First time boat owner

Scott Grote · Sep 5, 2014

Hi everyone. I just purchased my first boat last night. It's a 1994 Nitro 170TF with a 75 hp Mercury. Purchased from the original owner (retired gentleman) who took great care of the boat. He had knee surgery and gave up tournaments for golf. As a first time owner what should I be on the look out for? I read up on Nitro before I bought it and carefully checked the transom for rot and also looked for stress cracks. I have all paperwork, manuals, etc. along with a lot of extras.

AirForce · Sep 5, 2014

Welcome to the forum Scott. I had a 93 170TF with a Johnson 115. Really not much, other than wet sanding it, polish and wax it to make it look brand new. Wiring was a wreck, so I completely gutted it and reworked it. Then sold it when a 4 stroke motor wasn't available at the time I wanted (and got a new boat). I even removed the original switch panel and custom made one so instead of 3 switches, I had 7. Motor needs to be thoroughly gone through maintenance wise. My suggestion is if you like doing your own thing, to get a Mercury OEM Service Manual, it'll be the best 85-100 bucks you've ever spent. Don at European Marine can fix you right up. http://www.europeanmarine.org/contactus.html

dougiemac · Sep 6, 2014

Welcome Scott! I'm hoping to learn from the first timers as I'm looking to get my 1st time this spring. Enjoy yourself!

cq · Sep 6, 2014

Welcome!!!!! First and foremost, take your time and learn your boat. I know of a number of first time boat owners that try to start out like a pro bass fisherperson. Either damaged the boat or sold it very soon. I had a 96 170 DC w/115 hp, big step up from my flat bottom tin with a 50. Spent many a day out on the water and learned how the boat works, not how I thought it should work. Learn your boat and operation and you will be a happy person.