Question,

[wabunn]

Hello and thanks in advance for your help. I have just purchased my first bass boat and I don't really know what switches control what functions. It is a 1988 Astroglass 17.5 ft. 150 xp Evinrude.My first question is what does this pull type switch control under the drivers seat. it has push to close and pull to open.
next if the yellow one is the bilge pump then what is the white one and does the hose marked connect to the live well?. Next what does the knob under the key switch operate?.and last for now this outlet is used for the bait tank up front. what keeps the water in this tank should there be a plug in the bottom of the tank to keep it from empting when the bow is up?. Thanks again Is there a generic type book that may cover this type stuff you know like Chiltons or Haynes for cars.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Question,

The switch under your key is the choke. Engage the idle up lever hold the choke sw up and crank until it pops, then start with out the choke.

The thru hull fitting looks to be a livewell or similar drain. Most live wells have a short tube that fits in the opening in the bottom and the water goes out this overflow tube.

The yellow pump is your bilge pump. Make sure it, above all else, works. The white one is the livewell pump.

The knob on the side of the seat is a control for the livewell or "baitwell". You will have to read and work it to figure out what it does.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Question,

The switch under your key is the choke.

NOPE!

That know is the tension know for your throttle control. You can adjust the tension that is required to push/pull the throttle........
It is an impromptu cruise control but I would NEVER adjust it while under power.

The REAL Important one is that coiled up red thing on the control..... it is your safety lanyard..... PLEASE wear it it is actually in fashion

 

[Fisherball]

Re: Question,

To choke push the ign. key in. It's solenoid activated, if you don't hear it click the little thingie is out of the solenoid body & it won't choke. Just put it into the solenoid & it'll work. That's the way it is in my '81 70 HP.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Question,

it would be a good idea to get an experienced boater to hang out with you, first in the driveway and later for your first run. There are a million little things about boats and you'll never ask all the questions.

It would be a bad idea to take any female or young family members with you on the maiden voyage. This is about as basic as putting the plug in.

Boats are strange. A seemingly major thing (lie running aground) is no big deal; a seemingly minor thing (battery ground nut is hand-tight but not pliers tight) can be crucial. I've been in old small boats in salt water over 50 years, I'm in them constantly and year round, and every trip I either learn somehting new, or I wasn't paying attention. Like this morning, I learned about invisible frost on a gunwhale, gravity, and shins against a rail all existing in the same universe.

Keep in mind that when dealing with old boats, many things can have been changed from original, so yours might not match a manual, another person's rig or eventhe best advice from here or a mechanic. Adds to the fun.