First launch of our boat

HillbillyGuy

Cadet
Joined
Apr 18, 2025
Messages
19
We finally had a chance to launch our new to us boat a few days ago. It was not without some inconveniences, and ai consider that par for us anyway.
I had made many corrections, changes and maintenance prior to our attempt.
Anyway …. the first thing I immediately noticed on leaving the ramp was what felt lime an out of balance propeller. With the motor trimmed all the way in there was a thump feeling, as if the prop was out of balance. This was while idling out. I almost turned back, but trimmed out a tad and the issue went away immediately. I proceeded with care as I was unsure. Warming up and heading out I brought the rpms up and back down. The problem did not seem to return, but I never did trim all the way back in. I am assuming the newly installed rubber hub just needed to balance itself out? Anyway … I did mange at one point run up to 5k. There may or may not have been a bit of throttle left. Not sure because the friction adjustment on throttle was too loose. We ran a while and came back in. Between a new to me boat, attempting to hold the throttle from backing off, steering, trimming and trying to avoid the ton of trash in the water it was just not the right time to push things. A loose ground wire made the day even more eventful, as my trim stopped working and gauges went dead zero. Not the day I had planned but at least got out the first time to see how we liked the boat in general.
all corrections have been made and now wait to make a second attempt when water conditions improve. Will post my findings for feedback when that occurs.
 

HillbillyGuy

Cadet
Joined
Apr 18, 2025
Messages
19
One of those new electric outboard ??
Nope. Just “technician error“ on my part. I have done a lot of work on the boat. its a 125 2 stroke bluewater. 12v systems require a solid ground. Apparently my solid was not solid enough. :)
 
Joined
Mar 1, 2005
Messages
967
Glad that you figured it out. You said that this is a new-to-you boat so am assuming it is not actually a new boat. Some of these things are just to be expected.

When my motor is trimmed all the way in/down, I can feel a slight shimmy in my boat. Any time that I come off of plane, I trim in until the motor seats and then just hit the trim button momentarily to bump it out a hair. That avoids the extra vibration and hopefully is less detrimental to my fishing.
 

redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
11,894
it’s always awkward the first time…….
Always


OP of my lessons learned early and still stick to is the first couple three times out do not make it a we day on the water unless the we includes a buddy to help figure things out. Leave the family at home.
 
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