smoker craft bass catcher?

[deezdrama]

Ive been looking for my first boat like an ocd madman for the past few days. I ran across many nice deals but always issues with missing titles or hid numbers etc. was getting bummed out then stumbled across a nice looking 15" smokercraft bass catcher for $1800. The boat was right near my house so went and looked at it. 15ft smoker craft, 15hp evinrude, 45# bowmount foot pedal trolling, has livewell and bilgepump,hummingbird depth finder, nice trailer BOTH titles. so im looking it over and it all looked solid, the wood is still solid as it was garage kept but the carpet was a little faded with a few holes. anyway... i got the boat for $1500 and wondered if smoker crafts are good boats? Its an 88 This is my first boat, i have alot to figure out... ive never used any outboard motor before, or fishfinder. Im planning to recarpet everything and buy new seats. Hopefully its a good boat.

 

[deezdrama]

No Title

 

[deezdrama]

I think he said he had it out earlier this year, I was thinking I should take it out and give it a test run before I dump anymore money recarpeting and new seats.
Is there anything I need to do first?
This is my first boat and plan to find a manual for the outboard and learn to maintain it but for now would you say it is ok to take out?
There is a half tank of fuel left in the tank that I assume is premixed already, and he gave me a big bottle of fuel oil mix, It was getting dark when I bought it so was running out of time to ask questions.... any help is appreciated,
thanks!

 

[lncoop]

Congrats on the new rig. You did just fine IMO. Nothing wrong with Smoker Craft boats and that one appears to be in really nice shape with lots of extra goodies and garage kept to boot. It won't be a speed demon but you know that. I'd suggest replacing the fuel line before you run it, and you may find that you'll eventually want to swap out the motor for a bigger one (or maybe not). Enjoy and welcome aboard.

 

[bonz_d]

That is a very nice 1st boat and should serve you well. At the very least check that fuel that it isn't starting to turn to varnish and look at the color to see if you can tell if it's already been mixed or is it just straight gas. Next after you get it in the water and started check the side/rear it see that there is a water stream coming out. That would be the teltale. Let's you know that the water pump is working.

Otherwise just take'er out, go slow at 1st to get the feel for it and then enjoy yourself! I see Illinois registration on it Where are you located?

 

[roscoe]

... ive never used any outboard motor before, .

This could be a problem, or rather a challenge.

You should find a friend or relative with some boating experience, and let them look it over, then show you the ropes.

How to launch, how to start the motor and what not to do.
How to dock, load, and trailer the rig.

If you can't find a boating mentor, head out to the boat ramp (leave the boat at home), and look for a 25 to 55 year old fisherman, and ask him if he could show you the ropes.
Then set a date and time and spend a couple hours going over EVERYTHING. Take notes, or video everything, so you don't forget.

There is a huge amount to learn, even for a small boat.

How about a boater safety course?
Most states require that you take one, depending on your age.

http://www.boat-ed.com/?gclid=Cj0KE...IyIc4rTHbzyzH9GL0UCHhNeHEwhbPZlH2AaAiav8P8HAQ

And yes, smoker craft boats are decent.