I used to go fishing quite a bit when I was younger, and for a while fished a week up in canada for walleyes each summer so I kind of know what I'm doing, but I discovered that erie is a different kind of animal. You just don't stop anywhere and throw a bobber and worm out to catch sunfish...
I have been eyeing up the 9.8/9.9 4 stroke engines, still need to decide to buy a used one, or just go brand new. Lots of money to spend though, but also it would be an engine that would last a long time and my son could probably get use out of it down the road as well. This spring I put a humminbird 788ci unit on it, and I bought the navionics hotmaps chip which really worked out well. Santa hopefully is bringing me a better marine radio with antenna also. I have to say this is the most expensive free thing (boat) I ever got in my life haha. It never stops does it. Oh well we all have our vices, might as well be something that puts a delicious meal on the table. Thanks a lot for the offer to fish, I just might take you up on that. Does your kicker swing down to use?