Still a little paperwork to finish, but all the hard stuff is done and I've got a mounting list of questions.
1995 Stratos 201 Pro XL with 225 Evinrude Vindicator
The list of things to buy...
Lifejackets, probably going to buy a couple Save Phace masks, landing net, fiberglass/gel coat cleaner (need recommendations and/or where to buy), oil (apparently will eat about 4 quarts per season), gas (you just buy 87 octane right??).
The front graph is old, but it'll tell me depth and temp which should be fine. Also considering it's my first bass boat, I think I should learn how to use everything before I go upgrading/replacing things.
There is a large list of things you need. Probably best to list what you got with the boat.
Learning to fish and operate the trolling motor is the first thing to learn.
The trolling motor is one of those remote thingies so no foot pedal. Have console gps, front graph, lighting, batteries, and fire extinguisher. All the other compartments are empty.
Throwable PFD. It's over 16 foot and trust me . Ya don't want the ticket.
As for a boat care product all I use after a waxing is some type of product akin to Megurie's spray shine. A lot of guys swear by Bass Boat Saver, but I have yet to use it.
Also a shammy to keep in a locker to wipe it down after ya take it out.
I use vinagar and water mix after I get out of the water. Also use a ethenol treatment if you use most gas from the stations. Since your screen name is ypsibass I assume you live in ypsi and probably will fish belleville/ford till you get comfortable, then hit the river or bigger lakes. Anyway there is a gas station on southfield rd right off I-94 that sells 100% gas with no ethonol. I have not found any others. I would rather use that. You can get a test kit for 7 bucks to tell ethenol levels.
Sweet boat Rick
You'll enjoy fishing out of the front
I'm hoping 14 will be the year for a newer boat
I've been looking
Nice!! Glad to see you finally pulled the trigger. Enjoy. Be safe.
I think we should have a Take Rick Shopping event. Your credit card and us shopping could be fun. ;D ;D
Where is that storage yard. That place look nice.
Start with a list that the Coast Guard puts out on what is needed. If you plan to fish Canada theirs is a little more involved.
In addition to what has been stated above you'll also need:
a measuring board
towels can get em at the dollar store
extra clothes/hats
marker buoys
marine band radio
tool kit
flashlight
Way to secure TM while moving from place to place.
Rod straps
Recessed tm pedal if it doesn't have it
comfortable and adjustable front seat.
dollar store containers to store and separate all the little stuff in your compartments.
Blue ice containers for the cooler
For wiping down my boat I use vinegar and water to clean off the water spots and grime. At the beginning of the year I paste wax the hull. During the season I use furniture polish from the dollar store.
I've read that if your motor is designed for 87 octane use 87. You can damage the motor by using too much octane in it. Always use a fuel conditioner. Guys I now swear by Ring Free, and Sea Foam.
Until you own a boat you don't realize how much money it costs to start up and keep it in operation. No matter how much "stuff" you have, you'll always want something more or a little different.
One of the best Stratos boats ever made. Happy for you Rick. I think you got a steal on it. The learning curve owning a boat is rather big. I hope you go out a few times with a boat owner to help you shorten the curve....
Don't forget to put the plug in before you launch... :P
Congrats! Nice boat! As far as finish products go, I do day-to-day cleanup with vinegar and water as well. The thing with a boat finish is that, as long as you maintain it, they are easy to keep looking new. Once you let that slide, even for a season, getting them back in to shape is three times the work. I'd suggest picking up a decent, but inexpensive 6" buffer at Sears or Harbor Freight. There are a bunch of great compounds for cleaning and polishing but I prefer Zymol HD Cleanse, which is somewhat expensive but a really great product. I hit the boat once in the spring with that and Zymol's Marina wax (one container lasts me about 10-12 years), which has a really high Carnauba content and then spray it a few times during the season with Lucas Oil Slick Mist, which you can find at NAPA (Bass Boat Saver is another similar product). As long as I do that, the finish holds up well and is protected from everyday scratching, fading, and wear marks from the boat cover. If you have a boat cover, you can re-waterproof it with 303 Fabric Guard.
As far as gas, I always put 93 in at the beginning of the season, to boost the octane on anything left in the tank, and then 87 the rest of the year. I also add Seafoam every time I fill up. My Opti handles ethanol fine, but with your motor you may want to start the season out with a zero-ethanol fuel (Here's a list of places in MI that sell it: http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=MI ) and run a Seafoam/Ring Free (or QuickClean) mix through for the first tank or so. If you plan to do your own maintenance, pick up the Seloc book for your outboard.
As far as things to purchase, a bunch of them are already covered, but, if you plan to fish the Great Lakes, don't forget flares, a mirror (or lighted signaling device), and a whistle (or air horn). The requirement for a paddle also still exists on the books, though some officers will allow the trolling motor to take the place of that. I keep a small telescoping one in the boat, just in case I have a picky officer on a safety inspection.
The light output from the small wedge bulbs used in your gauges, compartments, livewells, and nav lights fade over time, and most, if not all, of your bulbs can be replaced out with LED wedge bulbs (https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/miniature-wedge-base/) that will really brighten things up and draw less juice. The list can go on, but start getting her ready for the season, and you can add to what's needed as necessary. I second the recommendation of taking her out the first time with an experienced boater. It will make your learning curve less steep. Congrats, again, and have fun! :)
backing up at the ramp lessons start asap, as well as loading your boat without much use of the big motor no power loading in michigan, but if you get the trailer at the right depth you can get pretty far up the trailer just at idle speed. so the learning curve starts at the first trip to the lake, and it starts in your driveway, check all the lights dbl check the chains cross them this makes a cradle if the trailer should ever come off the ball and prevents the trailer from dragging the ground one hole or big seam in road and the chit hits the fan really quick. did you ask brad about the condition of the trailer bearings have they been replaced or repacked latley? same question for the brakes also the last thing you need is a bearing or brake fail iut is a pain in the butt. after all that your on the water and the plug is in the motor is running every thing works boat lights, bildge pumps, livewell pumps, trolling motor, time to fish. lets hope we can get it wet before april
Congratulations on the new boat, Rick. Looks like a nice one.
Its easy get in shut up wide open and smile.... oh yea no brakes.... ;D
Come on up and visit me at the store. We'll get you all set up with everything you need to have a great, safe first season with your new boat!
Hey Mike,
Rick says he used 93 octane in my 200 EFI. I plan on using non ethanol fuel that shouldn't be a issue correct?
run the fuel the manufacture states in the owners manual
I always told Rick he didn't need to run 93 octane... it's a waste of money. He ran it because most 93 octane has no ehtanol in it. That motor only requires 87 octane per the manufacturer (Mercury) so if you run non-ethanol gas you will be just fine.
Quote from: Waterfoul on March 25, 2014, 09:37:08 AM
I always told Rick he didn't need to run 93 octane... it's a waste of money. He ran it because most 93 octane has no ehtanol in it. That motor only requires 87 octane per the manufacturer (Mercury) so if you run non-ethanol gas you will be just fine.
Thanks Mike. My 50hp Yamaha didn't do well with ethanol gas even with treatment, so I've been just buying rec fuel.
Answer from another site. The middle guy is an expert on Mercury engines. There are many other topics on that site about all outboards.
http://www.bbcboards.net/mercury-motors/469705-87-oct-91-oct.html
For those of you too lazy to click on the link (you know who you are!) here it is:
When selecting fuel for your outboard engine, do so using the following criteria, and IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:
-Top Tier, Name Brand, High-Traffic Station
-Appropriate OCTANE RATING (as specified for your outboard engine)
-Lowest possible ethanol percentage (DO NOT EXCEED 10%).
It's an Evinrude outboard...
Quote from: YpsiBass on March 25, 2014, 01:39:44 PM
It's an Evinrude outboard...
The same would apply to your Evinrude. 87 Octane gas and a good ethanol treatment with every fill up.
My mind is having trouble keeping a checklist of maintenance items. Thanks everyone for the good info, as always.
Quote from: Waterfoul on March 25, 2014, 12:42:48 PM
For those of you too lazy to click on the link (you know who you are!) here it is:
When selecting fuel for your engine, do so on the following criteria, IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:
-Top Tier, Name Brand, High-Traffic Station
-Appropriate OCTANE RATING (as specified for your engine)
-Lowest possible ethanol percentage (NOT TO EXCEED 10%).
I copied something from a web site one time. I guess I violated a bunch of web site rules. Now I copy links.
Rick don't get overwhelmed with the new boat. We all started this way. Remember you can always just launch and use the trolling motor. Just go easy.
just trying to help with more great information and you get your hand slapped :'( it's the internet get used to SHARING information, this might be one of my last posts. :-\'
Quote from: bob o on March 25, 2014, 06:56:11 PM
just trying to help with more great information and you get your hand slapped :'( it's the internet get used to SHARING information, this might be one of my last posts. :-\'
I've never had a post or comment from another site censured on this site... unless it's from that
duh... you just did! ;D.
Hang in there Bob some day we will be able to go play outside. Although we are having a white out here at Union Lake tonight.
Wow Rick, congratulations on the new boat. Go big or go home huh ??? That's a lot of boat for your first. Please take your time learning how to run it. That's a lot of power !!!! So excited for you..... enjoy !!!
The seller made an offer I couldn't refuse...
Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on March 25, 2014, 09:22:33 PM
Wow Rick, congratulations on the new boat. Go big or go home huh ??? That's a lot of boat for your first. Please take your time learning how to run it. That's a lot of power !!!! So excited for you..... enjoy !!!
That's what I thought!
Glad you got a boat that can make you happier! Don't listen to LAPORTE about the 'wide open' part. Not at first. He's more on the mark with the 'no brakes' part. Get used to running the boat at lower to mid-range speeds first and definitely work your way slowly into trimmed way out.
It is easy to overtrim and overtrimmed at high speed can be the last time you do it before you realize it was a bad idea, especially on inland lakes, or on any lake where a surprise boat wake might come along 'out of nowhere.'
I always recommend driving the boat for awhile partly trimmed out just to the point the hull feels like it has loosened up a little. If you're running at a high speed trimmed all the way down you can get in a situation where the bow can cut into the water and jerk the boat around hard. If you're running overtrimmed or even trimmed out all of the way at speed and hit a wave you can shoot the moon, which can sometimes be more excitement than you want.
Get a feel for the boat in various turns, maneuvers and wave mixes at medium speeds and medium trims you're less likely to do a hard turn, unplanned 360 or moon launch, all of which can throw you out of the boat. NO MATTER WHAT - wear your life jacket and connect the kill switch when running the big motor - tournament or no tournament. The boat and water don't care.
I've lost a friend and had another involved in a fatality due to not using the kill switch while running the boat. I've also dealt with two others, one Internet friend who was hospitalized for 7 months due to running a fast boat at full speed in a tournament before first learning how to handle it in varied conditions despite my best attempts to recommend not trying that, and another who was in the hospital for awhile and lost all his equipment due to flipping a bass boat overtrimmed and speeding too fast for mixed waves. I can think of several other incidents I've witnessed or had fishing friends involved in injuries due to 'tournament fever' or just plain wanting to go fast when it wasn't a good idea. I like you and would like to see you have a long, safe, fun relationship with you boat.
Learning to drive a bass boat is a lot like learning to cast a baitcast reel for the first time. If it has a hotfoot, there's a learning curve with that for sure. For a short time after I got mine I sometimes tried to 'brake' with my hotfoot. That doesn't work... ;D If it has trim/tilt around the steering wheel, that is nice. Also takes getting used to so you don't overtrim and blow out (yup, did that too a couple times) but if you only have trim on the shifter that makes driving high speed a little different too since you will only have one had on the steering wheel much of the time. Good luck and watch out for always-running-to-the-other-end-of-the-lake-itis! :D A common syndrome with first-time bass boat owners. Some of us fight that the rest of our lives! ;D
Quote from: dartag on March 25, 2014, 05:13:38 PM
Quote from: Waterfoul on March 25, 2014, 12:42:48 PM
For those of you too lazy to click on the link (you know who you are!) here it is:
When selecting fuel for your engine, do so on the following criteria, IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:
-Top Tier, Name Brand, High-Traffic Station
-Appropriate OCTANE RATING (as specified for your engine)
-Lowest possible ethanol percentage (NOT TO EXCEED 10%).
I copied something from a web site one time. I guess I violated a bunch of web site rules. Now I copy links.
Most websites, just like books and newspapers, have their work copyrighted. Copyright in the U.S. is automatic even if it specifically stated - it only doesn't apply if the author and/or publisher (website) explicitly state they are allowing some other use.
I do not like getting DMCA notices from other websites. I ESPECIALLY don't like getting them from Google! My business insurance doesn't like it very much either. They have a clause something to the effect I lose my insurance if I allow such a violation. I need my insurance, and I respect and understand why other website owners don't like their content stolen (basically what that is). Don't take it personal. I do it to anyone who puts any of my websites at copyright violation risk once I find it or am made aware of it. Just one of the many tedious tasks a website owner has to do even when it upsets good members.
You can sometimes get away with posting a small part of an article or content from another site if it falls under 'fair use' but that is defined and subject to interpretation. If someone much bigger than me says I've (GreatLakesBass.com including any post by any member) not followed fair use or violated copyright then they win every time for many reasons including the insurance problem.
I can leave Waterfoul's excerpt up for now since it is very short and may not be enough to upset the other website, particularly considering you were nice enough to follow the rules and post a link instead giving them the credit (and possible extra traffic - something pretty much every website owner likes!). Should be okay but it is remotely possible the other website owner sends me a DMCA notice. If they do I will delete the content faster than you can say copyright!
If it makes you feel any better, I did ruthlessly edit Waterfoul's mention of something I do not allow being mentioned. I don't even want references on here that place exists! I made it now 52 years without every having anything to do with that place and I'm fine with that. Every time someone even refers to it GreatLakesBass.com loses some opportunity to have members and visitors give other companies a try - companies that are actually very fair and helpful in recognizing the benefit of getting traffic from this website unlike that other place that seems to expect something for nothing. I can't pay any bills at all from 'something from nothing.' I'm even tempted to put the phrases on the block list because I imagine people tell other people how great it is by PM and when they do that they are most definitely harming the ability to keep this website going. Kind of hurts my feelings a little. I probably won't do that but I will keep asking anyone who likes this website to consider what helps it verses what hurts it.
If people want to be in love with that place, that's their business but please don't even refer to it on here. There's plenty of other places people can talk about that place to their heart's content. If they ever decide to be fair and recognize the benefits of the traffic they get from this website I'd be happy to change my tune. Unless and until that happens they have a negative impact on my ability to keep this website going so yes, I will keep trying to have them benefit from this website at the expense of companies who help. I appreciate any understanding from any of you.
Now, back to new boat talk...
Quote from: Waterfoul on March 25, 2014, 12:42:48 PM
For those of you too lazy to click on the link (you know who you are!) here it is:
You sure know how to win friends and influence people...?? At least say something like people on 'other' websites might be too lazy but NOT any of the fine, awesome folks on GreatLakesBass.com. Heck - maybe say something like if you're real busy... some benefit of the doubt! I'm even taking it somewhat personal! You are talking about the people on my website. I like these people! Have you ever been attacked by an angry mob? I've seen it happen for less than that!
Meanwhile, you could just share your own version of the information without copying and pasting so I don't have to ever delete it or worry about copyright issues. People are more likely to read it and less likely to want to attack you as mob too if you leave off the lazy part - not everyone knows who you might be referring to and pretty much everyone who reads it will be thinking 'is he talking about me (while picturing torches, pitchforks and mobs shouting through a dark night)?' ;D
Quote from: djkimmel on March 26, 2014, 01:49:18 PM
Quote from: Waterfoul on March 25, 2014, 12:42:48 PM
For those of you too lazy to click on the link (you know who you are!) here it is:
You sure know how to win friends and influence people...?? At least say something like people on 'other' websites might be too lazy but NOT any of the fine, awesome folks on GreatLakesBass.com. Heck - maybe say something like if you're real busy... some benefit of the doubt! I'm even taking it somewhat personal! You are talking about the people on my website. I like these people! Have you ever been attacked by an angry mob? I've seen it happen for less than that!
I was kind of directing that comment at a couple of my friends here who can't seem to move the mouse to a link these days. ;D I'm sure the rest of the members here have no problem doing so as they are all fine, upstanding people of impecible taste (they joined up here, didn't they? ;) )
As for "my own words" I've done that here many times on the subject of fuel and additives for outboards. Thought quoting someone described as an "expert" might make the point better (even though given my current career... I consider myself to be an expert in this field).
So if I offended anyone... sorry. :)
Oh, and I went up and edited the copy/paste section enough that no copywrite issue can come up.
Quote from: Waterfoul on March 25, 2014, 06:59:34 PM
Quote from: bob o on March 25, 2014, 06:56:11 PM
just trying to help with more great information and you get your hand slapped :'( it's the internet get used to SHARING information, this might be one of my last posts. :-\'
I've never had a post or comment from another site censured on this site... unless it's from that
duh... you just did! ;D.
Dang... censored again! LOL!!
The edit probably reduces my white hairs by 1 - thanks! I try to remember unless I mention a specific name - some people do tend to think everything on here is directed at them personally... can be dangerous. Particularly late in the 'cabin fever' zone...
What I need to do - you all can help - woo more experts over here. Can never have too many experts. Well, that is probably a relative statement. What is the best way to attract experts - free milk and cookies?
Quote from: bob o on March 25, 2014, 06:56:11 PM
just trying to help with more great information and you get your hand slapped :'( it's the internet get used to SHARING information, this might be one of my last posts. :-\'
Just realized I was trying earlier to figure out who slapped you?!? Why would you leave this menagerie of bass anglers!?! Things are about to start really happening again!! :D
Quote from: fiker on March 22, 2014, 07:13:52 AM
Start with a list that the Coast Guard puts out on what is needed. If you plan to fish Canada theirs is a little more involved.
Only things that I can see from the USCG that are required are 3 flares, life jacket for everyone on board, an air horn, and a throwable float. Am I forgetting or missing something?
I think that's about right Rick.
Do they still require extinguishers??? This last boat I bought didn't come with one. I did add one though.
Michigan requires type B fire extinguishers if your boat has permanently installed gas tanks, closed compartments under seats were portable fuel tanks might be stored, closed storage compartments where flammable or combustible material might be stored, closed living spaces or double-bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material - pretty much covers most of us with a bass boat except smaller boats with a portable fuel tank sitting on the floor in the open? Though I recall being pulled over and having 2 deputies arguing over that when I had my 14' V-hull on the Grand River near Grand Haven years ago...?? I'd just have one no matter what anyway unless you're in a kayak or canoe with no gas motor, surf board or wooden plank boat.
Plus - get the Michigan boating handbook (PDF) (https://www.boat-ed.com/assets/pdf/handbook/mi_handbook_entire.pdf) - navigational lights for any time underway between sunset and sunrise or periods of reduced visibility required for all boat under power - red/green front and all around taller white light. Or an all-around white light when not under power or for non-powered boats underway (MDNR boating page (http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365_10884---,00.html)).
Also, if you might be fishing with certain persons I could name but won't, you might need backfire flame arrestors... not sure how they work but there have been days I wish I had them!! Also, a muffler can come in handy on some days with some partners... whether they're the kind you put over your ears or their mouth... up to you! ;D
Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on March 27, 2014, 10:33:47 PM
I think that's about right Rick.
Do they still require extinguishers??? This last boat I bought didn't come with one. I did add one though.
Yes, you need one if over 16 feet long.
What I read in the Michigan boaters guide did not list boat length as a factor for fire extinguishers other than for how much/many recommended. The requirements were all based on gas tanks and other possible flammable / combustible items in storage.
I mounted an extinguisher in mine. I was surprised my last boat didn't come with one. The previous two had.
Another one of those things that you're really glad you have it when you need it. I've seen them used a few times in boats.
Jumper cables have been used a lot more but not usually quite as dire on average. Portable backup bilge pump is another one. Both cheap to make. Both good to have.