new to me boat, manuals, where to start?

[morrow21]

Just got a 2000 tracker pro deep v17 with a 90hp Mercury. Its my first boat. Trying to get manuals for everything to get started. Any suggestions on where to start? I've searched all over the internet, but haven't really found anything. Tracker's site doesn't have anything listed. Found the depthfinder manual from humminbird.

Also, any other sites or things that would be helpful for a new boat owner? Planning on the boaters course on BoatUS.

Thanks

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: new to me boat, manuals, where to start?

Get a factory manual for the motor...... or is money is an issue.... get an aftermarket one.

Tracker marine will probably send you a owners manual free of charge BUT do not expect much...... they rarely contain any useful information.

Just take a USCG approved boater's course, have the motor checked out properly (and do the maintenance if you do not have proof of what had been done..... lowerunit oil, impellar etc) and have the wheel bearings re-packed on the trailer.

 

[morrow21]

Re: new to me boat, manuals, where to start?

Thanks
Had the motor checked by a merc dealer before buying. Compression good, oil recently changed, no foreign material in the lower unit. How often should the oil pump and water pump be changed?

Where should I look for the engine manual, and what is the difference between factory and aftermarket?

 

[morrow21]

Re: new to me boat, manuals, where to start?

Trailer is brand new, had been replaced a few months before they sold it, 2010 RoadKing. Should I do anything to the bearings?

Also, putting together a tool/boat kit, any suggestions on what to include. My wife and I took it out for the first time today and made a list, but I'm sure all of your experience would make it more complete. We've got the requirements, vests, flares, lights, fire extinguishers, paddle, whistle. But specific tools or parts, anything else handy?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: new to me boat, manuals, where to start?

Well, depends on where you are boating for your supply list. Cell phone Tools that are essential to me may differ from your needs.

I would do the wheel bearings annually.

Oil pump?? For the oil injection? Or do you have a 4 stroke motor? I would get a manual

 

[morrow21]

Re: new to me boat, manuals, where to start?

Referring to the oil injection system, as I understand they have a tendancy to go bad? As I said, newbie. I'll mainly be using it in lakes in SC, with a couple of trips per year to Canada.