New (old) bass boat questions

[kdubracing]

I'm in the bass boat club now. I purchased a 2004 Ranger 520DX with a Mercury Optimax 225 on it. I have a couple of newb questions of you guys can provide some insight. For background, I have a runabout with an I/O, so I'm not new to boats. I've just never had a bass boat or an outboard. I am also moderately mechanically inclined.

First, what is a good routine for pre-launch and post-launch you guys use?
Second, what are points to inspect regularly? Like filters, things that can get plugged up, etc.
Third, any gremlins to watch for with the 225 Mercury? It does have the newer air compressor, and had a new lower unit installed last year.
Last, any other advice you have is welcomed.

[Mike Cork]

Use quality oil, fuel additives, change the oil and filters regularly and you'll be good to go.

I take my cowling off a couple times a year and inspect for loose wires, chaffing wires, and spark plug connections.

Look at your steering regularly. When I lock the boat down on the trailer post fishing, I look for things that might have come loose since the last trip.

I'm sure others will list some things to check.

[Bud Kennedy]

I will post a list of what I do during the make ready sequence and the tie down sequence.  Above all you must create a sequence that works for you and never vary your process.  Stay focussed and don't allow anyone to help you or talk to you while getting ready.  This is truly a 1 person job that is best handled by the boat captain.

MAKE READY STEPS

* when exiting the truck have your mind set
*  Remove the bow tie down strap and safety chain
* move along the boat port side to the locker where the PFDs are stored.  Remove them and place on the seat along with your bow rope.
* Move to the transom area and remove the port transom strap and remove the transom saver device from the motor.
* Install the drain plug or check to be sure it is in place and seure
* Move to the starboard aft side and remove the starboard transom strap.  Place the transom straps and transom device into a place for storage.  I use the aft port locker for this
*Install your electronics if you don't already have them permanently mounted, Plug In the trolling motor
*Make sure you ignition key is in the switch
* Move the boat onto the launch ramp and back down far enough to enable entry into the boat via the trailer tongue or a step system if installed
* remove the winch strap and climb into the boat behind the helm
*  Have someone back you down and park the trailer if you are lucky enough to have a partner on your trip.  Otherwise you have to perform a solo launch sequence.

TIE DOWN PROCESS
* after driving onto the trailer hook up winch strap and winch boat up on the bow roller.  make sure the motor is trimmed up a bit to avoid scraping on the ramp when you pull out.
*  Move the boat to the tie down area and simply reverse the steps of the make ready process and re install all the items you unhooked during the make ready.
* Perform a final walk around checking all staps, and securing devices and then off you go. 


This is all simple stuff but the sequence is all important to follow each and every time to guard against some self inflicted embarrassment at the ramp.  Don't take short cuts do it right and you won't be sorry and you will be safe.

[BassmanRudy]

For me the best routine pre or post trip is the "same" routine. Use the same steps EVERY TIME and you'll get used too it and not mess it up.

If someone offers to help "great" but always do the steps in order just so you know they are good.

Ex. For me pre launch when you stop out of the way(or in line)-
1. Loosen winch strap enough to let boat slide a little
2. Unhook safety chain
3. Walk to back of boat and loosen trailer strap, transom saver, and other trailer strap.
4. PUT DRAIN PLUG IN!!!!
5. Take off console grpah cover
6. Take off bow console cover and trolling motor strap.
7. Put all in truck and proceed to back down the ramp.

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[BassmanRudy]

Bud and I must have been typing at the same time roflmbo!!

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[Bass Dog]

The guys got a lot of good info here but after 20 plus years running tournaments the biggest thing most never check is the stream of water out of the motor! I have watch more boats go out and have to get towed back in or make short runs back to the launch do to over heating. So once your in the water look back and see if it is shooting a good steam.

That is my 2 cents on thing to check 

[Capt. BassinLou]

Good info so far, here's one that saved me last week.

I always do my Pre-check the day before my outing. Part of my Pre-Check is starting and running the outboard for 3 min with the muffs on. Well,,,, I went to start the outboard last week, and I discovered an electrical issue, that I couldn't figure out. Had to drive up and drop off the boat to the dealer.  .

The reason why that Pre-check saved my  was because I was planning to fish Lake Okeechobee at new spot over two hours away, and the boat would have been dead at the ramp. 

[Terry G]

In freezing weather DRAIN WATER
This is from a southern boy
Some of you guys that live where your water gets hard give him details

[Bass Dog]

In freezing weather DRAIN WATER
This is from a southern boy
Some of you guys that live where your water gets hard give him details

As for draining water that is a good thing I should of added, in Michigan we get in trouble if we have water in our boats when changing lakes. Make sure you check live well and bilges for water when leaving any lake. As for when water gets hard make sure those two are are drained and the motor has been drained of any water to prevent freezing problems. 

[kdubracing]

Got to take it out today for the first time. Everything seems good on it. Ran well, caught some fish, had a good time. I checked the bilge periodically and no water ever came out. Turned them on after loading to the trailer when leaving, nothing came out also. There was more water that came out of the plug than I expected when I opened it. I'm going to check the sealing o-ring and make sure it's ok. Anything else to look for that may let water in?

[Oldfart9999]

Once you have your launch and retrieve tactics down under no circumstances allow anything or anyone distract you, it's the best way to screw up and forget something important. If a buddy starts talking to you and won't stop, shoot him, it'll save a lot of grief, like trying to pull the boat back on the trailer with a hundred gallons of water in it.
Rodney