Any last minute advice?

[Leaf1384]

Well Mother Nature and my work schedule have not been friendly to me but tomorrow is the day. Rain, wind or shine I am going on the maiden voyage!!! Been going crazy!! Plus going camping on Thursday and want to make sure there are no hiccups with the boat. So if you remember, I purchased from a buddy and have the utmost confidence in this boat, every guage,lights,exhaust fan,bilge,trailer lights,radio,tilt/trim works flawless (best I can tell). I hooked up the muffs and it started as soon as I turned the key and idled and sounded great. Checked oil, looked new and was right at full line, P/S fluid was good, trickle charger on her just to be sure, drain plug in. Just going local inland lakes, having said that, I will be the first to admit I am fairly new to boating and about the farthest thing from a mechanic so any further advice would be deeply appreciated.
p.s the beer in thye picture is definitely my wifes!! lol.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Any last minute advice?

Make sure ALL PFDs and other safety items are onboard.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Any last minute advice?

Looking good. best of luck, be safe.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Any last minute advice?

When was the last maintenance it had, such as greasing the u-joints, gimbal bearing, and checking of the lower gear unit oil, condition of impeller and condition of bellows? Sounds like you got just about everything else though. Also check the trim hydraulic fluid level which is really Automatic trans fluid. I'd leave the drain plug out while you trailer it over just to be sure you get any water that is trapped in corners out- don't forget to put it back in however.
When you start out, keep and eye on the temp gauge and oil pressure for the first few minutes. Don't forget to lower the lower unit before starting the engine and raising it back up before towing it up the ramp.

Good luck!

 

[Leaf1384]

Re: Any last minute advice?

Check and check, thank you.

Make sure ALL PFDs and other safety items are onboard.

 

[Leaf1384]

Re: Any last minute advice?

Not sure when the last maintenance was performed. Everything looks as its brand new motor wise, I know that is just exterior. I will take the plug back out, though I did go through the ski locker and jacked it up and put the shop_vac to the drain plug and believe it is bone dry?.?. All great advice, thank you.

When was the last maintenance it had, such as greasing the u-joints, gimbal bearing, and checking of the lower gear unit oil, condition of impeller and condition of bellows? Sounds like you got just about everything else though. Also check the trim hydraulic fluid level which is really Automatic trans fluid. I'd leave the drain plug out while you trailer it over just to be sure you get any water that is trapped in corners out- don't forget to put it back in however.
When you start out, keep and eye on the temp gauge and oil pressure for the first few minutes. Don't forget to lower the lower unit before starting the engine and raising it back up before towing it up the ramp.

Good luck!

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Any last minute advice?

Make sure you have buddies on call if things need advice or a tow home. Also have phone numbers of your marina, commerical towing service & the USCG if they are within 10 to 20 miles. I have them in a small freezer bag in the glove box if needed.
Set the VHF radio to channel # 16 & adjust the controls for listening. Just in case somebody needs help. It feels SO GOOD to arrive at a persons boat when they need help.
ALWAYS put out ALL your fenders when approaching a boat in distress. When people are waving frantically to get off their boat. Everything else does not matter that much.

Boating is a take & give thing. Enjoy it.

 

[OutOfControl]

Re: Any last minute advice?

Leaf,
i'll add to cyclops post and recommend you leave a float plan with someone you trust. it does not have to be elaborate, just a basic description of the boat, trailer and tow vehicle, your location and planned cruising area and a time to check in.
Enjoy your day.

 

[Leaf1384]

Re: Any last minute advice?

Thanks for all the input and advice. Weather is supposed to be crap again so it will be an abbreviated day. Will post if any issues. Thanks again

 

[oops!]

Re: Any last minute advice?

uh.....goose nailed it....

just for your information.....

the first time the boat is taken out after a loooong sleep...(winter here in canada.)
i take the boat by my self..but first..I test every system on land.....repair or replace as necessary... when i feel it is ready for the water....
i take it out by my self......3 hours.....stop start.....turn.....use every switch, system, function.

only if it passes every test will I let any one aboard.

lots of times i have been towed back from the first shake down of the year.....lots.
and i own a boat repair business !

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Any last minute advice?

Thanks oops!

Experienced machinery & electrical people know that unless you have a FULL TEARDOWN & rebuild crew like racing teams. You WILL likly have drying out of gaskets, fuel pump diaphrams, seals ANYWHERE, CORROSION of electrical parts, moisture FREEZING several times in hidden places, like bilge pumps & starter motors & alternators. Dash guages.

EVERYTHING degrades with time. Including boat owners interest & financial income. So keep throwing holiday parties, so you can count on NO CHARGE tows at weird days & hours.

Do for others.... as you know DAMM well.... you will want some time.