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Flyswatter.
OK folks, I made the leap yesterday and pulled the trigger on a beautiful 06 Puma with a Merc 225 EFI on the back. This is a big jump for me, going from a 16 tin boat with a Merc 90, and Ive got to make sure I take good care of this baby so my wife doesnt murder me. Seriously.So. What are some things I really really really need to know about operating and caring for my kitty, and what are some bonehead mistakes that first-time owners make that I can avoid? Thanks in advance for the advice!Kyle
Welcome to the family Kyle. I made about the same leap four years ago. My best advise is to go to above and use the search for topics on your new baby. There is hours and hours of reading available on this forum on every topic you need to know about. Driving, live well operation, lights, trim levels, fuel additives, rod storage, battery charging, you name it. Chances are the questions you have others have also had and they have been covered on here. Another great way to learn is to update your profile including where you live. There may be a BCB owner nearby willing to meet with you and just show you the ins and outs of operation. Enjoy your research and again, welcome to the family.Brian
Congratulations on your new Cat. Welcome to the BCB Family! I can only think of a couple of things off the top of my head. When you are ready to load your Puma back onto the trailer, just back the trailer down into the water so the short bunks(inside bunks) are just above the surface of the water. This will make it easy to snug the boat up to the roller on the winch stand. Also, dont over trim. BCB dont like the engine trimmed up terribly far. Just experiment with this, until you get the trim setting thats comfortable for you and the boat. I am sure others will have some good suggestions as well.
Bonehead Mistake #1 -Uh dont be too focused on your wife trying to back your truck down the ramp to where youre not paying attention to yourself. I tried to load the boat on to the trailer with the trolling motor down. Thanks to Sherm and his crew they got me going again in short order and few hundred dollars later. Folks that know me know I do stupid stuff Last edited by GRR884 on March 5th, 2014, 3:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Welcome, I think you will be pleasantly pleased with the stability and fishing comfort over your aluminum boat. You may not be able to access as many tight spots…though you may be amazed…but you will be in style. Linc W.
Get ready for the compliments. Most people never paid attention when I had my Ranger but now just driving down the road I get the thumbs up. It only took my wife one ride on a really choppy day to say I see why you bought it. Been good ever since.I have an 06 Puma as well and the first time I launched it was a breeze. Then tried to get it back on the trailer and was glad there was no one else at the ramp. 45 minutes later I finally got it on but dont know how. Use the short bunk rule above and you will be good. I usually get the bunks all wet first then pull out so that just the tips are showing. Have not had a problem since.The more you use it the better you will like it.John
Welcome to the family! Here is my tip… never pump gas in the daylight when you are in a hurry to go fishing. When people see how pretty your new Cat is then it will take you 30-45 minutes to pump gas (precious time in an already short fishing day) because everyone wants to come over and talk about your boat. Enjoy!Andy GreeneGreene Boat & MotorAndy Greene Greene Boat & Motor 828-286-2290 http://www.greeneboats.com
I also recently made the move to a BCB and theres no looking back. The best advise I was given was to drive the boat with the trim by using small bumps. I was surprised how little trim this hull really needs. After a couple tries, loading became no problem…youll get onto it. This site serves as your manual and everyone has been very helpful. Enjoy your new toy and if youre ever up on Rainy Lake, drop me a line.
Welcome! Using Pro Tec Products will definitely keep the wife off your back! http://www.protecproducts.com The products are available thru the Basscat web store. Pro-Tec Productswww.protecproducts.com
leechlakelargemouth wrote:So. What are some things I really really really need to know about operating and caring for my kitty, and what are some bonehead mistakes that first-time owners make that I can avoid? Thanks in advance for the advice!KyleKyle, Develop a routine to and from the lake when trailering your boat. This might seem elementary but trust me it can save you some heartache. Also, DO NOT RUSH TO GET TO THE LAKE!!!! That is when Ive made my dumb mistakes. On the water its seat time driving the boat. You are gonna go through a range of emotions if you have expectations. Dont fall for that trap! Also, do not expect same performance every time out on the lake. Weather related variables dictate performance with two strokes if you get the itch to go faster. Realize hot weather you will loose some speed and cooler weather you will gain some speed.Im telling you routine works!!!! If you have to make a list initially do it!Now enjoy and take time to smell the coffee. I am imposing BassCat law #1….. Post us some Pics! Congrats!!!Fly
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