Bunch of first time out questions

[Sharps-Nut]

This form is a life saver for the uniformed, thanks to all for taking time out to educate. Were working on a 1977 caravelle 165 horse 250 cid inline six merruiser engine and outdrive. Question 1, how long and at what throttle is it safe to run them on muffs and a hose? What temperature should it operate at under those conditions, I think the reciept showed a 140 degree stat. Question 2, what all fluid levels should be looked over before putting it in water. Engine oil was changed and outdrive oil was changed during winterizing by a boat mechanic. I read about vent plugs and checking fluid level, whats the correct procedure. I read about chopping the motor and ideling at shut down to avoid water being sucked in. Never knew this is there any other dumb things like this a first timer should know to do or not to do before starting his season. Lots of questions any answers deeply appreciated. Any mistake a first timer could is open for thought. I know nothing about a boat so assume that in all responses. It will be used on a small fresh water missouri, stockton lake if that helps any. Thanks for all the help I read here daily to try to learn all I can and have learned a bunch just from that. Thanks again, Sharps-Nut

 

[Trent]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Dont run it over 1500 RPM on the muffs. The vent plugs are at the top (on the side) of the drive. Remove it and oil should start to come out. Quickly replace the plug cause the drive is full. Dont run it over idle with the drive up cause it puts pressure on the u-joints in the drive.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Your temp on the muffs will be close to the rating on the stat. Make sure the muffs fit tightly and that your water hose does not have kinks in it. You have to watch the muffs, they have been known to fall off, so do not walk away and leave it running. Make sure no one in the house takes a shower or does the wash, it will drop the water pressure enough to overheat the motor. Check engine oil level, drive oil level, tilt n trim level, and power steering too if you have it. Do not let kids near it if the prop is on! Actually better to take it off to grease the shaft every so often!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

AAuuuhhhhh, Let's See.............................<br />Don't Forget to install the Plug in the Hull.......(Even Alot of Old-Timers "Forget") <br />Where your PFDs.........<br />Make Sure there's Gas in the tank..........<br />Remember to Lower the Drive, Before you Start the motor.............<br />Remember to Raise the drive, when Loading back onto the wagon........<br />Tell Somebody, Anybody, Where You're going,+ When they'll see You Again.........<br />Double Check your Safety Kit..... Keeps the Law Happy.....<br />A Boater Safety Course, Even On-line, Is a Good Thing.......<br /><br />I'll thinka more later......

 

[labzman3]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Missed one Bondo,,, run the bilge,, blower motor,, 5 minutes before turning the key !!!!!

 

[cjflanagan]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Make sure that when you put your hitch into the receiver, that you put the pin through the hole in the hitch and not in front of it.<br /><br />Don't speed, or outrun your headlights.<br /><br />Give yourself plenty of breaking room.<br /><br />Don't forget there's another 20 plus feet behind you when changing lanes.<br /><br />If you drain your manifolds make sure you put those plugs back in. <br /><br />Make sure you don't forget the keys. <br /><br />Make sure you cross the safety chains when you hook them to your vehicle.<br /><br />Make sure that you have the correct air pressure in both your vehicle and trailer tires.<br /><br />Make sure that you have your life jackets, anchor, and lines.<br /><br />If you have straps holding your boat onto the trailer in the rear, make sure you take them off before you back down the ramp and into the water. <br /><br />Be very weary of carbon monoxide. NEVER allow children to sit on the swim platform with the engine running. <br /><br />Make sure you have something to bale with in an emergency.<br /><br />Have a paddle around.<br /><br />Have a flashlight and flares.<br /><br />Sunblock is nice. Sunglasses are better. <br /><br />When backing down unfamiliar ramps, ask a local about the ramp, how far down it goes, and if there are any drop offs at the end of the ramp.<br /><br />Have some basic tools (just in case).<br /><br />Stow things away carefully and keep the kids under control.<br /><br />Don't forget the wife... that could be bad.<br /><br />Don't forget to grease your trailer bearings.<br /><br />Check indicator lights for directional / breaking / 4 way.<br /><br />I always forget the Cd's <br /><br />Make sure you have your wallet and fishing license.<br /><br />Make sure you have good fire extinguishers.<br /><br />Depending on where you go, maps, a compass and a radio.<br /><br />Probably more... <br /><br />BP

 

[Sharps-Nut]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

I made a list of stuff last fall off of a online boating saftey site. I did ammend that list with some of your advice. Thankfully I have pulled trailers for several years and am not going to have to learn how to back and such. The boat ramp deal would suck to back off of, never thought about that pit fall. Thanks for the advise. Sharps-Nut

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

check weather before leaving and all during the<br />day on your radio. gas rule: 1/3 out, 1/3 back &<br />1/3 just in case.<br />safe boating,<br />M.Y.

 

[KM2]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

I would add to make sure your battery has a good charge and/or bring jumper cables, cell phone and phone numbers. <br /><br />That's a great list. I'm getting excited, I'll get the boat out of storage tomorrow.

 

[Bayrider]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

If you are taking family or friends out on the water, be sure to instruct someone on the operation of your boat.You never know when you could be incapacitated and not be able to get back to the ramp

 

[fireship1]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Hello, Make sure all of your electronics are functioning properly. VHF, navigational equipment, Depthsounder, etc. Have a working compass on board in case your naviation equipment fails. Make sure all navigation lights are working in case you come back when the sun is setting (I always seem to loose track of time when I'm out there) Make double sure EVERYONE on board has there own PFD and is wearing it! Make sure the anchor rode is WELL attached to the anchor with shackle wired in place! (I lost one once) Just a few more tips, feel free to learn from my mistakes!

 

[PeteHarris]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

You should get this in a boater safety course ... but learn the right-of-way rules for the water. They are different than driving and a lot of the "more money than sense" folks don't know them at all. It will really save you if you operate around any industrial/commercial operations.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Great advice here-----we've made all the mistakes.<br /><br />Only other thing I would suggest is drive the rig a few times with just one other person on board---you will get the feel for how it handles. Worst thing to jinx a boat is to have 10 people standing around, waiting for a ride.<br /><br />Don't forget, announce to all passengers when you are going to "hit it," unless you want them falling all over your boat and possibly falling out of your boat.<br /><br />Got insurance? I would not go without it.

 

[Sharps-Nut]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

When you say insurance is that for libility or personal injury, or to protect your investment? I don't even know if they offer boating saftey courses here in the middle of america. I have picked up a missouri boating hand book and studied it as to the rules of the water. Now I am starting to question if it is eneogh. Memorial day is fast approaching and I plan on going to the lake with friends of which I am the only newby boater. That should help me get my sea legs, I hope. Thanks sharps-nut

 

[DJ]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Sharps-Nut,<br /><br />Get insurance and yes, it is for all three things you mention.<br /><br />I think you'll be fine. You have already shown your willingness to learn by asking very important questions.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

A watercraft policy is your best place to start, for damage coverage to the boat or liability coverage if you run into someone on the water. Or you might be able to add the boat to a homeowners policy. Your auto policy covers your rig when you are in tow.<br /><br />If you have kids and worry about injury, buy large liability limits and a $1 million umbrella. The umbrella also goes over the top of any other insurance policy you have---so if the boat comes unhooked at 65 mph and kills someone, you have $1 million plus the limits on your auto policy.<br /><br />We are in a litigious society----the more property you own, the more likely you'll get sued.<br /><br />State DNRs all offer boating safety courses----anyone under 18 must have the safety cerificate to operate a watercraft now in Illinois---check those rules, they change!

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

PS----check your insurance policy for exclusions-----believe it or not, many midwestern policies do not cover you on the Great Lakes or if you venture more than a half-mile out on any Coastal Waterways!

 

[Sharps-Nut]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Thanks for the advice. I really was not sure if I was going to insure or not. I always buy stuff I can afford so often only insure minimal with the exceptions of liability. Figure if it breaks I get both halves, so as long as I got insurace to replace the other guys stuff I'm happy. Will sure get insurace before the trip to the lake. Would hate for some government check drawing individual to get the crap I been working all my life to aquire. Thanks.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to sell insurance. I have two 20-something kids that have driven all our boats since they got their safety certifications at age 12.<br /><br />Your way of thinking is great, as long as you are in total control of your boat. With teenagers, you are never in control, except for brief periods of time when they are asking for $$.<br /><br />I carried a $2 million umbrella for years. It cost me about $50 bucks a year.<br /><br />Have a safe boating season!

 

[Jungleboat]

Re: Bunch of first time out questions

Someone mentioned the ramp already - you might also want to find someone familiar with the lake itself.

Just ask if there are any sandbanks, wrecks or other hazards you need to know about.

"Small" is subjective. If the lake is a decent size, be aware bad weather DOES affect lakes and rivers, not just the sea! It sounds obvious but check the weather forecast, not just for rain/sunshine, but wind.

You might well survive bad weather - but your passengers will never want to go again...



JB