I bought a boat!!!

[Kyle S]

[Kyle S]

 

Like the title says, I bought a boat! Not just any boat, my first boat. I've had jon boats and the like, however this will be the first rig I've owned that will surpass 5mph lol. Tons of excitement as you can imagine! I've been looking for quite some time and finally decided to pull the trigger on a Tracker 1648 side console, with a 40 hp mercury four stoke. Purchased it new from Cabela's. I've wanted to fish some of the surrounding rivers (Chickahominy River, James River, Rappahannock River, and learn bigger waters for a few years now. I feel this boat will help me do just that, and hopefully serve me well for many years to come.

I need your help...

Loads of responsibility that automatically comes with this purchase.

Due to my inexperience with owning my own vessel, I'm asking for ANY and ALL advice to help me have a safe and enjoyable experience on and off of the water.

I've already completed my Boater Exam course, and printed off my temporary license.

I've purchased insurance for the boat, just have to print off insurance cards to have on hand

I already have a Virginia freshwater fishing license

 

Things I still need to purchase for the boat...

Fire extinguisher, type 4 throwable pfd, pfd's for passenger (already own on for myself)

Any other mandatory equipment, or equipment that you feel is mandatory, that I should have??

 

I already own a minn kota edge 45lb foot controlled trolling motor, and am planning to mount that and a recessed foot pedal tray sometime this weekend!

[haggard]

19 minutes ago, Kyle S said:

Like the title says, I bought a boat!

Congrats!! That's a great boat. I had one similar, a 1448 with no console (built one later). It will really move with the 40. Mine had a really old used 15 and wouldn't do more than 8 mph but you won't have that problem.

 

You're going to love that thing! I really miss mine. Take things slow as you learn and get used to it, and be safe.

 

Oh, and keep an extra drain plug inside the boat, we've all been there 

 

 

[Kyle S]

26 minutes ago, haggard said:

Congrats!! That's a great boat. I had one similar, a 1448 with no console (built one later). It will really move with the 40. Mine had a really old used 15 and wouldn't do more than 8 mph but you won't have that problem.

 

You're going to love that thing! I really miss mine. Take things slow as you learn and get used to it, and be safe.

 

Oh, and keep an extra drain plug inside the boat, we've all been there 

 

 

Thanks @haggard! I'm headed to Bass pro shops here shortly. I'll certainly be adding 'extra drain plug(s) to the list?

Definitely going to be taking things very slow...

Greatly looking forward to learning though!

[A-Jay]

Congrats ~

Best of Luck with 

Your New Rig !

A-Jay

[Goldstar225]

Congratulations on the new boat!!  That 40 horse should scoot you along nicely.  As far as added equipment I also carry a flare pistol for signaling and a whistle.

[Hi-Powered Red Neck]

  Congrates on the new boat. The US Coast Guard has regulations on mandatory safety equipment. These rules differ with vessel size. For your boat you will need a Fire extinguisher, Hand held flares, a whistle or horn ( I recommend a "STORM" whistle), a throwable flotation device, paddle, anchor and rope. PFD's for everyone aboard. Kids must have the proper size. Your dealer will have a list of the mandatory gear you need. 

   Gear you'll be wanting is ...well skies the limits. But start with the biggest battery thats in your budget. Believe it or not Walmart deep cycle batteries are pretty good. I have a group 29 that has been going strong since 2014, still holds a charge for all day fishing. For your set up I'd recommend 2 batteries. One for starting and one for the trolling motor. The Starting battery can be a smaller battery if it's dedicated to just starting duties. Next you'll be wanting at least 1 depth finder. Again you can spend to the moon on electronics. But Garmin, Hummingbird and Lowrance all make good 5-6" units that will get the job done and not break the bank. Typically 2 is the number of choice. One for the front can be just a depth finder graph style no need for a gps up front. The one at the helm is nice to have a gps combo unit. These few things are the meat and potatoes of a fishing boat, everything else is creature comforts. Concentrate on those things first. Keep in mind when buying stuff, try not to settle for good enough for now. You'll be money ahead if you save up a little longer for what you really want. Cause you'll end up there anyway. The boat you have is tough as nails and will last you for a very long time. Enjoy your time on the water.  

[Hi-Powered Red Neck]

Oh and By the way that 40 will pull water toys. Kneeboards are a lot of fun, and lets not mention the fun that can be had on a tube. One thing I forgot to mention is a bilge pump. Adding one with an automatic float switch will keep the boat free of water and add peace of mind if you leave it in the water overnight. A small boat trick that has an access factor in it is. If you can easily access the plug from inside the boat install in on the inside. When you are on plane you can remove it and drain out any water that has accumulated. Just do NOT stop until it's back in. Plus it cant be knock out by a stump or a log if its on the inside. Depending on how your splash well is designed that might not be an option and a bilge pump eliminates the need anyway. Aways own 2 plugs, that second one that you keep in the fwd box will save a fishing trip sooner or later.

When you add a transducer to the back don't drill holes in the hull. Glue a piece of starboard to the hull then screw to that with short screws. Mount the fwd one on the trolling motor. I think thats all now. LOL Again have fun and catch lots of fish.

[GreenPig]

Very nice. 

[Glenn]

Sweet boat!  You're going to have a blast.

 

Here's a list of must-have items for any boat: https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/boating_checklist.html

 

Hope that helps!

[HenryPF]

Gratz on the boat - I have the same one, in the tiller version. I hated it -only due to my lack of balance and well, it is a jon boat. Now for 99.99% of the fisherman (and you) who buy this thing, it will be great! No stupid carpeting to vacuum out, hose it off when you want, no cleaning it down, etc.

 

If you haven't taken it out yet, mine with 3 batteries, 3 bank charger, 80lb fortrex, blah, blah and all the aluminum/wood I installed to make it into a semi bass boat does like 34mph. Yours should easily push over 40. I have a Mercury 40hp 4 stroke.

 

Would highly recommend that you install your own bilge pump and hose as i don't think it comes with one (mine didn't)

[Teal]

Sweet boat!  We have a rule here, any Virginia residents that buy new boats have to take me out fishing with them!  ? jk

Pic doesnt show a trolling motor or seats. A pedestal and seat or bicycle seat is something that makes a long day easier.  I recommend getting some affordable electronics and a good trolling motor.  I typically replace the stock cord on trolling motors with a small gauge steel cable. That way you never have a problem with a cord breaking.  Make sure you have all of your state required equipment.  If you dont have a good battery charger and whatever drop cord, get one.  Rods straps or some sort of way to secure fishing rods is a must if yours doesnt have a rod locker.  Double check for a bilge pump, get one if needed, they arent expensive.  I make sure to install/or wire in a cigarette light plug for my phone charger - that's not a need- but its convenient.  

 

[gim]

Can you mount a back rest or chair for the console? That cushion might get old after a while. Your lower back would do better with a little more support.

[evo2s197]

That thing is gonna move out with a 40

[Kyle S]

Thanks everyone! I'm working my way down a list of to do's and must haves for the boat before its maiden voyage. Fire extinguisher, type 4 pfd, extra drain plugs, boat cover, boaters license, insurance, second battery holder, have all been taken care of. I've mounted some very basic seats that I have that should serve me well for a while. Going to cut a big ol hole in the brand new boat and put a recessed trolling motor foot pedal tray, and install the trolling motor in just a wee bit also. Pics on here shortly!!!!

[OnthePotomac]

May you have many happy and blessed days on the water with your new boat.  Be careful on the that big ol James and remember, the bass do not know what you are in.  Recommend you pick a telescoping push pole for the heavy grass beds, a paddle and a mushroom anchor.  You can go into waters with that rig where others with big rigs dare not venture.

[Kyle S]

Thanks everyone for all of the helpful advice! The boat has been in my possession for going on a week now and she still has yet to see the water...I've wanted to be sure that I have all of my ducks in a row before the maiden voyage! I've already started making some modifications! Check em out

[OnthePotomac]

Very, very nice.

[KrzyyImportz]

Awesome boat. I actually just bought my first back in October, a used 2012 Tracker Pro 165. Had its maiden voyage just a couple months ago. I've only been out a handful of times, so I'll tell you what I've learned coming from a novice.

 

1. I've established a routine for prepping my boat once I get to the lake. The first thing I do the second I step out of my Jeep is go straight for the plug. That always comes first no matter what. Then I continue with everything else like transom straps, transom saver, etc. Finally, I do a double take on everything... especially the plug! 

 

2. I recently upgraded my trolling motor to a 45lb thrust Motorguide Xi3 with Pinpoint GPS Spotlock. That coupled with my power pole is absolutely amazing. I live in Oklahoma where it gets very windy and I fish open bodies of water, so this was a crucial upgrade. Not sure how it gets there and what lakes you'll be fishing, but I'd definitely consider getting Pinpoint/i-Pilot down the road. 

 

3. You might already know this, but I didn't... How to properly tie off to a cleat. A quick Google search saved me a lot of time and embarrassment from my first outing lol.

 

4. Get a good quality 2-bank battery charger (or 3-bank depending on your setup). It's the easiest way to keep your batteries charged, and any name brand model should have a 'maintenance mode' to keep from overcharging/degrading your battery life.

 

5. Buy a waterproof/buoyant bag for your phone & wallet. Also a key float.

 

6. Don't rush, safety is priority number one. 

[VolFan]

I bought a boat at almost the exact same time! Mine is a Lowe V 1467 with a 20 hp Merc tiller. It's exactly what I was looking for as a first boat.