floodcitykid
Recruit
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2012
- Messages
- 2
I just got my Dad's old 1979 Bass Tracker from PA and brought it down to where I live in North Central Florida. My dad is getting older and its been sitting in the garage unused for about 7 years now. The motor is a 15 HP Mariner that was bought new in 1995 with low hours on it. I am trying to get an idea of what I need to do to get it ready for saltwater (or any water for that mater). This is my first boat and would really appreciate any advice. I've had some friends with boats give me random tips here and there. I want to go out and fish the flats out in the Gulf and go scalloping. I'm sure the boat will be fine if I go out on calm days and stay close to the shore.
What I've done so far:
* New tail lights for the trailer
* Got a battery, tested the electronics. All wires are in good shape and the bilge pump still works.
* Started the engine (couldn't wait). I had a buddy who used to work at John Deere on small engines look at it, said it was fine to start, said it looked brand new. It idled and reved fine. Didn't put it in gear though. The muffs are right against the prop. I'm going to replace the gear oil then try to put it in gear this weekend and see what happens.
* There are two cracks above the water line. You can kinda see them in the picture. I'm going to scrape out the old silicone and fill them with JD weld marine epoxy.
* Cleaned the gas tank and fuel line.
Am I missing anything? Ive read alot online, and asked people alot of dumb questions. But theres not really a "Old Boats for Dummies" book out there. If there was, I'd buy it.
Thanks for your help!
What I've done so far:
* New tail lights for the trailer
* Got a battery, tested the electronics. All wires are in good shape and the bilge pump still works.
* Started the engine (couldn't wait). I had a buddy who used to work at John Deere on small engines look at it, said it was fine to start, said it looked brand new. It idled and reved fine. Didn't put it in gear though. The muffs are right against the prop. I'm going to replace the gear oil then try to put it in gear this weekend and see what happens.
* There are two cracks above the water line. You can kinda see them in the picture. I'm going to scrape out the old silicone and fill them with JD weld marine epoxy.
* Cleaned the gas tank and fuel line.
Am I missing anything? Ive read alot online, and asked people alot of dumb questions. But theres not really a "Old Boats for Dummies" book out there. If there was, I'd buy it.
Thanks for your help!
