Just Bought 2010 Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW

[Grhanley]

Just bought my first boat, and after extensive research and testing the boat I purchased the boat today. What a feeling, but I am still a novice when it comes to owning my own boat. Was curious if this forum could help me with some of the basics. The Motor has about 40 Hrs on it and looks to be very clean. Even though it is 10 years old.

Engine Questions
1) Would it be wise to replace the original spark plugs after 10 Years of being in the motor. When I test drove it, the engine kick on after the second turn of the key, but when we turned it off 10 Min later and talked a little it took about 7 to 8 Seconds for it to kick on. Should I be worried and have it serviced?

2) How often should I replace the gear oil?

3) How long can you have gas in the tank before it goes bad?

Overall Basic Questions
1) I plan on using the boat 2 to 3 times a month, how much maintenance of oil and tune ups are needed at this rate?

2) Would you recommend replacing the On board Charger with one of the more current ones? 10 Years is a long time. I know that some can maintain the batter better when not in use....

3) Do I need to remove the Plug in the back of the boat after every use? Do bass tracker boats even have a plug that needs to be removed?? Sorry I know this is a very basic question, but I don't want to mess up being this is my first time owning a boat

4) What other problems if any should I be on the look out for?

Thank you all in advance, and I'm sorry in advance for asking such noob questions, but I know there is someone out there that has gone thru this just like me.....

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard, and congrats on the new boat.

Engine Questions: 1.) As long as it's starting consistently (as in "you're not being towed in"), you can probably let the starting issue go on a little bit and see if it's an issue. Changing plugs usually doesn't hurt, and is sometimes a very good thing. But at the moment it might not be necessary.

2.) At two to three times per month usage, and assuming no winter storage in Texas, I would recommend changing your gear lube twice per year. Then check periodically to make sure you're not getting water intrusion. Mercury probably has a recommended duration in the manual, but I don't know what it is for that motor.

3.) . You'll get a bunch of answers on this one, but I sometimes let a half tank sit for several months. Not the best for the boat, but it runs with no real trouble. If you're letting the boat sit for a few weeks, don't worry about it. If a few months, then try to empty the tank as much as you can before you park it. But, don't worry about it too much. Parking it for a year: do your best to drain it out.

Basic Questions: 1.) Look at the recommended maintenance schedule in the manual. Then from there, let the motor tell you. Outboards are pretty easy to maintain, and if you're out on it a couple times per month you'll be able to tell when something is going out of whack. Plugs, lube and things like that should be outlined in the manual (if you haven't gotten one for the motor, do that!).

2.) Dunno' - someone else will know better than me on that.

3.) Yup. The boat should have a garboard drain on the stern, usually dead center ... pull it out when the boat is on the trailer, and always store the boat as "bow high" as you can. You want any accumulated / trapped / present water flowing to the bilge and out that drain. THEN ... remember to put it back in before you launch

4.) Too many to name. Maintain the hull and the motor regularly, and you'll avoid most of 'em. Store the boat properly - inside is always best, well-covered is pretty essential outside, etc. - and you'll avoid a lot more. Clean it after you use it, and that will help. The things I see go nasty fastest on most boats: carpet, upholstery, electronics.