new boat what to look for?

[dubge]

First off I would like to say hello to everyone. I have owned a smaller boat for about 10 years (17ft Bayliner with an 85hp Force outboard) and I have decided to go a bit bigger this time around. I recently came across a deal I couldnt refuse and am now the owner of a 1985 24ft Century 5000 with a mercruiser 5.7
Yesterday was my first trip out with it (8hours) Runs pretty well, onboard speedo says it does 38mph and the one on the fishfinder says 44mph, I will recheck it this weekend with my GPS. I think the rpms at WOT was around 4500.
It looks like there is a small oil leak on one of the valve covers and the bilge pump is a little beat up.On the way back in the power steering belt broke so I went and ordered both that and the alt belt and will change them out this weekend. I plan on changing the lower end oil and plugs next week and maybe do an oil change in the engine (if I can figure out how)
I know nothing about inboards (plan to get a book for the engine) but I am pretty mechanically inclined and I am a fast learner.
If anyone else could point me in the right direction as what would be good to check and/or change that would be great.

Thanks
Ray

 

[Don S]

Re: new boat what to look for?

On my list when getting a new boat, the outdrive MUST come off before I would ever take it out.
Then, you need to check the alignment, check the gimbal bearing, check the ujoints, make sure there is NO water in the upper ujoint bellows. Grease and check everything in there, and change the lower unit oil. All this is covered in the OEM service manual for the Alpha I outdrives.
Here is a link to view the manual.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf
Just scroll to the last page of the above link and click on the LETTER of the section you want to view or save to your computer.

Since your belt broke, before you just replace the belts, make sure the pulleys are not all rusty, that is what really kills the belts in a hurry. Sand them till they are smooth and paint them with a good rustolem paint and give them a couple days to dry for best results.

Check and change all your oil and fuel filters, dump the fuel filter out in a clear container and check for water in the filter. If there is more than about a tablespoon of water, you need to pump the WATER (not the gas) out of the tank.

That ought to keep you busy for the weekend, anyway.

 

[wcsparky05]

Re: new boat what to look for?

good stuff Don. while your down there......might as well change the wires and distributer cap, points, whatever you want to call them. you will need a small pump for the outboard oil. forgive me if you knew that! new bilge pumps are cheap. if something goes bad, i would want that to be it. size your fuses correctly. if you dont, you might as well cut them out. they cannot save your motors.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: new boat what to look for?

And replace EVERY water pump..cooling and Circ..manifolds too..
Do it all fresh, then YOU can determine the maintenance schedule...while at home..not parked and floating saying "I should'a"