Just got my first bass boat

[Cooper713]

Well i finally got me a bass boat. Its a 1994 Sprint 286 Pro Tournament. Got a great deal in it($1,000 for the boat, motor, & trailer), but does need a little work. Thankfully the Johnson 140 runs like a new motor, so its worth well over the $1,000 i paid for the whole thing by itself. But still needs depth finders, batteries, & still gotta check the pumps & lights. Does anyone have any suggestions on what brands to buy and the cheapest places to get them? I dont mind spending some money on the project. Just wanting to get good quality parts for the boat without breaking the bank. Thanks for any suggestions. Also, any suggestions for other things that would be good to have on it?

 

[captain kirk]

I would begin with all four wheel bearings sense any one of them can ruin a good day of fun. Also, if you are planning to tow with a Jeep be very careful as you can be jack-knifed before you can say it. If your rig has trailer brakes make sure they work. I would put in a new water pump if I didn't know it's history and change the oil in the lower unit. These are a few things that can keep down alot of heart burn. Enjoy your new boat and good luck fishing.

 

[south599]

as far as pumps go I have always stuck with attwood and haven't had any problems from them. your worst problem may be the odd corroded connections at the switchs, etc. just go look at all connection and replace or clean if any corrosion. If it doesn't already I would also pick up a spare tire(at least a used one) and make sure you have the tire iron to change it. also even if the motor runs strong I would get the compression checked, change the spark plus, looks for corrosion, and make sure your fuel line has no leaks that you can visually see. would also suggest putting a fuel water separator inline(it earns its money back easily with how well it works).

 

[humdinger]

I agree with Captain Kirk. Be careful towing with a jeep. Make sure your sway bars are connected and the trailer brakes work. A lot of off roaders unhook the sway bars for better performance. This will make towing dangerous! Also check the trailer tires. They usually get old and dry rot before they show much tire wear. Sounds like you got a great deal! Have fun and enjoy!

 

[Cooper713]

Thanks for the tips. I do know the dangers of towing with my wrangler bc of its short wheel base & light weight. But i have done a good bit of work to the drivetrain & suspension. It mostly was for off roading, but it greatly improved my towing as well. Already checked out everything on the motor & its all good. The guy i usually fish with was a marine mechanic & he looked at everything yesterday & got it fired right up. I did get a great deal. My uncles friend has owned the boat for about 6 yrs now. The outboard was completly rebuilt 2 yrs ago & i know its been treated good. He stripped the electronics to go on a newer boat he bought & just parked this one. I was joking when i asked if he wanted to sell it, but we talked about it annd when he said $1000, i jumped all over it before he could change his mind.i guess he just really wanted the boat gone.

 

[tbhoward]

Nice Jeep! Sounds like you got a great deal on your boat! It's always nice to be able to buy from someone you know that has been treating it good! I'm still looking for a steal on my first bass boat...have fun and good luck fishing!

 

[Cooper713]

Good luck finding a good boat. I just got really lucky on mine. Glad i did though.

 

[Mr.Finesse]

Its funny how different people think whats important when it comes to boating, to each their own, lol. Well here's my 2 cents. I would just make sure that there is no water in the lower unit. And I would make sure that the source of oil is good whether it is mixing it or a VRO. Then just run it. If there is something wrong, you'll know, and take care of it as it comes.

 

[Hook1]

Consider the small things. You are required to carry an emergency air horn, fire extinguisher, paddle, throw cusion and a PFD for every occupant on the boat. These things are easily overlooked.

 

[Cooper713]

I have all the required little things, ive had smaller boats before & kept all that stuff. As far as the motor goes, i put it on my friend Todds boat and took it to Chickamauga yesterday. Ran it up past Harrison Bay and back. It runs like a new one. I figured it would, because i know it has been taken care of.

 

[Fixxxer93]

I've heard that Fish N' Fun has some good deals on used depth finders to get you started. I'd do what everyone has suggested and then I'd take it to the lake and see how it does and go from there. You have a head start with the motor, now just figuring what doesn't work.

 

[Cooper713]

Yeah. We put the motor on my friends boat and it is good, thankfully. I actually bought a Lowrance Elite 5 DSI from a buddy of mine. So ive got a good on my console now, but will definetly go by there and see what they have for the front. Thanks for the info.

 

[Oldman]

attwood is junk.i put a new livewell pump in my bullet and it went out the second time out.wouldnt have been so bad but you have to take the gas tank out to change it.i have tried several of them over the years with the same luck.i have learned my lesson that junk will never,never go in a boat of mind again.(just my opinion)

 

[Cooper713]

I havent checked any of my pumps yet, just been working on getting the old carpet tore off & getting it cleaned up really good. I hope the pumps work, but if they dont i will do a lot of research on different brands before i buy anything that i put on it. Thanks for your opinion. Thats why i wanted to do this post, to get more experienced boaters opinions on things wether they are good or bad opinions.

 

[Fixxxer93]

Good luck with the carpet lol. I know what your fixing to go thru. Just research everything before ya buy.

 

[Cooper713]

Yeah. I always do a lot of research before i buy anything. Wether its the carpet, electronics, or even something as simple as a new winch strap for the trailer. I just want to get the best quality product i can for a reasonable price.