Back On The Water At Last!!

[Christian M]

Since I bought my Tracker PT17 in March I've only been able to take it out about 5 times due to trolling motor issues. The control board on my MK 55lb Powerdrive blew and I had to order a new one discounted at $70. I installed it with help from a tech over the phone, took the boat out and on the 5th trip the board blew again. This time I called MK and was able to get a new board for free because the tech who walked me through the installation never mentioned that I dont get the 90 day warranty if I install the board myself. Yesterday I finally got the 2nd board and dropped it off at a certified service center. It turns out that braided line was caught behind the prop causing friction and letting water into the lower unit. Thankfully I caught it in time and nothing had rusted. After letting everything dry out and resealing the lower unit I can go pick my motor up today and be on the water ASAP. I also get the 90 day warranty that comes with the board. I'll be taking off the prop and checking for any line after each trip from now on.

[martintheduck]

Went fishing for reds and speckled trout with a buddy in south louisiana a few weeks ago. Got my braid caught in his $1,000 + iPilot troller and got as much as I could out and then he told me "just cut it and leave the rest in there." I was dead set and pulling the prop off, but he insisted to just leave it be. For his sake, I hope he doesn't experience a problem like this! Glad it all worked out for you!

 

By the way, how do you like the Tracker? I just posted a thread about em' trying to get some feedback from owners. Have my selection narrowed down to a tracker 175 and an xpress h17.

[Christian M]

Your buddy should definitely take his prop off and clear that line out, if not he will definitely have the same experience. What happens is the line begins to melt, the friction becomes worse and worse, and the line gets pushed further and further back until the seal on the lower unit breaks and water gets in. Thats when the electrical problems start to happen. I was lucky and caught it before the metal components in the lower unit rusted, but it still cost me $265 to fix. After I got it back the motor was like new, way more torque and I can fish for a full day on a single charge. Now I take my prop off after every trip.

 

As for the boat, I have a 97 PT17 w/a 9.9 Merc Tracker and I love it. There;s TONS of storage, the only thing is I wish the rod locker was longer, but I can live with it. I can get it into 6" of water with no problem, its really stable and even with a 9.9 it goes about 20mph depending on how much gear and how many people are in it. I've always loved Trackers because they hold their value and are SOLID welded boats. I have a leaning seat or a butt seat and it makes fishing while steering the boat so much easier. I've been on all kinds of bass boats, and for the money I don't think it gets much better.