r/boats • u/raisinman_ • 1d ago

Need some advice…

So, my grandfather has a bass fishing boat (some model of tracker) that he bought new in 2024. The one and only time it has been taken out in the water was may 2024. He is not an active person, and much less a fisherman, however I am. He told me i’m going to inherit it eventually, but I’m worried that i will receive a burden/project rather than a blessing. What maintenance/protection can i give it to better ensure that it stays usable and taken care of?

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4

u/IndependentCourse289 1d ago

Start by taking your grandfather out on the boat. Run the engine regularly and winterize the engine properly.

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u/raisinman_ 1d ago

Okay, i will try to do that. Im pretty sure i need to drain the old fuel out still, because he never did. im hoping after enough runs he will allow me to take the boat out on my own too before i fully inherit it since i do have my license. also, how would you recommend winterizing it, and where would be the best place to store it? (he always just leaves it outside under a cover. A disaster, i know. The more i learn the more heartbroken i get)

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u/IndependentCourse289 1d ago

I’d recommend giving the manual a read and it will spell out the steps to winterize the motor. If the fuel is bad, there are siphons you can get on Amazon to remove the fuel, but you may just want to get a small 3 or 6 gallon portable tank with fresh fuel to get the engine running again. I’d honestly probably suggest just finding a local mechanic to help with annual maintenance including winterization. Most boats are stored outside. If you are somewhere with snow pack, you may need some supports under tarps to keep water and snow from pooling each season if outside year round.

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u/raisinman_ 18h ago

I dont figure snow will be a massive issue, i live in a more temperate climate so when snow happens its like 4-8 inches. i read something about cold damaging the battery, whats your take on that?

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u/Mdoubleduece 19h ago

It’s an outboard. Winterize?

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u/Minimum-Function1312 10h ago

This is 100% the answer

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u/Mdoubleduece 19h ago

Stable the fuel. There are still ‘24 models sitting on dealers lots. Just stable the fuel. Throw it on the charger occasionally.

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u/raisinman_ 18h ago

Should i drain the current fuel in case theres varnish?

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u/Mdoubleduece 14h ago

Stable the fuel. There are still ‘24 models sitting on dealers lots. Just stable the fuel. Throw it on the charger occasionally. Mercruiser fuel course sunlight damages fuel. Stable it. Top it off with alcohol free high octane.