new boat owner

[spacerust]

i just bought an 86 bass tracker w/ mercury 50 motor. this is my first boat. the guy that sold it was teaching me things about how to use, main, driving, and pretty much everything else. he took really good care of it. i want to keep it this way. i am pretty mechanically inclined and would like to learn as much as i can. can anyone give me a checklist to do before and after i take her out? i am looking for a repair maual for the motor and just need some info till i get it. how often should i have it serviced? for what? oil change? tune up? thanks in advance.

 

[gcboat]

Re: new boat owner

Well, the first thing necessary is to find an OEM manual for the engine. Stay away from the Seloc, Clymer manuals. They are primarily used as kindling for the fireplace, or oil spills. As far as what to do before and after boating, well, that list could go on pretty near forever. Just briefly; safety gear, installing the plug, fresh engine battery and on and on. Layup is nothing more than a good cleaning, rinsing and flushing the engine if in salt water and a good night kiss.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: new boat owner

It's a two stroke engine -- the only thing you change oil in is the lower unit. That's a once a year issue and is usually done in the fall before winter layup. If you boat year around, then do it anytime but at least once a year so you see if water has made its way into the gearcase. If it does, it needs to be resealed.

You realize as a two stroke engine, you use TCW-3 two stroke oil. If the engine has had the oil injection system removed you must mix oil with the gas at a 50:1 ratio (1 pint in six gallons). Otherwise just keep the oil tank on the engine full.

A change of spark plugs would be in order if it hasn't been done, recently and by all means change the water pump impeller, thermostat and poppet valve so you know the cooling system is good to go. Any one of those items can kill the engine. For peace of mind you could also do a compression check.
Add fresh gas and you should be good to go.

 

[oops!]

Re: new boat owner

Well, the first thing necessary is to find an OEM manual for the engine. Stay away from the Seloc, Clymer manuals. They are primarily used as kindling for the fireplace, or oil spills.

too funny....

hey space...

welcome to i boats

congrats on the new bote.!

all of your questions have been answered an one time or another on this forum.....

use the search button and start reading.......one moderator here calls this place boat university........and he's right....

in any area of concern about boats, there is 10 professionals of that feild on this forum....from engine mechanics, to upholster's to fiberglass and aluminimum repairers.....naval archetects, and aeronautical engineers.

if you have a question....this is the place.

cheers
oops

 

[spacerust]

Re: new boat owner

you guys have been really helpful. i have began searching and reading and am finding this forum as a great resource. thanks!

 

[cbear34]

Re: new boat owner

Welcome to Iboats!
Congrats on your new boat.
You will find this forum has a vast wealth of knowledge. Most of your questions can probably be answered using the search feature. If not you can always ask and someone will answer. These guys have helped me greatly with my first boat!!

 

[Lakester]

Re: new boat owner

can anyone give me a checklist to do before and after i take her out? thanks in advance.

hello,

welcome to iboats. this forum will make u an expert in no time flat! all u gotta do is ask the question. no doubt this is a great spot for the boating enthusiast; pro alike.

do u mean... before you hook it up to tow rig, towing, pre launch, launch, loading, pre-tow and retowing? cklist like a pilot would use? preflight, pre-start, start, taxi, runup, take off, etc?

good luck with ur new boat. we r in same waters... i am getting familiar, working on... the Lakester Special; also my first boat. new head gaskets, tuning, service, etc... i couldn't do it without iboats. great help and advice.

regards
lakester