I'm in the process of upgrading from my 1999 Nitro NX-882 (original owner) with a 150 XR-6 to a 2003 Triton TR-21 Bass Masters Classic Limited Edition with a 225 Optimax (non Pro-XS) and need a few pointers on my new to me ride.
First, the boat has been fairly well taken care of and has ~300 hours on it, I'm buying it from a friend in my club so history and driving behavior are fairly well known, he's an older fella, so it wasn't beaten or raced.
What I'd like to know are what are the quirks with this specific year and motor setup. Are there any tricks to setting it up and getting the best performance out of it? I have read that there is a gas smell in the compartments (and smelled a little in the boat) and also read the fix on this forum, i think i will be performing this as soon as I get it if it becomes a problem.
How about trolling motor? It's coming with an 80lbs Fortrex, i want to upgrade to a modern trolling motor with spot lock features, just need to know if 80 is adequate enough, or if 100+lbs of thrust is a much better fit which would include adding another battery.
How about shoot thru hull sonar, is there a pad or build in location that Triton recommends for putting the puck in the hull and how about running wires to the back, fairly easy or is there a trick for it?
Optimax requirements, I've read about needing a strong cranking battery (1000+ CCA) to start the motor, how does this woth with electronics, i usually ran an group 29 Dual Purpose battery in my boat and never had an issue, I don't know if they make dual purpose batteries with 1000+ CCA's (have not researched yet), but am willing to take recommendations.
Finally, recesses trolling motor pedal wells, is there anything i should be concerned before i put on of these in the boat, anything I should stay away from? Do i need one if I get a Garmin or other remote control pedal trolling motor?
Thank you,