Nitro X-4 with Mercury 50hp (engine question and another general boat question...)

[heyitskirby]

Hey guys,

Just bought a Nitro X-4 in June and I've only had time to take it out maybe 5 - 10 times, but I'm already having a problem with the engine...

I do everything the man said when we purchased it in order to start, but I'm experiencing difficulty once I put it in the water getting it going. I prime it, rotate through the choke with the throttle, and yet it still takes about 10 minutes before it wants to get going. Once it starts the first time it starts to vibrate like crazy and then it shuts off. One more turn of the ignition and it will typically get going. After this it starts just fine.

Is this something I'm doing wrong or something wrong with the motor?

Also, general boating question...

After taking the boat back out of the water, I take it home, clean it, and shop-vac the carpet on the deck and let it sit for a bit to dry out before putting the cover on it. I have been leaving my rods and all my tackle in it and have recently discovered everything molding. Should I just not leave my gear in it? Is there a way to combat this? Would baking soda work?

The only place I've noticed any water on the inside is a small amount sitting on the gas tank, otherwise its parked at an angle with the rear downhill so most of the water should be able to drain out.

[fishfordollars]

Definately a problem with the motor. Don't go trying to shade tree it. If it's new it's under warranty so go let them check it out. Could be a fuel problem or electrical, or just need adjusting.

As for the mold issue try leaving the lids open for a while when you return. I've found that dryer sheets left in the boxes will keep any smells under control.

Good luck.

[heyitskirby]

Thanks for the info. No bad smell, just annoyed by the fact that I have to clean rod handles every time I pull them out (edit: and my cutting board, and my tackle, and my etc.).

I'll check with the dealer this weekend on the engine...bought it brand new.

[southtexasbassin]

I had bought an X-4 with a Mercury 60hp engine.  I didn't have a problem with starting the motor.  I had problems getting the boat to plane.  I don't think the motor size is big enough.  If you notice the x-4 model is no longer available for purchase anymore.  What happen is they did away with the model because it was only able to have a 50hp and a 60hp and the motors are just not big enough to move the boat.  I had Bass Pro shop going crazy trying to fix my boat.  They did so many adjustments and could not get the boat to plane.  At the end, Bass Pro ended up giving me an x-5 model with a 115hp on it.  Now the boat is really moving.  52mph.  I was later told by Tracker that the x-4 models where going to get there stickers removed and they were going to recertify the boats with the coast guard as x-5 models to be able to accept a minimum of 90hp and a max of 115hp.  Just something I thought I would share with you.