New to the site and going to buy my first boat tomorrow........

Was wanting some opinions on this boat.

"""""1990 BassMaster 147, 15' Long, 6' Beamm, 3 persons or 375 Lbs., 800 Lbs. persons, gear, motor.
1990 Mercury outboard motor, 4 cyl. 40HP Oil injected, Power tilt & trim
Trolling motor, Minn Kota Turbo 50, all terrain, 32 Lbs. thrust
1988 Galvanized trailer, and boat cover included


The boat and motor are a little smaller than I was looking for but this one is in the best shape of all that I have looked at. I figure it will be a good first boat and mainly my son and I will be the only ones going out in it.....my wife doesnt like the water. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/eyes.gif

He is gonna let me take it out for a spin on the lake....but since I have never driven a console boat...only tiller steer smaller john boats....Im having seconds thoughts about it. Figure I will just let him take me for a spin. Not that the mighty 40 horse will give any pucker factor http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

One more.......it isnt coming with a transom saver.......anyone in the vicinity of Interstate 85 between Greensboro and Virginia know where I can pick one up on a Sunday? Hate the thought of hauling it 3hrs home without one.

Love the site,
KC aka Shaggy


Modified by Shaggy at 11:23 PM 8/9/2007

neat looking boat. i have no idea where you are in NC. but i'm sure there is a boat shop somewhere along your drive. if not, i know wal marts generally have them for about 30 bucks. some of the marina stores near the lake often carry them as well, but be prepared to pay double. good luck, and welcome to BBC. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

congrats on your boat....Look like she in good shape.... http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

Nice boat http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif When you go for the test drive, I strongly recommend that you get some time behind the wheel. If you don't, it's kind of like going for a test drive in a new car and only letting the salesman drive. You can feel how the steering is, are the cables loose, or do they stick? How well does the throttle operate? Little things that might bug you.. best to know before you buy. Also pay attention to how well the boat runs with that 40 horse. You may want something with a little more umph.. If it feels good than get it and get on the water. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/USA1.gif

Congrats!!! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

Welcome to the boards http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

Where's the boat just red X's

Those were pics from his craigslist ad.......bought the boat. Its in real good shape. He was the second owner.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL160.../270132327.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL160.../270132329.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL160.../270132333.jpg

Shaggy are you having any trouble getting that new boat to plane? I just bought a sprint 255 with a 40 Yamaha and Im having trouble getting on plane . Thanks

I took it out last Tuesday for the first time. Had me, the wife, my son and nephew(10&11yr olds) in it and it got up on plane in no time. Cruised pretty good too......but its definately a 2 person boat. Especially if your slinging hooks. 2 adults and 2 kids could probally crappie fish in it with no problem.

You have tilt/trim on yours?

Yes I have tilt/trim and boat is good solid. Boat is rated max 80 and I knew it was underpwered but I didnt think getting on plane would be a problem

Congrats Shaggy, interior of that boat looks great. Outside probably does too but pics dont show it too well.

hello. i'm a new boat owner as well. looking to get a motor for my 83 smokercraft basscatcher. it's rated at 80 hp. what do you guys mean by getting on plane?

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wolfrat1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what do you guys mean by getting on plane?</TD></TR></TABLE>

From the BBC Dictionary - Planing: When the boat has achieved sufficient speed to ride onto its bow wave, a function of the hydrodynamic design of the hull. Phase of operation that comes after "submerged" motion, has characteristics of significantly less drag.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by baseball2828 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yes I have tilt/trim and boat is good solid. Boat is rated max 80 and I knew it was underpwered but I didnt think getting on plane would be a problem</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not saying this IS happening but it may be. I have seen this, and done it myself as a new baot owner. Though I had the motor trimmed full in when I actually had more to go. The trim/tilt is that, two seperate things. When the motor is coming down it appears to "stop" but actually it is only slowing once it reaches the trim position. Make sure you are getting the motor tucked in full trim before launch of the bow will hang high before slowly breaking over, or "coming onto plane" http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif Also you may be over propped. Start a new thread and discuss the issue with the boat and motor specs if you like http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif