turning, tall grass and basically wasn't any fun unless you were on a smooth straight-away.

I fixed the problem with a brand-new 5.5hp GX160 Honda knock-off engine from eBay for $100. What a difference! It's scary fast with the throttle wide open. Never fear, I'm using the built-in adjustable throttle stop so there's still plenty of torque but not much top end.

Another addition was a more conveniently placed kill switch. DJ and Adam helped with that one.

USS Minnow? D.A.M. Boat?

I like D.A.M. boat. Those of you who know my kids will know what that stands for!

The boat received $100 worth of wheels and tires this weekend, along with new lower unit drain plug seals, a new water pump, new prop shaft seals and a new drain plug.

Only things left to do are:

• Fill rear seat with foam
• Finish new wiring
• Clean
• Go fishing!
  
  

Floating: IsPossible

Dad brought over some caulking/sealant tonight and I plugged the 8 holes in the transom from the broken/missing transducer mounts I removed. I used sealed rivets from the boat shop and was done in about 15 minutes.

I also painted the welds where the tongue jack attaches to the trailer, and my father-in-law got the registration renewed, so I attached the stickers.

That's it!