Hey guys! Going out to buy my first bass boat on the 27th. It's a new(er) Tracker with a Mercury and I got a sweet deal with all the usual goodies included.

Was wondering if there's any good articles/links or anything I need to know about boat ownership.

Or any tips for newbies that would help.

Thanks!

Take it to the ramp during a weekday and practice loading and unloading. Make a check list of all the things needed to load and unload properly and safely and check it each time until it becomes habit. Put aside a small amount of money each month to fix it when it breaks and provide proper routine maintenance. It will happen...something will break and you will want to fix it.

Look into, at minimum, an online boating safety course.

Don't forget to install the drain plug.

Take it to the ramp during a weekday and practice loading and unloading.
The gentleman I'm buying it from has a private lake and I'm actually going with a buddy right after to try to unload/load it. I've done this before, but my buddy said it's different when it's your money on the line, haha.

Make a check list of all the things needed to load and unload properly and safely and check it each time until it becomes habit.
Is there a basic checklist somewhere? I know I usually wipe down and drain the live-wells on my buds boat, but I'm not sure what else he does.

Put aside a small amount of money each month to fix it when it breaks and provide proper routine maintenance. It will happen...something will break and you will want to fix it.
Good idea! My partner and I have a small cash savings we rack up for basic needs (truck tires, house [censored], etc...)

Look into, at minimum, an online boating safety course.
I was looking into that, I think it'll be very helpful! Thanks!

Don't forget to install the drain plug.
I've seen pictures. No thanks! I'll remember (hopefully!).

This site is great to learn. Another one more geared to boats than fishing is BassBoat Central.com
It has separate forums for each brand boats and motors and more. You can learn a lot there too

Take small bites at first. Learn what your boat and skills are capable of on rough water a little at a time. Pick your first few outings carefully for wind and weather and try to launch in protected areas until your comfortable.
Be safe and enjoy.

Put on your PFD before you ever back the boat into the water. People fall off the dock all the time and sometimes the water is deep and cold. It only takes an instant to go under if the water is cold and you are wearing a lot of clothes.

Thanks for the great tips guys!

I'm pretty excited to be an owner of a kayak and a bass boat.

It's been a goal for awhile!!

How's it going? Got any questions?

I would also suggest wearing your kill switch lanyard. Congrats on the new bass rig.