drhoward1988

The engine is fine. Most people only look at that, when in reality towing has to do with truck weight and braking. A small 4cyl toyota will haul a 21ft phoenix just fine, stopping is another story. That truck would be fine for most bass boats.

I've been fishing all my life, mainly largemouth and spotted bass. I live in central alabama, and fish the coosa river system, lakes and river. I've been fortunate enough to use my dad's boat (stratos 176) for the past few years. Well I just purchased my first boat. Was a gamble but it's turning out pleasant. Boat is a 1988 Winner Tournament with a Evinrude 150XP. Not a looker at all, but hull and transom were solid. Engine wouldn't run. Well I paid $300 and trailered it home, hoping it wasn't serious. Took all the bad batteries out and put a new cranking battery. Cleaned the carbs and "decarbed" the cylinders. Pulled the fuel line from the tanks and mixed a gallon with some more seafoam. Engine fired up and ran but idled rough through the first half gallon. Shut it off and let it sit for a while. Ran it again until it ran out of fuel. Premixed another gallon and she runs like a top. Boat has a long way to go. I'd like to post some pictures but I'm on the mobile site and I can't size them down enough