JOHNSON OUTDOORS
WATERCRAFT
SPORT & LEISURE GROUP
®
FISHING BOAT
OWNER’S MANUAL
Bass Hound
tm
9.4
Bass Hound
tm
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
1
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
31
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
2
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
30
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
29
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.
3
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:________________
28
Boats with Laminates – BassHound
tm
10.2,
WaterQuest
tm
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.
27
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.
4
MODEL
Bass Tender 9.4
Bass Hound 9.4
5
MODEL
Waterte
nder 9.4/ 9.4 Utility *
Exceptionally tough,
impact-resistant
colorfast polyethylene
hull and deck
Oar lock sockets
Transom eyes
Stainless steel
bow eye Drink holders
Optional 6-1/2’ oars
Foam flotation
26
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.
25
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
6
MODEL
Bass Hound 10.2
Bass Tender 10.2
Ste
r
n
light
soc
ket
Twin
padded
sw
i
vel
chairs
T
rolling motor
soc
ket
D
r
y
sto
r
a
g
e
Ae
rated
L
i
ve
well
with
D
rain
Fused
elect
rical
cont
rol
panel
and
fish
finder
mounting
console
Rein
f
o
rced
planing
hull
f
or supe
rior
handling
and
speed
Ri
bbed
deck
f
or supe
rior
sti
ffness
and
du
rability
N
avi
gation
lights
Stainless
steel
b
ow
e
ye
Built-in
t
rolling
motor
mount
Moo
ring
cleats
7
MODEL
Bass Tender 10.6
24
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.
23
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.
8
MODEL
Bass Tender 11.3
9
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.
22
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.
2
1
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.
10
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:
11
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
2
0
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.
19
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
12
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.
13
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
18
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.
17
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.
14
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
15
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
16
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.
/
