1997 17 pro bass tracker

Just joined the forum. I have been restoring a bass tracker. I did not have the cash for a brand new one and I hate owing money, so I picked this one up for a steal.

I have been in the boating industry as a marine diesel Tech since 1985, this is my first boat. I figured how hard can this be. After seeing how these trackers were built in 1997, I wonder how Tracker remained in business.

Well here are the stages of my project. Not done yet, but I have only been at it for about a week, when I get home in the evening.

Just a few more.

looking great! where did you get that carpet? and if you dont mind me asking how much $ was it all?

[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=360239#p360239 said:

inlovewithsurfin » 20 Jul 2014, 19:23[/url]"]looking great! where did you get that carpet? and if you dont mind me asking how much $ was it all?

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I got the 24 oz carpet from

https://www.bassboatseats.com/collections/bass-boat-carpet/products/deckmate-24oz-bass-boat-carpet

I could not be happier, This is very high quality carpet. I ordered several samples from different companies, none of the other carpets even came close to the quality of bass-boat-carpet. I have used 25 ft so far. But I am carpeting everything. I think I even carpeted the livewell.

I was not at all happy with the marine adhesive glue. The glue was too runny and not tacky enough. The company went above and beyond and refunded the price of the glue.

thank you for the info! turned out amazing!!!

Looking great :beer:

UPDATE: Getting there. I extended the front deck lots of storage under there. I need to carpet it, but I have not yet figured out how I want the lids to open. Added a step with storage under that. It is so much easier to get up and down on the front deck. New trolling motor on the way too.

question: did you do all the carpet and then return the adhesive or did you switch half way through carpeting.... if you swithed then what brand did you use :?:

[url=https://forum.tinboats.net/viewtopic.php?p=363251#p363251 said:

25yamaha » 13 Aug 2014, 21:34[/url]"]question: did you do all the carpet and then return the adhesive or did you switch half way through carpeting.... if you swithed then what brand did you use :?:

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I tested the adhesive on some scrap. That is when I realized it was not going to work. I used https://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/pl_ca_prem_adv/overview/Loctite-PL-Premium-FAST-GRAB-Polyurethane-Construction-Adhesive.htm it was a little more expensive, but it does a wonderful job. Holds very well and spreads easily.

Almost done. Just needs the hull sides to be painted. I think I will go with the classic Olive drab.

[url=https://forum.tinboats.net/viewtopic.php?p=366274#p366274 said:

Brushout » 15 Sep 2014, 13:02[/url]"]

[url=https://forum.tinboats.net/viewtopic.php?p=363251#p363251 said:

25yamaha » 13 Aug 2014, 21:34[/url]"]question: did you do all the carpet and then return the adhesive or did you switch half way through carpeting.... if you swithed then what brand did you use :?:

Click to expand...

I tested the adhesive on some scrap. That is when I realized it was not going to work. I used https://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/pl_ca_prem_adv/overview/Loctite-PL-Premium-FAST-GRAB-Polyurethane-Construction-Adhesive.htm it was a little more expensive, but it does a wonderful job. Holds very well and spreads easily.

Click to expand...

Oh, and I use hot glue on all the seams.

Job well done. Have any more pics of the step/storage you made. My 04 tracker has a big step up to the front platform for the this old man, so some details would be appreciated. Again, job well done.

[url=https://forum.tinboats.net/viewtopic.php?p=366307#p366307 said:

TNtroller » 15 Sep 2014, 19:08[/url]"]Job well done. Have any more pics of the step/storage you made. My 04 tracker has a big step up to the front platform for the this old man, so some details would be appreciated. Again, job well done.

Click to expand...

My knees were the driving force behind the extended deck and step. Also, with out the extended deck the first step is onto a lid/hatch not a solid deck. over time the lid will start to warp.

I will get you more photos this weekend.