txs17

like everyone said compression test that sucker ,are you able to take the boat out for a test? or at least run it off the hose for a long while and check your water output and for overheating .ask when the water pump was last done .my 1988 50hp merc runs like a top.just depends on what kinda life the motor had and by all means toss that oil mixer bottle (if it still has it) and pre mix the fuel by hand .the mixer normally stops working and the motor will seize.

catt ,sure do but unless your following another boat that stirs up the bottom it would be pretty clean water.My boat is light enough to get to real skinny water but normally under 1 to 2'of water the trolling motor is out anyway fishing.Dont know about your part of the country but here I fish mostly spring feed water thats ultra clear and about 98% clean ,about drinking water quality, thats why Hollywood loves to come to central fla to film all those under water movies all the springs and clear water and sandy bottoms makes for great pics.

CATT , exactly my point I can run the lake the entire day and not pickup as much crap as 30 seconds of power loading . Like most people said sometimes you have no choice or as BASS CRAZY said the style or condition of the ramp is the difference..

I must be the odd man out because I use a long bow rope .My tracker weighs about the same maybe less.I will either beach the boat or tie up to the dock go get the trailer back down till my tow rigs back wheels are just out of the water that puts the trailer in there nice.untie the bow rope and push from the beach or pull from the dock right up on the trailer within 2 ft of the winch then winch her up tight .I do have a short walking platform on my tongue and I tow with a jeep 4x4 so ramps arent a problem.I do enjoy watching the big boys power load with their 250hp motors shooting mud / sand /gravel everywhere man that prop must be really digging in the bowl,hey isnt the water intake down by the prop ? That means all that stuff is going? But if you have a big heavy boat you sometimes dont have a choice.Thats part of the reason I downsized beside now I can get back to the really skinny water where the fish are. good luck.