Hello everyone, 

I've recently bought a boat, first time boat owner. It's a 2014 Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW. Super excited to take it on the water and am looking forward to all the fun that is to be had with it.

I've never really been around boats, so I am diving into the world of boating and trying to prepare myself for the journey. 

 

Right now, I am trying to decide on what to use to clean the hull, underneath and sides(right now I am leaning towards a 50/50 Vinegar and water solution), as well as I guess a speed wax to apply (Leaning towards Lucas slick mist). Also what to use to clean the carpet, upholstery and the storage compartments.  Any recommendations would be helpful.

 

Also any tips or things to look into or research would be great.

 

Thank you for any help that is given! 

I use Lucas Slick Mist after every outing. 10-15 minutes.  If you once get the water marks off you shouldn't have to use the vinegar mix again, just the Slick Mist.  My black outfit looks like new after 8 seasons.   Don't forget the engine and windshield.  

 

While it's not maintenance, a tip to live by is whenever you are under power, have the kill switch cord tied to your PFD.  

Good luck with your new boat Joshua, hopefully many years of fun headed your way.

50/50 water vinegar, and some dawn dish soap, so it suds up and stays on the hull longer. Then just elbow grease.

 

Don't forget your boat plug. Make a list of things to do on your phone. Practice it at home, revise the order as necessary, I like to start from the back of the boat with the boat plug first, then move to the bow. Then do it at the ramp, if someone is going out on the boat with you, tell them nicely to not distract you. Practice backing up in a parking lot first, put some cones down. Try to hit the ramp when it's not as crowded.

I use Boat Bling products to clean my boat.  It does not require any scrubbing or water.  You just spray their product and then wipe it off with a microfiber towel.

 

Hot Sauce for the aluminum hull, outboard, and talon

Vinyl Sauce for the seats

 

Condition Sauce twice a year on everything

 

I don't have any carpet in my boat so I can't help you with that part.

Awesome, congratulations. I am still new, though I own 2 boats. I've put my plastic pond hopper in a couple of times. I'm still learning so I'm paying attention.

Wanting your boat to look good will not make run good.

Put your efforts 1st into checking out the outboard engine, the trolling motor and all the electrical components including batteries. Clean electrical contact points, batteries etc. new water pump is good insurance. 
Don’t over look the boat trailer, if the tires are older then 8 years they need to changed.

Welcome to boating and practice backing up your rig before heading out to the water.

Glenn has video’s for everything👍

Tom

@Backroad Angler

 

TAKE A SAFE BOATING COURSE. 

 

As a prior Search and Rescue Professional, from both the planning and operational side, leaving an accurate float plan with at least one responsible adult every time we hit the water is Rule #1.  Including accurate phone numbers of the emergency agencies you want them to call in the event you are late getting back home as planned (overdue), this saves valuable time you may or may not have. 

All of this is far less useful if and when your plans change and you don't keep them informed.

So, make sure you can get help if and when you need it. 

The world is a big place, so help yourself out.

Requires a bit of time and effort on your part but you need to ask yourself, am I worth it ?

I know I am.

Congrats, good luck and stay safe.

A-Jay

 

4 hours ago, WRB-2.0 said:

Wanting your boat to look good will not make run good.

Put your efforts 1st into checking out the outboard engine, the trolling motor and all the electrical components including batteries. Clean electrical contact points, batteries etc. new water pump is good insurance. 
Don’t over look the boat trailer, if the tires are older then 8 years they need to changed.

Welcome to boating and practice backing up your rig before heading out to the water.

Glenn has video’s for everything👍

Tom

Upon buying the vessel, I had it taken to a boat shop and they conducted a inspection and everything checked out, only the horn is not functional. Slowly studying all the parts on the boat to become familiar. Thank you for the tips! 

3 hours ago, A-Jay said:

@Backroad Angler

 

TAKE A SAFE BOATING COURSE. 

 

As a prior Search and Rescue Professional, from both the planning and operational side, leaving an accurate float plan with at least one responsible adult every time we hit the water is Rule #1.  Including accurate phone numbers of the emergency agencies you want them to call in the event you are late getting back home as planned (overdue), this saves valuable time you may or may not have. 

All of this is far less useful if and when your plans change and you don't keep them informed.

So, make sure you can get help if and when you need it. 

The world is a big place, so help yourself out.

Requires a bit of time and effort on your part but you need to ask yourself, am I worth it ?

I know I am.

Congrats, good luck and stay safe.

A-Jay

 

In my state, a boating course is required to obtain your license. Although it was online, It was very informative with safety, maintenance and such. It did touch on making a float plan which I agree is smart and beneficial.

Agreed, safety is paramount!

Thanks A Jay for the advice. 

For hull cleaning check this out.  Don't forget the trailer bearings.  Jack up a wheel and spin it, it has to be dead silent.

 

 

Congratulations on your new boat

What @A-Jay suggested is good advice. One of my nephews took his family through it, boot dealership had it. 
     I’ve got a tin boat with flat finish, so dawn and water is all mine sees. I do put areo 303 on all vinyl and such. 
Have fun and stay safe 

On 11/2/2025 at 8:48 PM, Backroad Angler said:

Hello everyone, 

I've recently bought a boat, first time boat owner. It's a 2014 Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW. Super excited to take it on the water and am looking forward to all the fun that is to be had with it.

I've never really been around boats, so I am diving into the world of boating and trying to prepare myself for the journey. 

 

Right now, I am trying to decide on what to use to clean the hull, underneath and sides(right now I am leaning towards a 50/50 Vinegar and water solution), as well as I guess a speed wax to apply (Leaning towards Lucas slick mist). Also what to use to clean the carpet, upholstery and the storage compartments.  Any recommendations would be helpful.

 

Also any tips or things to look into or research would be great.

 

Thank you for any help that is given! 

Congrats! What are the specs? Engine and battery maintenance is important for trouble free use. I've had boats all my life so if you have any specific questions or would like to talk some things through pls send me a PM. Love to help!