Bass Boat 101

[Craigums]

Getting my 1st bass boat in the next week or two and would like to hear some basic tips, maintainance or precautions that a rookie bass boat owner may not know. Even if it seems completely obvious please feel free to throw it out there.

(IE: Always tow your boat in O/D Off)

I'm interested in battery, trailer, electronics, and motor issues & tips.

Thanks,

Craig

[crappiegetter]

Depending on the size and horsepower of the boat get used to it before you run full throttle. Bass boats handle totally different than walleye boats and others. Instead of crashing through waves, trimmed correctly, they will skip the tops of waves. And I know with my old mans boat hats are only worn if you want to buy a new one.

[TruthWalleyes]

Be prepared for things to break and do preventative maintenance religiously....

Wheel Bearings greased and free of water.

Monitor lower unit lube for water.

Be prepared to break a prop on the water.

Bilge failure.

Motor not starting.

Batteries Die.

Be prepared to launch you boat before backing into the landing.

Get good insurance and know what your covered for and what you aren't (Think about how you will use the boat and be sure your coverage is sufficient for your fishing style)

Get ready to drop a bunch of $$$ on accessories from now until you sell it!

Read up on the boating regulations.

Know your boat and how it reacts at any speed.

Keep your head on your shoulders, be safe, and ENJOY!

[bassfshin24]

Be ready to spend money haha. Seems like there is always money going into them whether it be maintenace or accessories. My buddy had a good way of defining a boat.

B-Bust

O-OUT

A-ANOTHER

T-THOUSAND

$$$$

Enjoy...they sure are fun to have! Cant wait until Im ready to get another one.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

You guys know the definition of a boat right? A hole in the water you throw your money into.

I got my first boat last year. When buying equipment spend your maximum right up front or consider what you're getting with the purchase and ask will you need to replace it? I put a trolling motor on last year that that was less poundage than I wanted but was a good deal. Well it wasnt a good buy because this year Ill be selling that one and putting a higher pound thrust motor on. Really wish I had a bigger outboard too.

I kind of wish I would have saved another year or two and got a glass boat but I just really wanted a boat, any boat... at least I have a functioning boat, paid for, I can call mine.

[smalliehunter]

Be sure you get what you want like others have said don't get a good deal and realize next year your want something else.

[Bass Whacker]

If you get a boat that chine walks dont back off the throttle to fast just trim in. The first time I drove one a few years ago I panacked when the boat started chine walking really bad and let off the gas to quick and almost screwed the boat right into the water.

[delmuts]

One of the main things; is to slowly learn the boat! NEVER loose respect for the power of them!

[Juan Grande]

Make sure to put the plug in!

The first trip out in my brand new boat, I had the plug in but not tightened. We got a couple hundred hards from shore and I noticed water up in one of the front storage compartments. Long story short, the hull was flooded, my wife was 5 months pregnant, the water was barely 50 degrees and she started screaming for help. Needless to say, I haven't forgotten the plug since.

[bASS_BLASTER]

- remember the plug

- always pull trolling motor up before taking off

- be very careful because stainless steel props are expensive

- learn how to counter steer chine walk, if ur boat walks

- secure your rods when taking off

- always wear your life jacket

- onboard chargers ensures all batteries are fully charged

- balance your boat for a better ride, if its leaning right, put more weight on the left side

- trim down when decreasing speeds say from 75mph to slowing down

- avoid backwash

- you cannot outrun big boats in 4-5' wakes and rollers

- have a day tackle

- take ur cap off when running wot

- put straps on your sunglasses

[mww24]

Get ready. They are a different animal and I have a small boat with relatively low horsepower. Don't forget to raise your motor when pulling out of the landing. I've seen a lot of aluminum skegs drug across concrete ramps. I think everyone does the leaving the trolling motor down. You will get sprayed but probably won't break annything. Know your water that your running. The thought of hitting something below the surface running 50+ mph scares me more than anything. Always wear your PFD and kill switch. If someone around here has the same or similar boat you are getting have them come out with you if they can. All bass boats run a little different and having someone with experience in yours can be a big help. especially if they chine walk or want to bow hook when coming off plane. Go check out bassboatcentral. There is more info and videos than you should need. plus forums for each brand of boat. Good luck and stay safe.

[apegs]

If your boat chine walks can you do anything about it

[bASS_BLASTER]

I run an 89mph bassboat so I understand chine walk. Yes you can do something about it. Balance your boat and all you need is seat time, lots of it. Small left counter steer. All boats with speeds of 70mph + will walk, some more then others. Few lighter boats will start walking in the mid 60's. There is a video and chart which I will post later.

[Deitz Dittrich]

what are you getting craigums? Knowing the brand may help in a few more hints.