2005 Bass Tracker PT 175 Needs Work

[basswanter]

My tracker needs work. Bought it in April 2005 and been abusing it since. It needs to be refurbed (paint, carpet, floorplan mod, electrical wiring organization, etc.) See the pics. Will post more as I go along.

Started in June 2009, but only working on it a bit. It's November and I'm making progress. Got laid off at the end of September. Taking a few months to chill out and finish it before looking for new job (glad I got salary cont.). Will post pics soon.

Here are starting pics...
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Modified by basswanter at 10:05 PM 11/25/2009


Modified by basswanter at 7:23 AM 12/24/2009

[HydraSports]

Wow. You used that thing HARD!!

It'll look nice when you are done.

I've always wondered how the aluminum hulls would run when someone took the time to tweak them a bit. Jackplate/setback/prop work and maybe some engine work.

If I buy a new boat it'll probably be one of the TXW 175's. I can't see myself ever willing to take the plunge for a big payment again (not that I ever have had a really big boat payment before)

[TrackerPro175]

wow i thought my 2000 was bad when i bought it but yours looks used and abused, good luck with the restore, have you thought about linex and snap in carpet?

[basswanter]

You guys are so right. I beat it up something aweful. But, I'm getting it done. But, I'm running out on money. This is getting expensive. You'd be amazed at how often you need stuff of West Marine or Lowe's. The contact cement is expensive ($30) per gallon. Using it for all the carpet. More pics to come.

[Skeeter Boy 181]

What and the sam hell?

[Olebiker]

How in the world did you do that much damage to a four year old boat???!!!

[Jwengerd]

That boat has seen better days for sure.

[Slippy]

did you buy it new??? if so damn!

[basswanter]

Yes, bought it new.

Road and worked it hard. All the damage by just bumping into docks, rubrail inserts stretched out, ripped out underseat carpet (got wet every time it rained), rod locker very hard to keep rods organized, every compartment leaked, etc... 2006 and later Tracker models had compartment trim channel to divert water down hoses to the bilge. Will fabricate myself with alum right angle and route the water to a hose.

Prop got beat-up in the shallows. Hit on rocks. Also, forgot to remove the motor support bracket a couple of times. Shears off pieces of the prop when you take off and trim up. This is the third alum prop. All look the same. Will replace with stainless. I'm a lot more disciplined now.

Backed into another boat motor on Lake Norman, NC (Cracked the cowl). A lot of the carpet cramp is from storing outdoors (uncovered, exposed to sun and rain).

Just abuse. I'm a little better now.

Will not be upgrading to new boat any time soon, so will make mods to this one. Having fun doing it.

Never work on this during the fall and winter. Especially if you live in a HOA community and your gargage is full of junk.

It has stopped me of worrying about the layoff.


Modified by basswanter at 8:15 PM 12/9/2009

[Skeeter Boy 181]

WOW first boat?You treat it like crap it looks like.No offence

[basswanter]

Yeah, none taken. Didn't know much about boating. Learned using this boat.

Now, I've learned how to take it apart.


Will post more pics shortly.

[basswanter]

Pretty well torn down

[Paul8877]

How long did it take you to strip that down like that? I have a '94 tracker I'm getting ready to recarpet and extend the deck on.

[Skeeter Boy 181]

Sweet!Alot done so far

[basswanter]

Thanks. Let you know more soon.

[basswanter]

Probably 4-5 days (alone and non-stop). I can only warn you, be organized, and have ready storage place available. And, have a place where you can work into the night (like a roomy garage). If you do it during the winter, that's a must. Good luck.

[one-over-par]

Now would be a good time to through bolt the trolling motor and make it more stable. When I did mine, I cut the nut off those rubber plugs and left them in between the boat and motor to cut down on noise and so it won't scratch the boat.

[basswanter]

Thanks One-Over-Par...

That makes sense. I had not thought or heard of doing that. It makes perfect sense. I get some movement and noise I couldn't figure out how to get rid of. Wish I would have posted before I bought the new rubber isolator bolt things. What type of bolt did you use? And, how do you stop them from vibrating loose?

[arjone01]

Use Lock washers and nuts. Make sure it's all stainless.

[Tom B]

Livewells in great shape!