I just ordered my first bass boat. I was wondering what tips you guys could give me as far as maintence/cleaning/preperation prior to ever getting my new boat on the water. Ive owned boats in the past but they were pretty rough when I bought them. Never had a live well or a steering wheel to tell you the truth. Ive talked to alot of people and heard the saying "if I could to start over I would have ----- from the beginning". Thanks for the help.
First off, congratulations on the new boat!!--tell us about it!
A few things(no offense meant if i start too simple b/c you do say you've had other boats before, I had not when i bought mine)-- read your owner's manual 2-3 times and refer to it often. Do searches on BBC, everything you need to know is on here in some forum. Ask questions, there are no stupid ones here. Safety first!--that is everything from hooking up to launch/load. If your baby is fast, learn to drive it, anticipate chine walk/steering torque/setup/ trim response and stopping length(advice and videos on here). Learn to troubleshoot your engine and electricals, read the tips here. Take a boating Safety course and get a USCG Courtesy Check. Getting to know your rig(towing and boat/engine) is an investment in safety and fun.
From a practical standpoint-- get a good cover, even if you keep your boat garaged. Change the battery terminal wingnuts to nylock nuts. Tidy up any loose wiring with plastic cable ties, it's safer and connections last longer because vibration is less. Check the charge on fire extinguisher, trailer and boat lights, bilge pumps and tire pressures BEFORE every trip(complete checklists are on boards). Wear your lifejacket (especially when launching/loading) and kill switch!! Put a keel protector on, it's alot cheaper than glass repair and if you need to get off the water in a hurry, you won't decide to try for the ramp during a storm to keep from scratching your boat. Which brings up knowing the weather signs! Use Seafoam or RingFree or BRP additive in your gas PER THE OWNERS MANUAL. Check your trolling motor mount bolts regularly. Use BassBoatSaver regularly to protect the finish. A Biggie--if you live where freezing temps happen, put in a T-drain on your water pressure gauge so water doesn't freeze and break the gauge
(do a search for instructions). Install a HotFoot throttle and blinker style trim switch so you can keep both hands on the helm. Use trailer tie-down straps on the transom AND the bow, replace before they break! An on-board battery charger makes life easier and your batteries will last longer and won't die during that storm you got caught by because you didn't believe me earlier
Check your big prop and TM prop regularly for wrapped fishing line, which will eat the seals
Do your best to keep a good business-like relationship with your dealer, ask about mfg. update bulletins from time-to-time. Keep up with scheduled and necessary maintenances!
Fix every little thing before it becomes a big thing. Support the BBC Family including the Sponsors. Participate, it will pay huge dividends at no cost other than your time. This is a very short list of what I wish I had known and have learned from BBC. Oh, two more things---NEVER NEVER FORGET TO PUT IN THE PLUG, and STAY OUTTA MY FISHIN' HOLE
BASS WISHES, B O B
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