1990 Bayliner Capri 2050

[dlogvine]

This might sound like a very stupid question, but I just bought this boat and it is my first boat. I have not driven or operated this type of boat before, so I wanted to ask if there any online resource that explains step by step boat operation? I looked at the bayliners operating manuals, they are not very helpful, explaining more how to distribute the weight on the boat so it does not bottom up and how kids must use their life vests at any time, but nothing about the dashboard control panel, order of turning it on and of and such. Sorry for the stupid question, but I guess I have to start somewhere.
Thank you.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Not a stupid question at all. Good for you for trying to learn about it before you take your boat out on the water!

I don't know of anything off the top of my head, but I found it very helpful to have an experienced boater help me on my first outing. He taught me how to launch and retrieve the boat from the trailer, and how to operate the engine, trim, etc. It was very helpful.

Reading up on how to operate a boat is very helpful, and if you look around here (especially this forum) you'll pick up all sorts of good info.

Also, a good boating safety course is a must. There are some really decent online course. Even better, especially for a new boater, would be a live, face-to-face course. You would learn about safe operation of your boat, how to handle common situations (approaching other vessel, being overtaken by another boat, etc.), as well as the 'rules of the road'.

Hope this helps and welcome to boating and iBoats!

Jim

 

[Volphin]

First, Congrats on the new boat!
I concur with Jim. A safety course is going to help you immensely. Also, find a friend who already has a boat. Go out with them and observe, ask questions, and putter it around a bit. Almost anyone can drive a boat straight? it's docking, launching and retrieval where screw ups happen. Even to some of us who have been boating a long time. Also, have your new boat safety checked by a qualified marine mechanic. I've been towed in more than once, and have returned the favor. Just trying to save you a little of that aggravation.

Best of luck, and stick around! There are lots of folks here who are ready to help.

 

[dlogvine]

Thank you guys! I'll definitely take my friend with me who has more experience with boating. I also wanted to ask if there are any sequences of checks or tests before starting the boat and after stopping and docking it. Driving part I think would not be so difficult, also will do it first with my friends help, since I have a lot of jet skiing experience.

 

[cptrick3]

I assume this is an IO, run the blower for a few minutes before starting the engine. Makes sure there are no gas fumes in the engine compartment.

 

[RGrew176]

If you would like to get more Bayliner specific information you could check out the Bayliner Owners Club forum at www.baylinerownersclub.org there you can get some pretty decent Bayliner specific information.

 

[SkiDad]

One thing that comes to my mind is make sure you run the blower a few minutes before staring the engine at the beginning of your day. That is needed on an inboard/outboard style to clear any gas fumes. Also make sure you tilt your engine into the water before starting it so you get water circulating right away. Remember to tilt the engine up before pulling the boat out of the water at the end of the day or your will scrape it going up the ramp. When docking come in as slow as possible and take it out of gear every few seconds to let it drift to the dock slowly. You have to have it into gear to steer though. Take your time and you won't slam anything.

I do agree about getting a friend to show you the ropes. Boaters are like that, they will be more than willing to help !

 

[Chris1956]

OK, assuming it is an I/O. If it is slipped, keep the outdrive trimmed down. If it is trailered, as soon as you get it home, lower the outdrive. They hate being left trimmed up, as it is hard on the rubber seals.

To start the motor, run the blower for a few minutes. Sniff the output to make sure there are no gas fumes. Push in the throttle-only button and advance the throttle full to set the choke (like in a 70s car). Now pull the throttle back nearly to neutral, and crank the motor. When she starts, adjust the idle to 1200 RPM or so. After she warms up, pull the throttle to neutral, cast off and put her in forward or reverse and head out. Test for proper trim angle for the motor. It will be different for different speeds. Trim until the speed is nearly maximum, and boat handles lightly.

 

[sub2010ss]

I also just recently started boating with a 1998 Bayliner Capri 2050. I've learned a ton, mostly from this forum and reading but also out on the lake and other peoples mistakes. Some people are checklist kind of people but there are a few things that are really important.

1. Install your plug before you put it in the water.
2. Leave the safety chain on while going down the ramp.
3. Definitely use that blower.
4. Lower the drive before starting. At least to the high limit.
5. Raise the drive before driving back up the ramp!!

Those are some of the biggest lessons I've learned. Mostly from other people's mistakes luckily

 

[tpenfield]

Do you have any prior boating experience?? If not, I would suggest a boating safety course as well. US Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron are to types that come to mind.

I took the US Coast Guard course . . . 13 weeks (1 night/week) and a final exam at the end.

Assuming that you have an I/O (inboard/Outboard aka Sterndrive) . . .

The blower is important as your boat is basically a bath tub where fuel fumes can settle in and cause an explosive condition. The blower keeps the fume level down to safe levels. 4 minutes running the blower prior to starting the engine is generally recommended.

Only start the engine with a water supply . . . either in the water or with the 'ear muffs & hose' attached to the outdrive.

Then there is the tilt/trim . . . the outdrive is usually 'tilted' up for trailering (using the 'trailer' button) The trim switch will lower the outdrive, but it only raises it a small amount, which is the 'trim range' , which is the safe operating range for the outdrive.

When you have people in the water coming/going off the back of the boat for swimming or water sports the engine should OFF (off). A recent incident in my area where the engine was left on while someone went off & back on the swim platform resulted in the loss of an arm

I am sure you will pick up more info along the way, take it slow and be cautious.

 

[southkogs]

+1 ^^^ Usually your local resource agency (DNR / WRA) or sheriff will run a similar kind of course.