My 1982 Bass Tracker was the boat to have........ in 1982. This was a slick rig - 25hp Merc, trolling motor, carpeted fishing decks in the bow and stern, and a live well. My grandfather and I caught many fish from this boat and I even took it to college with me. After plowing nearly every gravel bar on the Cumberland and one trip up the gut of the Dix river shoals, my 25 Mercury showed its age. The carpeted fishing decks had begun to decompose and the boat would barely plane out.
I had seen jet drive outboards on the White river in Arkansas when I was younger and knew this was the answer to all my problems. Long story short - after a very cold January of tearing my boat apart I emerged with my answer to the perfect Kentucky fishing boat. Now, I must admit that I favor the smaller waters and only once contended with two foot white caps in Lake Cumberland. With this said, I built a boat that will plane out with three guys aboard, run in six inches of water, and easily fit in the driveway of my Lexington duplex.
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| I purchased the 40hp Johnson jet from the Jet Doctor in Ellington Missouri. If you are in the market for a jet drive this is by far the best place to go. These guys set my motor up right and had the best price around. |
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| Getting ready to plane out with about 500lbs of man in the boat. My cousin in the front only weights about 100# soaking wet, but he is wearing his duck hunting waders, so that brings him up to about 150lbs. |
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| Anchored in the waves below Wolf Creek Dam, Cumberland R. |
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| Fishing above the shoals on the Dix R. The oars on this boat work great and allow three guys to take turns fishing and rowing. |
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