Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

[onewhippedpuppy]

First off, the obligatory pictures!

It's a 2004 Tahoe Q4 with a 190 HP Mercruiser 4.3 V6. Overall in excellent condition, two owner and always stored inside. It came with a kid's wakeboard, kid's skis, tube, ropes, bimini top, cover, anchor, and some other misc stuff. The previous owner changed the engine and outdrive oil yearly, winterized yearly, brand new battery, and last year had the exhaust manifolds and impeller replaced. He was very OCD about everything he had (clean nice house, clean truck, clean cars, neat yard), so I'm reasonably confident that it was well maintained. At first blush everything appears to work well, we'll be taking it out as a family on Tuesday.

So, my question is - now what? What (if anything) should I consider doing for preventative maintenance? My only thought was plugs, cap, rotor, plug wires, and fuel filter. My Mercruiser service manual is on order from our host, I suspect it will be instructive as well. Any gotchas that I need to look for particular to Tahoe?

I've done a LOT of reading on this site, and have done a lot of boating as a passenger. I'm a hardcore DIY guy with cars and am looking forward to wrenching on something new. The boat will be used for family fun with my wife and three kids (2, 5, 8), I can't wait to get out on the water.

 

[Philster]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Get a GPS. You could get lost in Kansas. What if you land on the other side of the rainbow?


Doesn't sound like you need to do much other than put in fresh gas, some sammiches and drinks at this point. Sitting in it while making engine noises on the trailer with a brewskie is pretty much required, too.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Vrooooooom, sip, Vrooooooooom sip, yeah been there,lol

I would just check oil, new gas, put it on the muffs and start her up. Check cooling water, engine temp, oil press, in and out of gear, etc. Wouldn't do any tune up until I found out if needed. Sounds like it was used last year, if winterised might have to put some plugs back in.

 

[series60]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Check to outdrive oil - milky looking means a leak! You can probably find a manual for the outdrive in the adult section.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Get a good topographic lake map for the water you'll be boating and study it!

Not much worse than running aground and ruining a prop or lower unit on a new boat.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

GET....IT....ON....THE....WATER

Don't do preventative maintenance mid-season. That thing looks to be in great shape. Just do everything that you need to do at season's end and in spring. Enjoy having something that, at the moment, does not require your tinkering. If you need something, buy a very old motor and bring it back to life. I just picked up a '57 3.3hp Johnson for $25 so that I wouldn't mess with my other toys.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Honestly, if it's as well maintained as you say, I wouldn't do much. There is no point in doing procedures like plugs, distributor, etc unless you have maintenance records that indicate that they need to be done or unless something starts acting up.

What I would do:

1. Check the oil to make sure it looks fairly clean. I'm assuming the previous owner didn't use the boat very much this season before he sold it to you, so the oil should look almost new.

2. If you have a battery charger, I would connect it to the boat's battery and do a slow trickle charge to top it off. Batteries go flat from lack of use and usually most boaters find out about this when they get to the launch ramp.

3. Do you have all the required safety equipment for your state? Every state is different, so read the regs carefully. Some states, for example, require a wearable PFD for every passenger PLUS a throwable device if your boat is over a certain length. Some states require a signal device like a horn or whistle. Etc, etc, etc.

Obviously, every boat needs a anchor, lines for tieoff and anchor, working bilge pump and bailing device.

You should also have a flashlight, suitable tow rope in case you should break down, and a tool kit that includes wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and a basic socket set. You should have spare light bulbs for all essential lighting including navigation lights.

4. I would put the water intake hose (aka "muffs) on and start the engine in the driveway, just to make sure it fires.

5. The only addition I would consider is a water separator. Some Mercruisers use an integrated fuel filter/separator, which is fine. If your boat has just a fuel filter, I would strongly advise you to consider adding a water separator.

6. Fuel is a tricky one. The hope is that there is good fuel in the tank and it's not contaminated with water from sitting too long. Personally, if the tank is 3/4 full, I would just go with it and not top it off before using it. Unless, of course, you know that you need additional fuel because of the distance involved in your first trip.

My preference is to burn off old fuel before adding new fuel on top of it. Others may disagree, but based on 20+ years experience with light airplanes (where fuel contamination is ALWAYS a top concern) and running oxygenated fuel in marine and small engine applications, I would say that the number one thing that avoids problems is running fresh fuel and NOT allowing fuel to sit around in storage any longer than is absolutely necessary. Use quality fuel and burn as much of it off before refueling as is feasible, and you'll seldom if ever have a problem.

Don't forget to enjoy the boat!

Grouse

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Thanks all for the feedback thus far. I ran the boat on Saturday using muffs, it started easily and ran well. The boat has been out two times this year and currently has a fresh full tank of gas thanks to the previous owner. So far I have the following equipment in the boat: air horn, throwable flotation device, tool kit, test light, misc tape and zip ties, first aid kit, a new marine fire extinguisher (old one was household only), cleaning wipes, ropes (need to determine what kind), side bumpers, and one oar. I need to check the KS list of essential equipment, but per a conversation with another boat owner I think that captures it. I plan to take the family PFD shopping today, and I've been meaning to pick up a trickle charger. Flashlight is another good suggestion.

Regarding gas, there is a nearby station that sells ethanol free gas for $.10 gallon more. It's all that I use in my cars, and it's all that I will use in this boat.

As for using it - now THAT I can handle! I plan to take the family out Tuesday (weather permitting) for a quick evening on the lake, and we're planning on spending the day out on Sunday.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Good looking rig! Congrats.

Sounds like you have a good plan so far.

I didn't see where you said if your were a total rookie to boating. If so you might spend some time observing at your ramp of choice to get the procedure down. Ramps are a strange place, you could meet a new best friend or wind up in a fist fight.

I learned the hard way that trailer tires are unforgiving for being run if a little low. I ALWAYS check them before heading out. Its the biggest down side to a single axle. I see your equipped with a spare.

Happy boating!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

What lake are u headed to? I am from Wichita and boated there, Cheney, El Dorado, Afton, Marion. It seemed like it was always windy! Good luck!

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Good looking rig! Congrats.

Sounds like you have a good plan so far.

I didn't see where you said if your were a total rookie to boating. If so you might spend some time observing at your ramp of choice to get the procedure down. Ramps are a strange place, you could meet a new best friend or wind up in a fist fight.

I learned the hard way that trailer tires are unforgiving for being run if a little low. I ALWAYS check them before heading out. Its the biggest down side to a single axle. I see your equipped with a spare.

Happy boating!

I spent nearly every weekend of my childhood and teenage years on a lake, so I'm somewhat familiar with proper ramp behavior. I plan on starting at less traveled lakes to minimize the fistfight risk.

What lake are u headed to? I am from Wichita and boated there, Cheney, El Dorado, Afton, Marion. It seemed like it was always windy! Good luck!

I'm planning on hitting El Dorado during the week, it's 20 minutes from my house and shouldn't be busy on an evening. Otherwise we plan to just start trying new lakes to determine what we like. Being that it's KS, wind is a given.

 

[rickster]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Welcome fellow Kansas boater. According to your list you have everything required for boating in Ks and the boat looks ready to go,so go have fun.Being from Topeka, I keep my boat and camper @ Melvern Lake and also frequent Pamona and Perry Lakes.Enjoy.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Regarding gas, there is a nearby station that sells ethanol free gas for $.10 gallon more. It's all that I use in my cars, and it's all that I will use in this boat.

As for using it - now THAT I can handle! I plan to take the family out Tuesday (weather permitting) for a quick evening on the lake, and we're planning on spending the day out on Sunday.

One note about "ethanol free gas". Many people wrongly believe that water contamination of fuel only became a problem with the introduction of ethanol blended gasoline. WRONG! People in aviation have been fighting a battle against water contamination since about the day after the Wright Brothers first flew. ANY gasoline can become contaminated with water. Gasoline with ethanol blended in is only slightly more likely to attract atmospheric moisture, but there are many other ways that water can get into fuel.

It's nice to have an ethanol-free option nearby, but this is only a good thing assuming that the gas is fresh and did not become contaminated in some other way. Also, sooner or later you'll need to fill up from another source.

Bottom line is that I still recommend a water separator if you don't already have one. Cheap insurance.

One other item for you to consider: Do you have a lug wrench the fits the TRAILER lugs?

No, chances are they are not the same size as your vehicle's lugs. Don't ask me how I know this.

Grouse

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

One note about "ethanol free gas". Many people wrongly believe that water contamination of fuel only became a problem with the introduction of ethanol blended gasoline. WRONG! People in aviation have been fighting a battle against water contamination since about the day after the Wright Brothers first flew. ANY gasoline can become contaminated with water. Gasoline with ethanol blended in is only slightly more likely to attract atmospheric moisture, but there are many other ways that water can get into fuel.

It's nice to have an ethanol-free option nearby, but this is only a good thing assuming that the gas is fresh and did not become contaminated in some other way. Also, sooner or later you'll need to fill up from another source.

Bottom line is that I still recommend a water separator if you don't already have one. Cheap insurance.

One other item for you to consider: Do you have a lug wrench the fits the TRAILER lugs?

No, chances are they are not the same size as your vehicle's lugs. Don't ask me how I know this.

Grouse

Grouse, excellent advice. I'm using the blue marine Stabil in my gas now and will continue to do so. When I think about doing my fuel filter I will look into the water separator. Based on your advice I also threw an extra lug wrench into my truck tool box that will cover the trailer lugs, so I'm set there.

I took it out last night, other than some of the typical newbie husband/wife ramp coordination it went well and the kids had a blast. Comments from the experience:

The steering is very tight, I'm going to grease all of the outdrive zerks and disconnect the steering cable to determine if the stiffness is in the cable or outdrive.
The throttle is also pretty tight, it requires enough pressure that I often overshoot my desired setting. Same approach, I need to investigate lube and the throttle cable.
The boat wanders at low speeds. If my steering fix doesn't help I'm probably going to add the Smart Tabs that are so highly reviewed here.

Otherwise it was great. The boat rides well, planes out at about 20 MPH, and accelerates harder and has more top end than my wife will ever let me exploit.

 

[jkust]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Ok next you sell it for a non-Tahoe. Just kidding, I see them everywher on the lakes. Here's my thought. That engine requires a 200 hour service of which, the impeller is part of along with plugs, wires, cap etc. Given the Impeller was replaced, is it possible the 200 hour service was performed?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

First, and possibly second outing, should be with NO KIDS.

And only ONE experienced boater along with you.


Seriously, would you take your little kids with you the first time you drove a Ferrari ?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Welcome fellow Kansas boater. According to your list you have everything required for boating in Ks and the boat looks ready to go,so go have fun.Being from Topeka, I keep my boat and camper @ Melvern Lake and also frequent Pamona and Perry Lakes.Enjoy.

Hoping not to look like a thread hi-jacker, but I bought my boat from Lake Perry Marina, did the water test there. Settled in on Marion Lake, we were in McPherson at that time, 2006-2008, and brother kept RV at Marion so we camped a lot with them.

Makin' plans to get back to Wichita soon, later guys....

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

First, and possibly second outing, should be with NO KIDS.

And only ONE experienced boater along with you.


Seriously, would you take your little kids with you the first time you drove a Ferrari ?

How about a Porsche? Because I've done that before. I've also broken down on the side of I35 near Dallas with my then 6 year old son in a BMW that we flew to Austin to buy, he still tells that story.

My grandfather always had "project" boats. I can't tell you how many times I can remember being towed back to the trailer as a kid after his boat had broken down. Were I headed out to sea I could see your point, but on a relatively small and well traveled lake on a nice day? I'm afraid I just don't see the risk. I bought the boat for family fun, and my kids were just as excited as I was. Part of the learning is how we deal with the kids during launch and recovery, it's best to start learning that on a slow weeknight vs a busy weekend.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Ok next you sell it for a non-Tahoe. Just kidding, I see them everywher on the lakes. Here's my thought. That engine requires a 200 hour service of which, the impeller is part of along with plugs, wires, cap etc. Given the Impeller was replaced, is it possible the 200 hour service was performed?

Only when I can afford a Cobalt.

Possible, but not by the 2nd owner that I bought it from. He had the impeller done when he had the exhaust manifolds replaced last year. Otherwise he did yearly oil changes for both the engine and outdrive and winterized yearly. Based on the advice on this thread I'll just drive the hell out of it this year and take care of the maintenance stuff in the fall. I DIY so doing plugs, cap, rotor, wires, fuel filter, water separator, etc isn't all that expensive.

 

[jkust]

Re: Bought My First Boat (Tahoe) - Now What?

Only when I can afford a Cobalt.

Possible, but not by the 2nd owner that I bought it from. He had the impeller done when he had the exhaust manifolds replaced last year. Otherwise he did yearly oil changes for both the engine and outdrive and winterized yearly. Based on the advice on this thread I'll just drive the hell out of it this year and take care of the maintenance stuff in the fall. I DIY so doing plugs, cap, rotor, wires, fuel filter, water separator, etc isn't all that expensive.

The impeller is the hardest part out of all of those parts so you shouldn't have much trouble changing them out. As for Cobalt, they haven't made a sub 20 foot model since 2002 so you probably could have afforded one if you could have located one. It'd just be old.