questions about new boat

[joho5]

Ok, I just got my first bass boat. I have owned aluminum smaller boats up until now. Its a 1985 17' Champion boat, with a 1987 Mariner 150. Everything thats major works, but there are somethings here and there that bother me. One of the livewells work, and one doesnt. Now in the back of the boat where the plug goes is where I see all the access points for I guess bilge and livewells. Is the pumps usually right inside there, or somewhere else in the boat?

Also, the running lights arent working and they guy I bought the boat from said about 2 weeks ago when he had the boat out last, they just popped (like a fuse), and stopped working. Where would the fuse box be? I cant find it.

last question I have is what is the best thing to clean figerglass boats with? Its not pitted, just need to shine it up / clean it.

thanks

 

[httrdd007]

Re: questions about new boat

Your best bet is to get on a bass boat forum and the one that I am one there are a lot of Champion owners.

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zeromain

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: questions about new boat

First ..... have you searched the champion section in iboats for members who had a similar question? http://forums.iboats.com/Champion_Boats

The champion is a great riding hull and handles choppy water very nice. Good find.

Since the hulls do endure a pounding while under power.... I would go through every electical connection, clean, and re-tighten. It is a good practice to check all the wires and keep up with it. You might not have a fuse box but in-lines instead. Keep in mind there is 20+ years of ownership before you.

Cleaning the fiberglass There are MANY methods that all work from simple 3m rubbing compound to comet to wet sanding and a ton of 3m hull restore products. My personal opinion is to use a variable buffer with compound and follow it up with a coat (or two) of wax.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: questions about new boat

Just fyi..... some bass boats only have one fully working livewell and the other usually has just fill/drain. If you have a bad pump or timer they are available here on iboats.

Actually too many people get wrapped up on looks and I like your approach of function first. Be certain to check the transom and look over the underside of the hull for missing gel coat spots.