First time out with an I/O. Any advice?

[Milemaker13]

The manual I have says to use heavy duty lube.. Should i use regular lower unit gear oil?

 

[airshot]

My first recommendation would be to get a serial number and get a "Mercruiser" service manual, not an aftermarket one. All the info you need is inside that manual.
If you post the serial number the good folks on this forum will direct you to the proper manual for your outdrive. I downloaded mine to a thumb drive so I just open it up and print out the pages I need and putting them into a folder for future reference.

 

[Milemaker13]

S/N 4632438
1.65R
165 hp mercruiser.
I would like to pick up a manual. Where did you get your electronic copy? That's the way to go.

 

[thumpar]

I always use the Mercruiser lube. The Walmarts around here sell it. It will cost a buck or so more than the generic but it will last you long enough that the difference in price doesn't amount to much.

 

[JaCrispy]

D'oh! Went to the lake, dead battery!! What was that JaCrispy said? Oh, right.. charge the battery and run it on the muffs before heading out.

Well, at least now I have another whole week to get ready. Great.

Needless to say, I've been reading up on adding a second battery. This feels like one of those lessons you learn once and never forget.

Charged the battery back home, fired up within the first revolution. Sigh...

IMO a 2nd battery is a no-brainer. They are easy to hook up but it will probably run you $200 total. That should include a battery, switch and necessary cables. I make my own cables with a hammer-type crimper, which saves a few bucks. FYI, dual batteries are not meant to be run simultaneously. Run off one bat, then use the 2nd in case of emergency.

 

[thumpar]

If you go dual battery just get an ACR. You don't have to worry about a switch or a battery going dead.

 

[Milemaker13]

Had the boat out a few times so far. It's awesome. Strong motor. Plenty of power. Gets up and goes pretty well. We're learning to use trim more effectively. We have two Speedo. Old school water pressure type and an electronic fish finder with a speed I assume is read off a small paddle wheel mounted on the transducer. Both of these read really close to each other, leading me to believe they are somewhat accurate. They say we're going as much as 45 mph. It feels like were doing a hundred. I love it!
Also, put in the second battery for peace of mind.

 

[stonyloam]

Couple of notes on the trim, first it changes constantly, so you should be aware of what is going on all the time, if someone changes seats or you change the direction you are hitting the waves re trim. Trim it down to get onto plane, then back up for best/ most efficient ride. I like to trim up just till it starts to porpoise a little then back down to smooth it out. Watch your tach, it will max out at your most efficient cruise, up or down from that and you will loose RPM and speed. Congratulations, and have fun.
P.S. Watch that temperature gauge, should hold staedy at all throttle settings.