JOHNSON OUTDOORS WATERCRAFT

SPORT & LEISURE GROUP®

FISHING BOAT OWNER’S MANUAL

Bass Hound

tm 9.4

Bass Houndtm

10.2 Water Quest Brand

Bass Tender tm 9.4

Bass Tender tm 10.2

Bass Tender tm 10.2 C*

Bass Tender tm 10.6

Bass Tender tm 11.3

Watertender 9.4 Utility 9.4*

* with Advantage® Camouflage

tm

Johnson Outdoors Watercraft – Sport & Leisure® 4855 Broadmoor SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512-5360 1-800-552-6287 www.jowatercraft.com

January 2004

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Thank you for purchasing this boat from Johnson Outdoors Watercraft-Sport & Leisure. Our fishing boats are very durable, versatile and have features found on fishing boats costing thousands more. These boats also get you on the water conveniently; most fit in the back of a pick-up, no trailer needed. This Owner’s Manual provides the key information on its use and care. If you have additional questions, or would like to learn about fishing boat accessories, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, dinghies, electric deck boats and the other fine products we offer, please contact us: Johnson Outdoors Watercraft-Sport & Leisure Customer Service 4855 Broadmoor S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49512-5360 1-800-552-6287 www.jowatercraft.com At JOW-Sport & Leisure, we hope you enjoy this fishing boat for many years to come, and use it to make a lifetime of memories. Happy boating, Sandra L. Spielmaker President, JOW-Sport & Leisure

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Warranty JOW-Sport & Leisure warrants its manufactured products to be free of material defects subject to the following time limitations and use exclusions. JOW-Sport & Leisure warrants the hull and deck of each new fishing boat to be free of material and manufacturing defects for a period of two (2) years from the date of retail sale. All other component parts and accessories are warranted for a period of one (1) year or are warranted for the period specified by their original manufacturer, whichever is less. Under this warranty, JOW-Sport & Leisure is limited to the repair or replacement of the components as defined above. Transportation to and from an authorized repair facility is the responsibility of the purchaser. JOW-Sport & Leisure shall not be held liable for incidental, consequential costs such as registration fees, or other damages resulting from defects in warranted components. This warranty does not extend to or apply to any product that is used for rental or other commercial use, nor products that are damaged from abuse, neglect, accident, normal wear or repairs made by unauthorized repair facilities or individuals. There are no warranties either expressed or implied which extend beyond those defined in this statement. This warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is nontransferable. To verify date of purchase, please return the product registration card within 30 days. Also please retain your original purchase receipt. JOW-Sport & Leisure January 2004 4267 Rev E

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Table of Contents Material Checklist Page 3

Illustrations of Models Page 4-8

About Your Fishing Boat Page 9 • Hull Material • Capacity and Flotation

Setting Up Your Boat - Basics Page 10-12

Installing a Trolling Motor Page 12

Electrical Systems Overview Page 13-14

Installing Accessories Model 10.2, 11.3 Page 14-15 Model 9.4 Page 16 Model 10.6 Page 17-18

Pre-Launch Check Page 19-20

Operating the Boat Page 21-25 Towing 9.4 Page 25

Transporting Page 26

Maintenance Page 27-28

Storage Page 28-29

Optional Accessories Page 30

Warranty Page 31

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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES Boat Covers Custom designed boat covers are available. They are made from a long lasting vinyl. Trailers Trailers designed for use with the JOW-Sport & Leisure fishing boats can be purchased through a local marine or trailer dealer. For rowing Oar locking Horn kits

Oar lock socket kits Oars

OTHER BOATS FROM JOW-SPORT & LEISURE JOW-Sport & Leisure also offers several other excellent watercraft including:

Escape Cruz Electric Deck Boats Escape Jazz and Glide Pedal Boats Escape Water Wheeler Pedal Boats Rogue River AquaToy Pedal Boats Water Quest and Rogue River Canoes Water Quest and Rogue River Kayaks

Contact JOW-Sport & Leisure Customer Service 1-800-552-6287, or visit the Web Site www.jowatercraft.com

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STORAGE (continued) Close the cap on the bow and stern light socket (all but 9.4) Remove all drain plugs

Position the boat so the bow is slightly higher than the stern to help with drainage

Remove all fuel tanks, batteries and other accessories. Cover the boat to prevent water and dirt from accumulating in the deck. Custom fit boat covers are available from JOW-Sport & Leisure. See the enclosed accessory list, or contact Customer Service 1-800-552-6287.

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MATERIAL CHECKLIST Upon delivery of your fishing boat you should receive:

1. Warranty registration card. Please read and complete the registration card and mail it to JOW-Sport & Leisure, 4855 Broadmoor SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.

2. Owner’s Manual and Statement of Warranty (back page)

3. Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin. This is the ownership title for your boat. Complete it and take it to the appropriate state agency to register your boat.

Decal Application To apply registration decals, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth, let dry, peel, and apply the decals, taking care to smooth out any bubbles and raised edges. Make a permanent record of the following information for future reference. Know your serial number when contacting JOW-Sport & Leisure or your dealer with service questions. Serial Number: ________________ Date of Purchase: ______________ Purchased from:________________

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Boats with Laminates – BassHoundtm 10.2, WaterQuesttm 9.4 Utility and 10.2 Camouflage Boat Laminate The boats with laminates or camouflage are very durable. They have been tested for scratch resistance, UV fading, and adhesion using the standards in the automotive and siding industries. However, if the boat contacts rocks, gravel or other sharp objects, the camouflage can be scratched. The laminate will not peel away and the scratch will visually blend in. STORAGE Remove the boat from the water. Leaving the boat in the water for any longer than a few days will promote algae growth on the hull. Store on a trailer, or other supports under the hull. Supports must run along the length of the hull, not across it. Do not store on the ground.

If on a trailer, make sure to loosen tie down straps so the hull does not distort over time If stored on other supports, there should be at least one under each side of the hull, placed along the length of the hull. Make sure each support is at least 3 ½” wide and 5’ long. Note: A 2” x 4” on end is too narrow, and will dent the hull.

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MAINTENANCE General Cleaning Wash with a mild detergent and water. If necessary, use a very soft bristle brush. Do not use Armour-All or other plastic conditioner products. They can discolor, and even weaken, the plastic. Do not use abrasive cleaning products. Salt Water Maintenance Barnacles and other marine life will form on the hull surface if the boat is left in salt or brackish water for extended periods of time. Carefully scrape off the hull surface periodically with a putty knife or stiff brush. They’ll be easier to remove if you keep the surface wet. Painting the hull with antifouling bottom preservative will help minimize barnacle and algae buildup. Aerator Pump (10.2 & 10.6 Only) The pump is mounted to a divider that helps keep minnows and other debris from clogging the pump and spray nozzle. However, periodically check to make sure the intake slots on the pump are clean.

Twist the body of the pump counterclockwise to remove the pump from the mounting base. Flush the intake slots with water. Reverse the steps to reinstall. When reinstalling, be sure the wire connectors from the pump to the power circuit are above the water in the livewell.

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MODEL Bass Tender 9.4 Bass Hound 9.4

5

MODELWatertender 9.4/ 9.4 Utility *

Exceptionally tough, impact-resistant colorfast polyethylene hull and deck

Oar lock socketsTransom eyes

Stainless steelbow eye Drink holders Optional 6-1/2’ oars

Foam flotation

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the boat will climb and descend over waves with the towing craft. TRANSPORTING Transporting by Pick Up Truck All models (except for the 11.3) can be conveniently transported in the back of a full size pick up truck. Be sure to tie the boat down snugly using several tie down straps. Do not over tighten the straps. This will distort the deck and hull. Trailering All of the models can be trailored if desired.

Rest the weight of the boat on the support bunks. The support bunks on the trailer should be at least 3½” wide and 5’ long. Do not rest the boat on the keel rollers. This may dent the hull. Be sure to tie the boat snugly with two or three tie down straps. Do not over tighten the straps. This will distort the deck and hull.

Custom trailers are available through local Marine Dealers. Contact JOW-Sport & Leisure Customer Service for more information.

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OPERATING THE BOAT (continued) The weight load must be distributed appropriately across the deck. Planing may require a bit of experimentation to get exactly the right combination of trim and weight distribution. * The boat will plane with a lower horsepower motor if the weight load is much lower than capacity. Towing the 9.4 (behind a yacht or larger boat) The Watertender 9.4 is designed to be used as a yacht tender. They can be mounted on the swim platform right side up in a cradle or towed behind the boat. If the boat is to be towed, a few precautions should be followed. The Watertender 9.4 does not have a transom drain plug. It may collect water while towing. If the boat is likely to take on water while towing due to speed and/or water conditions, it should be secured to the swim platform in a cradle or deck for transporting. To rig the Watertender properly for towing, fasten the tow line to the Watertender’s bow eye and tie the line to a higher point on the towing craft so the pulling force will be in modest upward angle. This will help keep the bow of the Watertender high and will help minimize water splashing into the boat. The length of the tow line should be minimized so

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MODEL Bass Hound 10.2

Bass Tender 10.2

Stern lightsocket

Twin padded swivel chairs

Trolling motor socket

Dry storage

Aerated Livewell with Drain

Fused electrical control panel and fish finder mounting console

Reinforced planing hull for superior handling and speed

Ribbed deck for superior stiffness and durability

Navigationlights

Stainless steel bow eyeBuilt-in trolling

motor mount

Mooring cleats

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MODELBass Tender 10.6

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OPERATING THE BOAT (continued)

When the prop is angled too close to the transom, it will tend to push the bow down when power is applied.

Adjusting the weight distribution in the boat will also help the boat travel smoothly.

If the bow lifts too much, shift more of the weight forward. If the bow tends to plow down in the water, shift weight toward the stern.

Trim / Planing 10.6 model The 10.6 model is designed to move efficiently through the water on “plane”. When the boat is on plane, the boat is moving across the water efficiently because only the rear portion of the hull has full contact with the water. To plane with the 10.6:

The motor size must be at least 10 HP*. The motor must be properly “trimmed” (see previous section). The total load must not exceed the limits on the capacity plate.

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When moving under poor lighting conditions, the bow and stern lights should be on.

1. Install the stern light pole in the socket, making sure the tab on the pole lines up with the groove on the socket 2. Put the light switch on the control panel to the “NAV” position. (10.6 and 11.3 only) 3. On the 10.2, the navigation lights are operated by installing the lights into the sockets. When not moving under poor lighting conditions, only the stern light needs to be on.

Traveling Across the Water Do not be concerned if you notice a slight hull flexing during use. The boat is designed to flex and absorb minor bumps without damage. This flexing is one of the great advantages of polyethylene. Trim / Planing all models except 10.6 Except for the 10.6 model, these boats are not designed to plane. However, they will travel smoothly if loaded and trimmed properly. With most outboard motors, you can adjust the trim. This is the angle between the power unit of the motor (prop) and the transom of the boat. If the motor is angled out too far, the bow will rise sharply when power is applied.

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MODEL Bass Tender 11.3

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About Your Fishing Boat Hull and Deck The Basstender, Basshound, and Watertender hull and deck are thermoformed from sheets of High Density Polyethylene plastic. Polyethylene is many times more impact resistant than fiberglass. It will remain colorfast and durable through many years of exposure to the elements and throughout wide ranges of temperature fluctuation. Polyethylene is very abrasion resistant, but not abrasion proof. Some care in handling and operating your boat is necessary to ensure its long life. Clean the hull and deck with common household detergents, hot water and a scrub brush. Capacity and Flotation The capacity of your boat, in both passengers and added cargo, is determined by the boat’s size and flotation. Each boat has a capacity tag clearly displayed on the craft. Flotation is provided by closed cell foam blocks located between the deck and hull. These foam blocks are strategically placed to provide flotation under normal loading conditions. ALL Basstenders, Basshounds, and Watertenders meet the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and U.S. Coast Guard safety standards.

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OPERATING THE BOAT (continued)

7. Be especially conscious of the shore condition. Sharp rocks, sharp edges on break walls, concrete aprons, etc. can seriously chafe the hull if you drag or slide the boat over these surfaces.

Mooring and Docking Avoid mooring or docking in very shallow water where the hull will hit bottom. Use boat fenders or other cushioning to prevent wave action from scraping the hull against the dock. Livewell Operation Fill the livewell about 2/3 full of water. Do not overfill. The excess water will seep between the hull and deck. Try to use cool water. Cooler water reduces the fish’s need for oxygen. Keep the lid closed when possible to help keep the water cool. The 10.2, 10.6 and 11.3 models have a recirculating aerator pump. Periodically cycle the pump. The switch is on the electrical control panel. Drain the livewell by removing the drain plug. Lights (Available on 10.2, 10.6, 11.3 models) The lights should always be used if there are poor lighting conditions, e.g. dusk, dawn, fog etc.

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OPERATING THE BOAT Launching Tips

1. When launching the boat from shore it is better to enlist the help of a bystander or passenger to help lift the boat and carry it to the water. You can drag the boat, but carrying it will prevent excessive hull abrasion over time.

2. Be sure motor is tilted up to prevent damage

when lowering the boat into the water.

3. If launching from a trailer, make sure to remove all tie downs before backing onto the launching ramp.

4. Make sure to install all drain plugs before

putting the boat in the water.

5. When entering the boat, step in the center of the boat so the boat remains stable. Do not step on the gunwale (top edge of the side of the boat), which could cause the boat to tip.

6. After the boat is in the water, but before

leaving from shore, check to make sure the boat sits reasonably level fore to aft and side to side. If not, redistribute the items you have on board.

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SETTING UP YOUR FISHING BOAT Components and Basic Set Up Please follow the recommended steps to prepare your boat. Note: The manual will refer to various models. The large decal on the side of the hull shows the model. Installing the Seats You should have the following components for your BassHound or Basstender model: - 2 seats - 2 swivel mounting bases - 8 fasteners (4 for each seat mounting base) - 2 seat pedestals (11.3 model only) - 1 seat pedestal (10.6 model) Note: The swivel mounting bases for the 9.4 and 10.2 have pedestal stems built into each swivel-mounting base. The 10.6 model has one separate seat pedestal and one pedestal built into the base. Attach the swivel mounting bases to the seats using the fasteners. Make sure the fasteners are snug, but do not over-tighten, which will cause the fasteners to strip the threads, and the seat to come loose. Installing Drain Plug(s) All models include a drain plug installed in the transom (rear of the boat). This drains water that gets onto the deck. To drain water or condensation between the deck and hull, there is an additional drain plug as follows:

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On the 9.4, 10.2 and 10.6 models, the drain plug is on the bow, just above the bow eye. (It is installed at the factory) To drain the water between the deck and hull, remove the drain plug; lift the rear of the boat so the water will drain towards the front drain hole. Once the water is drained, insert the drain plug into the hole. On the 11.3 model this drain plug is located in the bilge, just forward of the aerator pump. Remove the drain plug to allow the water from the deck and hull to drain into the bilge pump area. Turn on the bilge pump to remove the water and install drain plug once the water is drained from between the deck and hull. Electrical Power Use a 12V Deep Cycle Marine battery (not included), available from marine dealers, outdoor retailers and mass merchandisers. To install, place the battery in the battery case or tray, tie it down using the holding strap, and connect the wires. RED to POSITIVE (+) terminal BLACK to NEGATIVE (-) terminal Installing Oar Locks (if desired) Note that not all models include an Oar Locking Horn Kit. If you would like an Oar Lock Kit, it is available for purchase from JOW-Sport & Leisure Customer Service. To install follow the instructions included with the Oar Locking Horn Kit. Note that if the installation

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the boat so that it will sit reasonably level in the water. Remember this is a small boat and extra caution should be taken to prevent overloading the craft as this could result in unsafe operating characteristics.

5. Weather Conditions

Check weather conditions for high winds, waves or impending storms. Take this into consideration when loading the boat and planning how far from shore you intend to go.

6. Personal Flotation Gear

Always make sure that everyone in the boat is wearing the proper Personal Flotation Device (life jacket). ExtraSport®, a JOW brand, offers a full line of high quality PFD’s that are widely available. Contact JOW-Sport & Leisure for more information.

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PRE-LAUNCH CHECK

1. Drain Plug Make sure that the transom drain plug; livewell drain plug and bow drain plug are all installed.

2. Drainage Some water accumulation should be expected between the deck and hull. It is NOT necessarily an indication of a serious leak in the hull. Water can seep through and around some fasteners during heavy rain or will accumulate just from normal condensation. Drain the space between the deck and the hull of any accumulated water by following the boat specific “Installing Drain Plug” instructions on page 10-11. Reinstall the drain plug. Always drain the boat thoroughly prior to prolonged or winter storage. Do not store the boat with water remaining between the deck and hull.

3. Capacity

Check the capacities shown on the capacity plate and make sure that your weight load and motor are within the limits.

4. Loading

When loading, distribute the weight of fuel tank, battery, tackle boxes etc. evenly across

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instructions are not followed, the oarlocks may come loose, and the boat may be damaged. You will also need oars, and for the 11.3 model, an Oarlock Socket Kit, which are both available from JOW-Sport & Leisure. Contact Customer Service at 1-800-552-6287, or order electronically www.jowatercraft.com MOUNTING A SMALL OUTBOARD If you wish to use an outboard motor, attach it to the transom following the instructions provided with the motor. Do not mount a motor with a horsepower rating higher than the rating on the boat capacity plate. INSTALLING A TROLLING MOTOR The 9.4 Basstender and Basshound models have a transom socket to connect a trolling motor. All other models have sockets to connect a trolling motor to either the bow or transom of the boat. Many trolling motors come with “alligator clips” or “ring connectors” for direct connection to a battery. To plug the trolling motor into the socket, you may need to replace the clips or connectors with a male plug (included with accessory packet). To do this:

1. Cut the trolling motor power wires just behind the alligator clips or ring connectors and strip about ½” of the insulation from the end of these wires.

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2. Connect the trolling motor power wires to the plug wires using the connectors included in the accessory packet, or by soldering.

Note: Be sure to connect the same color wires together: the RED wire on the plug is positive (+) the BLACK wire is negative (-). Consult the trolling motor instructions for more details, or call Customer Service at JOW-Sport & Leisure.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OVERVIEW Navigation Lights A switch on the control panel controls the navigation lighting on the 10.6 and 11.3. The circuit has a 3 amp fuse located below the switch. To install the stern light pole, insert it in the socket, making sure to line up the tab on the end of the pole with the groove in the socket. The navigation lighting on the 10.2 is operated by installing the light poles into the sockets. The bow lights (red & green) are installed into the front socket, and the stern light is installed into the rear socket. Note: On models with bow and stern trolling motor plugs, be sure to connect both circuits to the battery. There will be two red and two black wires. Connect both red wires to + (pos) battery terminal Connect both black wires to - (neg) battery terminal

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INSTALLING ACCESSORIES (On Model 10.6 continued)

2. Placement of main unit of fish finder or other accessory

a) Mounting an accessory at the bow

Place the accessory on the starboard (right) horizontal surface of the deck next to the anchor well.

b) Mounting an accessory near the control panel

Place the accessory on the horizontal surface of the deck directly above the electrical control panel.

NOTE: Rubber wells nuts are recommended for mounting accessories that require stronger fastening.

3. Mounting the transducer for a fish finder Mount on the motor, or on the transom mounting block as described in the “mounting the transducer” section on page 14.

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INSTALLING ACCESSORIES Fish Finders/Depth Finders 10.6 Model only

1. Hook up power for the fish finder or other accessory. There are two options

a) Mounting an accessory at the bow

There are two wires for the bow accessory circuit. One is a black wire (- negative) and the other is an orange wire (+ positive). Both are taped to the large red wire behind the bow trolling motor socket.

Remove the two screws holding the trolling motor socket in place and carefully pull the socket out.

Attach the end of the orange wire to the positive (+) lead of the accessory. Attach the negative (-) lead of the accessory to the black wire.

b) Mounting an accessory near the control panel

The accessory circuit can also be accessed behind the control panel by removing the 6 screws attaching the electrical control panel to the deck.

Connect the positive (+) wire of the accessory to the spade terminal on the back of the “Accessory” fuse holder on the control panel. The orange wire for the bow accessory circuit is currently attached here. Locate the butt connector in the middle of the black (-) wire which lies below the control panel. This wire is not connected to the control panel. Using a wire cutter, remove this butt connector. Reconnect these two black (-) wires and the negative (-) wire from the accessory using a new butt connector.

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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (continued) Livewell Aerator Pump If your boat has an aerator pump, it is controlled by a switch on the control panel. The circuit on the 11.3 & 10.6 has a 2 amp fuse located just below the switch. *10.2 switch is located on the starboard side of the boat Additional Accessory Circuit Some models have a separate accessory circuit with a 7.5 amp fuse located on the control panel. This allows you to provide power for fish finders or other accessories. (See sections on Installing Fish Finders / Other Accessories) INSTALLING ACCESSORIES Installing Fish Finders / Depth Finders or Other Accessories on the Basstender 11.3 There are three steps, hooking up the power, mounting the main unit of the accessory, and mounting the transducer. 1. Hooking up electrical power for the fish finder or other accessories on the 11.3.

The accessory circuit is located behind the control panel. The wiring for this circuit is a coiled length of orange wires.

Remove the four screws on the electrical control panel to get access. Attach the orange wires to the

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INSTALLING ACCESSORIES (continued) spade terminal on the back of the “Accessory” fuse holder on the control panel.

Connect the positive (+) wire of the fish finder to the orange wire located at the motor plug on the bow and stern. Connect the negative (-) wire of the fish finder to the black wire on the boat.

2. Mounting the main unit of the fish finder or other accessories on the 11.3

Mount the main unit of the fish finder on one of the horizontal surfaces located at the front of the boat on either side of the anchor well. To locate this area, see the illustrations of the models at the front of the manual. For additional details, follow the mounting instructions included with the fish finder or other accessory.

3. Mounting the transducer for the fish finder or other accessories (all models)

The transducer for the fish finder can be mounted to the trolling motor using stainless steel hose clamps. The transducer can also be mounted on a raised mounting block located on the port (left) side of the transom. This raised mounting block has a small piece of durawood behind it as a backer. Do not mount the transducer anywhere else on the transom. There are no other wood backers (except for the center section where the motor is mounted). Mounting onto the

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plastic itself will not provide adequate support, and will create a leak in the hull. See the instructions from the fish finder manufacturer for more details.

INSTALLING ACCESSORIES Fish Finders/Depth Finders BassHound & BassTender 9.4 & 10.2 Models 1. Hook up power for the fish finder or other accessories for the Basshound or Basstender 9.4 & 10.2

The power will need to be connected directly to the battery. Since this is not a fused connection, please see the installation instructions included with the fish finder.

2. Placement of main unit of fish finder or other accessory

Place the main unit of the fish finder or other accessory on the deck in any location that is convenient.

3. Mounting the transducer for a fish finder

Mount on the motor, or on the transom mounting block as described in the “mounting the transducer” section on the previous page.