Anyone own a boat that has been pretty much trouble-free?

[strikefc34]

I owned a 2000 Champion 193 DCX Elite with a 200 Mercury EFI. I had that boat for about 10 years and never had an issue with it. Boat was garage kept, waxed a couple times a year, and wiped down after each trip. Boat looked showroom clean when I sold it. Those old Mountain Home Champs were special!!

[MusicCityAngler]

I have a 24 year old 16 1/2 foot Lund with a 60 hp Mercury 2 stroke.  The only problem I have had was replacing  the lower unit after hitting a rock.  It still runs like a champ.  I'm on my 3rd trolling motor and have updated the electronics as new technology became available.

I only clean the boat once or twice a year - yet the seats still look like new, and the carpet is barely faded.

 You see, I have an advantage that few boaters have - my boat is at our cottage in Ontario, and I keep the boat in a boathouse.  Think of a garage on the water.  The only time my boat is exposed to sun or rain is when my butt is in the driver's seat. 

I also fish some of the lakes in Kentucky and Tennessee and wonder why they don't allow boathouses.  They are certainly much more attractive than the metal roofed dock covers, and are much better for protecting the boats.   Plenty of storage for your boating and fishing equiptment.

 

 

[kjfishman]

My 2001 Fisher Marine Marsh Hawk 165 with 2002 50 HP Mercury (carbs not fuel injected) has been very trouble free. Replaced the bow mount trolling motor once  but only to upgrade a bit. Replaced the bunks on the trailer no other repairs.

[ww2farmer]

Absolutely.....................................not. I will say though, my little tracker has been used almost daily over the last 10 years (except winter), and the majority of the problems I have had with it have been operator error. 

[Josh Smith]

While not specifically a bass boat, the one Dad bought when I was a teenager is just needing major repairs in the form of floor replacement.

It is on the original Minn Kota and second outboard. I'll probably have to seal the rivets (never did this) but, in all, it's not needed anything major. Heck, the fish finder is a black and white from the '90s that we never upgraded.

The way I fish, I need stability. Speed is a secondary consideration.

Josh

[Fishing Rhino]

Most troubles stem from, a lack of maintenance, abuse, neglect, and old age.

Boats, and other machinery, are not that different from humans.  As they age, they will develop problems, some earlier than others due to neglect, failure to exercise preventive measures which can make for a longer, healthier life.  But in the end, time will claim man and machine.

Inevitably, if you keep a boat long enough you will have problems. 

[joefish]

2000 Javelin Venom 17 with 115 Johnson was no problem until the power head blew 4 hears ago.  Since it was rebuilt has been trouble free.

[South FLA]

Have a 2003 Ranger 185VS and other than just blowing my engine, its been trouble free.   However, regular maintenance and tender lover care it expensive and that's what keeps it trouble free, but even with all my care and maintenance I still blew an engine.  So as with any mechanical device its a crap shoot.  

[gulfcaptain]

On 3/14/2016 at 6:17 AM, livemusic said:

Tom, I think leaving those hatches open inside your garage is a big plus for your boat! We have a big problem with mildew in this locale.

Being I work in Louisiana, I can see this being a problem.  Simple solution, Grainger sells a plastic electric carpet dryer fan.  Hook up under the cover under a carport if you can and let it run on low.  The constant air flow will keep your mildew problem from ever happening. Newer covers have air ducts to let air in and out, so if you have one of those even better with the blower.

[WRB]

Bass boats that are garaged tend to be less trouble because they are out of the elements.

A Liitle TLC goes a long way towards preventing on the water trouble.

When you are finished fishing for the day or night learn to put your rig away dry and clean. I wipe my boat and engine down after every trip, take off my sonar units and store them, pick up any debris, worms or whatever and trash. Check the batteries for any signs of corrosion and keep every terminal clean and sealed. Check the trailer, tires, hub lube and lights.

Try to keep your rig looking new and it will last a very long time. Put it away wet and you are looking for trouble.

Tom