'02 170 Bass --I'M IMPRESSED!

[Mud Runner]

I work at the marina at Norfolk Naval base. Last year we purchased five 170 CC with F60 Yamaha four strke motors for our rental fleet and they're great although slightly underpowered. Last week, while visiting another facility I saw that they had three 170 Bass Triumphs with 50hp Hondas. When I inquired about them, I was asked if I could use them as they had been laying around for three years. I took them on the spot. After cleaning them up, I found that the steering was seized and the carbs were totally gummed up. After working on them, I got them running. Carb cleaner and Startron work wonders. Today I, took one out to clean out the fuel system and test them. Man was I impressed! I thought they would be pigs. The boat was up on plane and screaming in no time. There was a 1-2' chop and the boat wasn't fazed by it. Trimmed out the boat screamed across the bay. It did skid in a tight turn but that made it more fun. These baots with ten less hp will run circles againt the 170 CCI'm sure I'll have them rented full time when I finish shaping them up. It's just too bad I didn't have a handheld GPS.

[Troll]

As the owner of a 2002 170 bass, I am glad that you are also impressed with this boat. HOWEVER, if your boats are equipped with the rod storage locker on the port side, caution your customers that need to be careful or they can easily fall overboard while leaning over the port side of the boat. The storage locker comes out about 10 inches from the side of the boat and when you lean over, a waive can cause a person to loose their balance and over you can go. I know, I not only got wet, but lost my pole and fish.

Then when I tried to get back on board, this was a very difficult thing to do. Thankfully I was not alone on the boat. I have subsequently installed a fold up ladder on the transom.

Troll

[Mud Runner]

Thanks for the heads up on the situation. I'll note it to our people. One of our requirements is that PFD's be worn at all times. One thing we had to also do was add drain holes at the rear of the cockpit on either side of the livewell. While washing the boat down we found that the water just sat there. If you take a wave it wouldn't drain. Once we drilled the holes, all was good.

Hello, I also own an '02 170 Bass and I am very happy with it. I too was not happy with the rod storage box so a few months ago I took it out. That thing is pretty heavy! It came out easily (a few screws are hidden under the carpet) and freed up alot of floor space. I just bought an 8 inch rod saver that I mounted on the side that holds 2-4 rods, but more like 2. As for the screw holes in the floor, I just filled them in with silicon sealant. I wish I had removed that bulky box sooner.

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

H2Owfo
you need to get rid of the silicone and put rule elastomeric sealant instead ..Silicone does not adhere to ropolene

I used silicone to fill the holes in the floor and rule on the hull.

[woodNfish]

If you fall overboard, the easiest way back into the boat without a ladder is to enter via the transom and use the cavitation plate on your engine as a step for your foot.

I swim from my boat all the time while fishing on hot days and this is how I re-enter my boat everytime. It's easy and beats hauling around my ladder that takes up procious floor space. You may want to practice with it before you need it in an emergency.

woodNfish

[Troll]

woodNfish, If you are getting old and overweight, it is very difficult to get on board even while using the cavitation plate. At a minimum, you need to install some kind of a handle on the boat to grab onto to help pull yourself up onboard. TROLL

[woodNfish]

Getting old sucks Troll, but my advice could save your life if there is no ladder or handle. BTW, I'm 52.