And boat/boat motor experts here?

[sniper7]

I just bought a 2000 tracker boat with 75 horse tracker by mercury engine of the back, the guy didn't have the manual or infor for the boat or motor. I've been trying to find some but coming up short.

Just curious what kind of maintenance I need to do on the engine, greasing it, water pump and impeller info, anything to watch out for etc.
also what prop to out on it and what rpm I should be looking for. I found 5250 on one site but want to make sure this is right.
i have 3 props for it, one 15 and one 19 pitch prop and I can't remember what the other one is, but was wondering what any experts would recommend.

Also, anyone do or know of a prop repair place. The one on it now is a little chewed up and could use some repair

[Snowman78]

Pitch is defined as "the distance a propeller would move in one revolution if it were moving through a soft solid, like a screw through wood." For example, a 21-pitch propeller would move forward 21 inches in one revolution.

I would try the 15 1st and then get a 17, the 19 may be to much for your motor.

Here is where you can get a prop repaired:

Prop Doctors
www.propdoctorsdenver.com

It may be better to buy a new 17P then have one repaired, last time I looked it was $115.00 for a new one or $75 to have mine repaired.

[sniper7]

Thanks for the info, they quoted me $60 but said they would have to look at it. $115 for a new one

[Jmetz]

I'm no expert in boats or motors, but I am an expert motorboater! Change spark plugs, and the gear oil in the shaft is really all I can think of off the top of my head. Fuel filter if it has one and lube the cables if they need it.

[Lurch]

Make sure the battery is up to par. I have seen to many people launch their boats and then the motor won't start. Like the others have said I would start with the smallest pitch and go from there. Also check to see if it has a water separator on the fuel line and replace it.

[BushMasterBoy]

manuals here for $5 http://mercury-marine.servicemanualvault.com/

[sniper7]

manuals here for $5 http://mercury-marine.servicemanualvault.com/

cool thanks!

[sniper7]

Make sure the battery is up to par. I have seen to many people launch their boats and then the motor won't start. Like the others have said I would start with the smallest pitch and go from there. Also check to see if it has a water separator on the fuel line and replace it.

yep, I'm in the process of getting probably 2 more batteries. the one in it is GTG, but it has spots for 2 more and I have an electric trolling motor...so i figure "why not!".

[BPTactical]

When you pull the prop check for fishing line etc on the shaft. You eat that seal and get water in the lower your not gonna be happy at all. Check your lower lube, make sure it is not milky looking, if so you have water in it.
Replace the water pump impeller regardless of what it looks like, they are cheap and replace it every other season.
When you run it out of the water with "earmuffs" on it don't do more than idle it. An outboard can "runaway" without the drag of water on the prop. Turning off the key and pulling plug wires will not shut it down. Hearing an outboard wind at 8500 rpm in the driveway is no fun and sheer panic sets in. Unscrewing sparkplugs whilst it is winding at 8500 rpm is no fun either.

Not that I would know......

[ray1970]

Ahh. The joys of owning a boat. Got rid of my last one about 18 years ago and haven't regretted it. Everyone has given you good advice so far. I'd recommend running aluminum props over stainless. They get chewed up quicker but there is less change of damaging the drive parts should you hit a stump or something. Keep in mind a prop is kind of like gears in a car. You need to find the right balance between getting going quickly and top end speed.