ponds boats

The Bass Hound 10.2 boat is a popular choice for many fishing enthusiasts. It’s fast and effective, and while compact, it’s a great option for those looking to undertake a spot of fishing. Knowing how to set up the boat properly, understanding the electrical systems, and how to maintain the boat, along with much more, is important.

About the Bass Hound 10.2 Fishing Boat

The Bass Hound 10.2 has twin padded swivel fishing chairs with a trolling motor socket and a built-in trolling motor mount. It also comes with a mooring cleat, and bow navigation light. It has a Livewell with drain and aerator pump too. The Bass Hound 10.2 has a front-mounted battery box and has a weight limit of 165lbs and an overall capacity of 474lbs.

Getting To Know the Bass Hound Hull and Deck

The Bass Hound is made with high-density polyethylene plastic thermo-formed sheets. This is much more resistant to bumps and minor impacts than fiberglass is. Polyethylene plastic is also durable and colorfast even when it has been exposed to the ever-changing elements and temperature changes. While it isn’t abrasion-proof, it’s abrasion-resistant. The boat will need care when you handle and operate it to ensure its longevity. The deck and hull must be cleaned with hot water, a soft brush, and detergent. 

Capacity and Flotation

Flotation and size will determine the capacity of your boat. How much you’ll be able to bring on board will depend on each specific boat. To find out your boat’s capacity, you will need to locate the capacity tag. You need to use this as a guide and remember your weight will also need to be factored in. The boat floats because of the closed-cell foam blocks; these have been positioned so they can provide flotation during loading. And, they’re located between the hull and deck of the boat.

It’s important to note that the Bass Hound boats meet with the U.S. Coast Guard and NMMA safety standards.

How to Set Up Your Fishing Boat

To complete the set up of your fishing boat you may have to install a few of the basic components. Fortunately, you shouldn’t have too much trouble.

• Installing Seats

Before you start the installation, ensure you have two seats, two swivel mounting bases with pedestals, and eight fasteners. Use the fasteners to attach the mounting bases to the seats. You want a snug fit for the fasteners (don’t overdo it though as the fasteners could strip the threads and come loose). Instead, opt for a secure fit.

• Installing Drain Plugs

You’ll have to install a drain plug at the boat’s rear (in the transom) so that if water builds on the deck, it can be drained away. It should take only a few minutes to install the plug on the 10.2 model and will be fairly simple to drain the water away. You’ll need to remove the drain plug and allow the water to drain away. Once that is done, replace the plug in the drainage hole.

• Installing The Battery

You’ll need to purchase a deep cycle 12V marine battery. This is available to purchase in many retailers including mass merchandisers, outdoor retailers, and marine dealers. Installing the battery is easy to do; however, you need to carefully place the battery into the battery case and tie-down with a holding strap. You’ll need to connect the wires.

RED to POSITIVE (+) terminal

BLACK to NEGATIVE (-) terminal

If you’re connecting any electrical supply up, you need to ensure it’s done properly and in the right manner. Before making any connections, please refer to the battery. Or, if you’re unsure, contact a professional electrician.

• Installing An Oar Lock

While an oarlock isn’t always necessary, you may want to install one nonetheless. You could use an oar locking horn kit and if so, you need to follow all instructions. If you don’t install the oarlocks properly, they can become loose.

Completing the setup of the boat is easy to do and most installations take minutes at best. You shouldn’t have too much trouble with most of them.

Mounting a Small Outboard Motor

Small outboard motors are easy to install but they must comply with the recommended horsepower rating of your boat. You’ll find this rating on the boat capacity plate. When you know the horsepower rating, you can attach the motor to the transom. Again, always follow the specific instructions with the outboard motor.

Installing a Trolling Motor on Your Boat

Connecting a trolling motor with the 10.2 model can be done by connecting the motor to the transom or bow of the boat. Most motors will be able to directly connect to the battery and will have ring connectors or alligator clips. You may need to replace the connectors with a plug to safely plug the motor into the boat socket.

1. You need to strip the insulation around the wires but this must be done behind the connectors or clips. Also, it must be the end of the wire insulation that must be stripped back.
2. You need to connect the plug wires to the motor wires via the connectors. Depending on the motor you’ve chosen, you may need to solder the wires to secure them but this will vary.
3. Remember: The RED wire on the plug is the positive (+) and the BLACK wire is the negative (-). Again, you’ll need to consult your instructions for more details. Alternatively, you could call the customer service number with the kit you’ve purchased.

This is tricky and you have to be very careful with the installation. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you may need to speak to a professional electrician.

Electrical Systems Overview

Getting to know the electrical systems on the boat is essential and it’s an important element of the boat too.

• Navigation Lights

The Bass Hound 10.2 uses navigational lighting and these light poles are installed in the sockets. Red and green bow lights should be installed to the front sockets, while the stern light should be installed in the rear socket.

Please be aware that some models will have stern and bow trolling motor plugs and both circuits must be connected to the battery. You will find two black and two red wires. You need to connect the red wires to the positive battery terminal (+) and the black wires to the negative battery terminal (-).

• Additional Accessory Circuit For the 10.2

There will be an additional, albeit separate, accessory circuit. It will be found on the control panel and have a 7.5 amp fuse. This circuit enables you to include other accessories such as depth finders or fish finders.

• Livewell Aerator Pump

The Bass Hound 10.2 will have a Livewell aerator pump and the switch to control it will be found on the control panel. You’ll be able to find the switch on the starboard side of the boat.

Installing Fish and Depth Finders for the Bass Hound 10.2 Models

Depth and fish finders are incredibly popular accessories to have and can be relatively easy to install also.

1. Connecting the Power: This isn’t a fused connection. All power sources for the depth or fish finder must be hooked up to the battery. You will need to consult the installation instructions included with your fish finder accessories.
2. Position Carefully: Decide where you want to place the main unit of the fish finder. It can be on the deck or in another location that’s convenient for you to use.
3. Mount The Transducer: Mounting the transducer can be done with stainless steel hose clamps on to the trolling motor or on a raised mounting block. Don’t mount the transducer on the transom anywhere other than the raised mounting block. There is something you can use as a backer whereas the other parts of the transom don’t. You could install onto plastic but it won’t offer enough support and may cause a leak in the hull.

Again, you’ll need to consult the instruction guide that came with the fish or depth finder.

Conduct Pre-Launch Checks

Before the boat is launched, you should always carry out some checks. This will ensure the boat is safe to use and ready for launch.

• Look at the Drain Plugs

All drain plugs must be installed before the boat is placed into the water. It’s essential to ensure the Livewell, bow, and transom drain plugs are installed correctly.

• Check The Drainage

It’s likely the boat will see some water accumulating at the bottom, it’s pretty standard and not always a sign there’s a serious leak. However, that doesn’t mean to say you shouldn’t air on the side of caution. It’s essential to check the drainage system as water can seep in through fasteners; it’s also possible condensation or rain has caused some of the water to form. You’ll need to drain this away and to do so, follow the drain plug installation instructions.

You’ll have to reinstall and drain the boat thoroughly during storage in winter and when it’s not in use for a prolonged period. It’s unwise to store the boat when there is standing water in the hull or deck area of the boat.

• Check Your Weight And Capacity Limits

 The Bass Hound has a capacity or weight load it’s able to carry and it’s essential you don’t exceed that weight limit. You need to locate the capacity plate and ensure whatever items you’re bringing aboard (along with yourself and passengers) aren’t higher than the limit.

• Distribute Weight Evenly As You Load

Tackle boxes, the fuel tank, battery, and everything else must be evenly distributed around the boat so that it’s stable. The boat must be able to sit level on the water so that it doesn’t tip over or start leaning to one side. This is a fairly small boat and you have to take every precaution to ensure you don’t overload it. It may be unsafe to operate.

• Always Know and Check The Weather Conditions

Conditions change in the blink of an eye. It’s crucial to check the latest weather conditions and know if there’s a chance of high winds, storms, or waves hitting. These all must be taken into consideration when you’re venturing out and loading the boat. For some, staying closer to shore may be more suitable, especially if you or a passenger has limited swimming abilities. Even if you are a storm swimmer, weather conditions can make the waves deadly.

• PFD (Personal Flotation Devices) Are A Must

Life jackets should be worn no matter what. This is for safety because if someone were to go overboard, they have a greater chance of being rescued when they’re able to stay afloat with a life jacket than without. You should ensure everyone on the boat has a personal flotation device and is wearing it before leaving the dockside.

Operate the Boat – Launching Tips

Operating the boat is far easier than you think and with a little know-how, it can become even simpler. These tips may enable you to launch and operate the boat safely.

1. Lift the Boat, Don’t Drag: If you’re on your own, you’ll be tempted to drag the boat to the shoreline and launch it there, but this is a mistake. Over time, constant dragging will cause scuffs and abrasions to the hull and may require hefty repairs, depending on the extent of the damage. Instead, launch at the shoreline. If you can, get someone to help you carry the boat to the water.
2. Tilt the Motor until it’s In the Water: Motors are easily damaged, and it’s more likely to occur when they’re being lowered into the water. Instead, keep the motor tilted until it’s in the water. This may help prevent damage from occurring.
3. Remove Straps Before Launch: All too often, the boat is still strapped down to the trailer as it hits the launch ramp. As a result, you might have a problem or two trying to release it safely into the water. Instead, you must ensure all ties are removed before backing onto the launching ramp.
4. Install The Drain Plugs Before The Boat Hits Water: Drain plugs are the last thing boat owners think about, yet, they’re crucial. It’s very important to install all drain plugs before the boat goes into the water.
5. Step into the Center of the Boat: How you enter the boat makes all the difference. Step too close to the edge and it could tip over, so it’s essential to step in at the center of the boat. This will help to keep the boat stable and prevent any unnecessary tipping over.
6. Conduct A Weight Test: Once you’re in the boat, it’s time to make sure the boat floats well and the weight distribution is even. If you feel the boat is favoring one side, it may be necessary to redistribute some items around so there’s a balance. This is a safety feature really as you don’t want to drift away from the shoreline and have the boat tip over. You must do this before you leave the dockside or shoreline.
7. Always Test The Shore’s Condition: Sharp rocks or edges, along with seemingly innocent-looking pebbles can scuff the hull, so it’s best to know what’s ahead before you slide your boat to shore. You don’t need to look elsewhere to launch the boat, but rather be more aware of what potential problems there may be getting the boat in and out of the water.

Launching a boat isn’t difficult to do but must be done in the right manner to prevent any dents, dings, or scuffs from occurring.

Docking security for a bass Hound mini boat

Mooring and Docking

If you can, avoid mooring in shallow water as the hull might come into contact with the bottom of the riverbed and cause damage. It’s the same when docking; it’s essential to find a safe place to dock. Very shallow waters may seem like the ideal spot but can often present the boat with some issues, including hull damage. To prevent the boat scraping or hitting the dock, use a boat fender or other cushion-like object.

Keeping the Livewell Operational

You want to use cool water for this so fill the Livewell 2/3 of the way up. It’s essential you don’t overfill the Livewell as it’ll seep through to the deck and hull. If you can, keep the lid of the Livewell closed too so that the water remains cool. Cooler water helps to reduce the amount of oxygen a fish requires.

If you want to drain the Livewell with the 10.2 Bass Hound model, you’ll need to remove the drain plug and cycle the aerator pump. The switch for the pump can be found on the electrical control panel.

Installing Stern Lights

You should always use the boat’s lights when there are poor conditions, including fog, dusk, and late at night. No matter how far away from the shore you are, bow and stern lights should be on at all times. This isn’t just for your safety but for others who may also be out on the water. Installing lights on the boat can be fairly easy too.

1. Carefully line up the stern light pole in the socket and ensure the tab matches up with the groove in the socket.
2. Test them before you head out onto the water.

If you’re stationary, the only light you may need is the stern light. Of course, this will vary depending on how long you’re on the water and the purpose of being there.

Traveling Across the Water

You may notice the hull flex while out on the water. Generally, this is nothing to be too concerned with. Polyethylene causes flexing to occur; it’s one of the best advantages of it, and it also helps to absorb minor bumps without causing damage.

Trimming the Boat

These boats should not plane. They aren’t designed for that but they can be trimmed and loaded to travel smoother. With most outboard motors, the trim can be adjusted. This is the angle between the prop (the motor’s power unit) and the transom. When power is applied and the bow rises sharply, it usually means the motor has been angled out too far. The reverse happens if the motor is too close to the transom; the bow will be pushed down and will require adjusting.

Minor adjustments can ensure proper weight distribution. If the bow lifts, shift more weight forward and when the bow plows into the water, shift the water towards the stern. These minor adjustments can make all the difference.

Transporting the Bass Hound 10.2

Moving the Bass Hound to and from the water can be incredibly easy to do. Fortunately, all models of the Bass Hound can be transported with a full-size pick-up truck. If you choose this option, it’s essential to ensure the boat is tied down with secure tie-down straps. However, you have to be careful to avoid distorting the deck and hull if the straps are tightened too much.

Using a trailer can also be suitable for transportation of the Bass Hound. However, you have to ensure the full weight of the boat rests on the support bunks and not on the keel rollers. The rollers may dent the hull so it’s essential to use the support bunks instead. And ideally, the bunks need to be at least 3’ wide and 5’ in length. You also need to secure the boat to the trailer with tie-down straps and again, they need to be snug but not overly tightened as the deck may become distorted.

Avoid mooring your bass hunter in shallow water

How to Maintain the Bass Hound 10.2

Whether you plan to frequently use the Bass Hound or otherwise, it’s essential to keep on top of the maintenance. Fortunately, maintaining the boat can be a lot easier than you think and despite the size, it’s not an overwhelming task.

• Remove All Debris From the Bottom of the Boat

Any debris in the boat should be removed as soon as you dock. This includes general waste, paper, and anything else that’s trash. It’s essential to do this after every use, whether it’s going to be back in the water the next day or not. Also, this prevents the debris from ending up in the water.

• General Cleaning

The boat must be washed down each day. You can use a mild detergent and warm water. Ideally, you want to scrub the boat with a soft cloth or a sponge to avoid damage. Or, a soft bristle brush could be used. Avoid plastic conditioner products, if you can, as they discolor the plastic and weakens it. No abrasive cleaning products should be used also.

• Saltwater Maintenance

Marine life will form on the hull if it’s left in saltwater for a prolonged period of time. It’s essential to keep on top of this part of the maintenance as it impacts the longevity of the boat. Use a stiff brush or a putty knife and carefully scrape the marine life off the hull. It’ll be easier to remove any marine life if the hull is wet so if you can, keep it moist as you clean it. You may want to use an anti-fouling preservative to prevent any marine life or algae forming.

• Check The Aerator Pump

The 10.2 Bass Hound has an aerator pump, which is attached to a divider. What this does is to keep debris, such as minnows, from clogging up the pump or spray nozzle. It’s essential to conduct checks to ensure the pump is in good working order. To conduct a check you’ll need to detach the pump and mounting base; so, twist the pump counterclockwise and flush water into the intake slots. Once this is complete, you’ll need to reinstall. This means reversing the steps and connecting the pump back up to the power circuits; however, ensure this is done above the water level in the Livewell compartment.

If you’re not sure how to do this or feel uncomfortable, you could use a professional. Fortunately, this doesn’t need to be done every week, maybe once every two-to-three months.

General maintenance isn’t too difficult and if you carry out the basic cleaning requirements, the Bass Hound will remain in top condition for longer.

How to Store the Boat

While maintenance is an essential part of owning the Bass Hound 10.2 boat, that alone won’t be enough to protect it. Storage must also be taken into consideration; fortunately, this is fairly straightforward to do.

1. Remove The Boat From The Water: If you leave the boat in the water for a prolonged period of time, it may promote algae growth on the hull. Instead, remove the boat as soon as possible.
2. Use A Support Or Trailer To Store The Boat: Boat hulls should never come into contact with solid concrete. And, they should never be left or stored on the ground. Instead, a support or trailer should be used. If you’re using a trailer, ensure the tie-down straps are secure but loose so the hull doesn’t get distorted. If you’re using support beams, you need to ensure there’s support on each side of the hull and must be placed lengthwise rather than across the boat. 3’x5’ supports should be used.
3. Ensure the Stern Light Socket and Bow Caps are closed: It should take only a few minutes to locate and secure these caps.
4. Remove the Drain Plugs and Position the Bow Higher than the Stern: If you can, position the boat on the trailer or supports with the bow slightly higher than the stern end. This’ll help with drainage once the drain plugs are removed.
5. Fit A Boat Cover: Once the boat has been drained, use a customized vinyl boat cover. This will prevent dirt and water from building up in the boat’s deck. 

If the Bass Hound 10.2 boat is properly stored, it’ll be tougher for damage caused by the elements to occur. It’s crucial to store the boat carefully and safely at all times.