Tracker Pro17 barn find

[tankercart]

I recently acquired a 1993 tracker pro17. It was in leakybarn uncovered and looked like a fun project. I really don't knowmuch about boats, but I'm a decent small engine guy and I love fishing. This boat came with a 1989 Merc Classic 50 (45hp). The water registration sticker is dated2008 so I assume this boat hasn't ran in years. I bought 2 batteries, acranking and a deep cycle. I hooked up the cranking battery to the thickest gaugewires and tried to turn her over; I heard a click (starter solenoid? choke?)but then nothing. Itook the starter off and the brushes where gone corroded. I ordered a newstarter and carb gaskets. While I waited for them I cleaned the gas tank,replaced fuel lines, fuel filter, and vacuumed the boat. When I got the carbgaskets I took off the carbs and cleaned them up. The bottom carb was verydirty with lots of gummy oil inside the engine cowl. I noticed the inside ofthe carbs have a little black piece of plastic, a "venturi". I've never seenone before. I put it back the way I thought it goes, the tabs pointing towardsthe intake/choke. Then I reinstalled the carbs and thought it was weird there was noair box or filter on the intake/choke side of the carbs... Anyway. I replaced thestarter, primed the fuel, and she cranked! The first attempt I saw fuelleaking out the intake side of the carbs. I tried cranking with no choke, andshe burped little but no ignition. I don't think the floats are stuck. I dida blow test after I cleaned them. Maybe the venturies?? Does anyone have thisengine, have advice OR know where to find a good parts breakdown? Also the wiring on theboat is very suspect, lots of splices. Does anyone have a picture of their gastank and battery set up? I currently have 55lb 12V trolling motor, but I don'tknow which wires power the trim motor, ect. Also note the motor is trimmedall the way up, I don't think it helps my fuel problem, but I can't see itcausing it.

Thank you for reading this long post

Freddie B

[Oldfart9999]

Fred, welcome to the site, check out the new members contest, you could win a very nice prize. As far as that motor goes, they made it for very long time and it's highly reliable. I f you google it you should be able to find everything that you need and more. My 2009 50 is basically the same motor, I love it. As far as anything you might need for the boat "Tinboats" would be able to answer any questions you may have. If you have to replace any wood in the boat or on the trailer DO NOY USE PRESSURE TREATED, the old PT used in that boat is arsenic based, most of the new stuff is copper, arsenic, no problem, copper, lot's of holes rapidly develop. Let us know how you make out with the boat. Again, welcome to the site, pull up a chair, pop a cold one and wander about, ask questions reply to things of interest.
Rodney

[Princeton_Man]

Welcome aboard tankercart! I once owned a Bass Tracker Pro17 as well, but mine was powered by Evinrude. I really regret selling that ol' boat, I could take her places I wouldn't dare take my glass boat and those places hold some nice fish. Sounds like you've got the rehab well underway.

[tankercart]

Thank you very much for the warm welcomes. Is 'tinboats' part of this forum or is it a completely different website? No worries about using treated wood. I do have to replace the floor, but I'll probably just epoxy some regular 1/2" panel. I do plan on doing a more elaborate rebuild but I need to make sure she doesn't leak too bad and the engine is somewhat reliable. Stay posted I'll be in these forums a lot 

[Princeton_Man]

Thank you very much for the warm welcomes. Is 'tinboats' part of this forum or is it a completely different website? No worries about using treated wood. I do have to replace the floor, but I'll probably just epoxy some regular 1/2" panel. I do plan on doing a more elaborate rebuild but I need to make sure she doesn't leak too bad and the engine is somewhat reliable. Stay posted I'll be in these forums a lot 

We have an Aluminum Boats forum and a Bass Tracker Boats forum. Also an Outboards forum. We have quite a few active Tracker owners here as well as former owners.

[Oldfart9999]

Tinboats is a different site, it specializes in aluminum boat restore and customizing, it's free.
Rodney