Jimmy Wallhanger Posted March 23, 2024 Posted March 23, 2024 Spoke to a guy today who has a 2010 bass tracker 160 pro for sale, has a 40hp EFI Merc and has been kept inside when not in use. It looks to be in pristine shape. However the guy says the last time he took it out last year the bidlge pump and aerator for the livewell just cut out and he has no idea why. I have never owned a boat and am NOT handy however my son is an electrician. Is this cause for great alarm and should I run away? I did a quick search and seen it could be a simple grounding of the battery issue? He is the second owner and bought it off an old man 6 years ago. He is asking what would be 8k USD. Quote
Super User gim Posted March 23, 2024 Super User Posted March 23, 2024 Do the other items in the boat that operate on batteries still work? Like the bow mount, motor starter, lights, radio, etc? If they do, then I would tend to think it’s not a battery issue. It may be a pump issue. Quote
Jimmy Wallhanger Posted March 23, 2024 Author Posted March 23, 2024 5 minutes ago, gimruis said: Do the other items in the boat that operate on batteries still work? Like the bow mount, motor starter, lights, radio, etc? If they do, then I would tend to think it’s not a battery issue. It may be a pump issue. I will ask when I soeak to him later on, are you saying that as it is an aerator and bidlge pump issue it could be a "pump issue" thats effecting both the bildge and the livewell? Thanks Quote
Super User GaryH Posted March 24, 2024 Super User Posted March 24, 2024 I would definitely have your son check out the electrical. Blown fuse, switch etc. Have him check the switch’s and see if they have power. Check and see if the pumps have power to them. Possibly only minor if so I’m sure your son can find the issue. If not your decision is how much are you willing to spend or have the owner fix it. I wouldn’t buy a boat without putting it in the water and checking everything. 2 Quote
Super User gim Posted March 24, 2024 Super User Posted March 24, 2024 15 minutes ago, Jimmy Wallhanger said: I will ask when I soeak to him later on, are you saying that as it is an aerator and bidlge pump issue it could be a "pump issue" thats effecting both the bildge and the livewell? Thanks Yes. I am assuming that the batteries also power other items in the boat too and that those are all working, that’s why the problem wouldn’t be the batteries. Could also just be blown fuses as @GaryH stated. The important item I would be concerned with is the outboard. It’s the most expensive piece of equipment on the boat. 1 Quote
Super User Bankc Posted March 25, 2024 Super User Posted March 25, 2024 Well, if they both went out at the same time, then the most likely cause is anything they share. So I'd start by checking the fuse and the wiring. Honestly, this type of thing wouldn't bother me. Even if both pumps failed, it wouldn't be too expensive of a fix. 2 Quote
Captain Phil Posted March 25, 2024 Posted March 25, 2024 Corrosion is a big problem in boats. Many boats are stored outside where humidity gets to the wiring and connections. Your son will know this. If the boat has ever been used in salt water, there is a decent possibility this boat may need new wiring. This is not difficult in a small aluminum boat. If you are not willing or able to deal with issues like this, think twice before you buy a used boat. You may be better off with an OPB boat. OPB means "Other People's Boat" ☺️ 1 Quote
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