Goldstar225

I run a heavy chain through the wheel spokes and around the axle/leaf springs. They may hook up but will probably abandon it rather than risk a cop stopping a vehicle pulling a boat & trailer with a smoking tire.

TP, electrical & Duct Tape, spare set of pre-gapped spark plugs, plug wrench, multi-bit screwdriver, diagonal cutters, channel-lock pliers, spare length of rope to replace trolling motor pull cord, spare fuses. I keep a surefire 6p flashlight and an LED headlamp in the toolbox. If I'm on a lake large enough that I may no make it to safety if a sudden storm blows up, I carry a small tarp and 550 cord to make a temporary shelter. I also have a small wood saw and fire starter.

That's great, I appreciate the information.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

Mark I don't have the manual yet. I'll have to get it soon. Marinetech That's the performance range I was hoping for. If you don't mind, what prop diameter/pitch are you running on your 70 horse? I know that without a working tach any changes to the prop is just uneducated guesswork.

Thanks for the information. Yeah, the repair of the Tach is one of the next items on my agenda.

I recently purchased a 1987 Basstracker Tournament Pro 17 with a 70 HP Yamaha outboard. I'm very happy with the boat but wonder if it's giving me all the performance I can expect out of this combination. With a full load (myself, son and grandson = 475 lbs) plus rods, tackle, 9 gallons of fuel and full livewell my max speed is 35 MPH by GPS at WOT. The boat planes well at 27-28 MPH at about 1/2 -2/3 throttle. The motor is turning a stainless Quicksilver Laser II 13 inch 20 pitch prop. Unfortunately I don't know what my RPM's are since the tach doesn't work (yet). Thanks in advance for the input.

Unless you're wanting to cross a large lake fast, it'll be fine. I have a 28# thrust on my (heavy) 14' jon boat. For a while a few years ago it was my only motor and did all I wanted. In fact I think it's too fast on it's lowest setting when when I'm cruising the shoreline trying to throughly fish the cover.

I believe you've made a wise decision. Wait a little longer and get a boat that you won't regret. It's more expensive to power up later than to get it right from the begining.

Don't underpower the boat. I assume that you're looking at a tracker or G3 style with console, live well etc... If that's the case go at least 80% of the max rated horse power. With minimum power you'll have to run WOT and work your engine hard. In the long run the extra expense for the larger motor will be worth it. Now if you're looking at a basic 16' jon boat design (stripped down) the 35 will move it at a good clip, probably in the 30 MPH range.

I started with spinning reels then added baitcasters to the arsenal. I use the baitcasters more but I always have two spinning rods in the boat that I use in certain circumstances.

I've fished some larger lakes (Greeson, Greers Ferry) in my 14 foot jon boat with a 9.9 Johnson. I made sure to avoid times of high activity with pleasure boats and was always prepared to go to roost on shore with shelter if un-anticipated high winds came up that kept me from reaching my ramp.

14' Waco Jon boat with a 9.9 Johnson.