New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

[mjfink]

Ok, let me apologize in advance, these questions are totally "beginner" and I know I "should" know, I just don't..

I just took delivery of my new boat, which is also my first cruiser (a 260 Sundancer) and have some stupid questions to ask about some of the systems on the boat:

When I hook up to shorepower, does the boat "know" and automatically start the 110V devices, or do I have to tell it to do that?
Does the 12/110V refrigerator run all the time (like, is it drawing down my batteries as we speak), or is it typically turned off? If it's typically off, how do I turn it on, and how does it select it's power source (if both 12 and 110V are available)?
Where is the pressure generated for the sink/head/shower? Is this a 12V device? If so, same question, do I have to "turn it on" or is it on all the time?
My previous boat (a 22' bowrider), I would typically leave the trim at about "1/2 way" on the gauge. When I tried to plane this boat out like that, it wasn't planing very well, so I trimmed it down all the way. Is that the normal position on this boat when your running (350Mag Bravo III) it?
When you hook up to freshwater (shore freshwater) does the boat "know" to use that instead of it's internal tanks? If not, how do I switch?
How does the hot water system work? Do I just put in freshwater, hook up to shorepower (or start the genset) and get hot water?

and finally...

This boat has a freshwater flushing system in it (as did my old boat). The dealer told me to "get the boat out of the water, hook it up to a hose and then start it". That was a big no-no on my old boat (5.7TKS w/Alpha 1), does that sound right for the 350MAG w/Bravo 3?

Thanks.. And, I realize there's a lot of questions there, feel free to answer some, none, or one; I'd appreciate anything I can get!

 

[sasto]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

Find the electrical panel located interior and start from there.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

Did you buy it from a dealer? If so, he should be the best one to point you in the correct direction. He damn well should know all the systems of the hull he has sold to you.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

As far as trimming the motor, yes, the motor should be tucked in all the way while getting on plane. I am assuming you also have trim tabs, these should be in the down position while getting on plane. All the other questions, others here will have more experience with your particular boat and systems. Also invest in an original manual for your boat, this should show you systems aboard and maintenance for those systems. Good luck Enjoy

 

[Fireman431]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

When I hook up to shorepower, does the boat "know" and automatically start the 110V devices, or do I have to tell it to do that?

Typically, you will leave the breakers in the panel in the ON position all the time, with the exception of the AC controls. The master disconnect at the shore power connection should be in the OFF position whenever connecting or disconnecting the cord. If you don't have a disconnect there, then you'll have to use the master in the panel box. It works esentially the same as your house. Breakers ON give 110v power to the circuits.

Does the 12/110V refrigerator run all the time (like, is it drawing down my batteries as we speak), or is it typically turned off? If it's typically off, how do I turn it on, and how does it select it's power source (if both 12 and 110V are available)?

Yes, it runs all the time unless you either turn it off at the breaker or at the fridge. When not connected to 110v power via shore power or a genset, it uses battery power to stay on. Leaving the fridge on and engines off without 110v supplied power (shore or gennie) will kill your batteries in 3-6 hours.

Where is the pressure generated for the sink/head/shower? Is this a 12V device? If so, same question, do I have to "turn it on" or is it on all the time?

Look near the fresh water tank. It is a 12v pump that should be moounted within sight of the tank. You may see 2 black devices. The water line will run from one to the other than thru the boat. The one with the wiring is the water pump ans supplies the sink/head at pressures from 35-55 psi. If you see another black "pill" looking object without wires, that is probably an accumulator tank. This stabilizes pressures in the water system throughout the boat.

My previous boat (a 22' bowrider), I would typically leave the trim at about "1/2 way" on the gauge. When I tried to plane this boat out like that, it wasn't planing very well, so I trimmed it down all the way. Is that the normal position on this boat when your running (350Mag Bravo III) it?

Bigger boats trim very differently than small boats. On a larger boat, while at idle, put the trim tabs completely down and then throttle up. As the boat picks up speed and starts to plane on it's hull, reduce the trim until you find that sweet spot. Every boat is going to be different depending on weight, design, loading, fuel, people, etc. Play with your a little until you see what works best, but start the way I mentioned.

When you hook up to freshwater (shore freshwater) does the boat "know" to use that instead of it's internal tanks? If not, how do I switch?

That depends on how the integrated freshwater system was installed. My boat uses the tanks until a shore water source is connected and then automatically switches over. Some have a manual switch. The easiest way to determine is to hook up the water and continue to use it and see if your tank empties or remains full. Also, never leave the freshwater turned on to the boat when you're away. Leave it hooked up, but turn off the supply side from the dock. It's a good way to destroy your boat and possibly sink it if a hose ruptures.

How does the hot water system work? Do I just put in freshwater, hook up to shorepower (or start the genset) and get hot water?

Yep. As long as the breaker to the water heater is in the ON position ans the heater is operational.

and finally...

This boat has a freshwater flushing system in it (as did my old boat). The dealer told me to "get the boat out of the water, hook it up to a hose and then start it". That was a big no-no on my old boat (5.7TKS w/Alpha 1), does that sound right for the 350MAG w/Bravo 3?

Why would that be a no-no? Generally, that's how you would flush out an engine, depending on the design of the system. Get the name of the system that's installed on your vessel and get the manufacturer's spec's on how it's supposed to be operated. What body of water are you boating in? If it's in fresh or tannic water, don't worry.

 

[mjfink]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

"Bigger boats trim very differently than small boats. On a larger boat, while at idle, put the trim tabs completely down and then throttle up. As the boat picks up speed and starts to plane on it's hull, reduce the trim until you find that sweet spot. Every boat is going to be different depending on weight, design, loading, fuel, people, etc. Play with your a little until you see what works best, but start the way I mentioned."

That what I eventually was doing yesterday and it seemed to work much better that way!

The only question I have is you say to put the tabs completely down but never mention picking them back up. Should I start to "pull out tab" once on a plane and then start to trim out the engine? Or leave the tabs all the way down all the time (when planing) and trim the engine only?

Thank you very much for the extremely helpful answers! Also, if anyone else has questions like this one a SeaRay, here's a great place to get the original manuals:

http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10411/Owners-Manuals.aspx

"Why would that be a no-no? Generally, that's how you would flush out an engine, depending on the design of the system. Get the name of the system that's installed on your vessel and get the manufacturer's spec's on how it's supposed to be operated. What body of water are you boating in? If it's in fresh or tannic water, don't worry. "

On the Alpha outdrive, I guess because the pump is in the drive (not on the engine) a flush kit is typically installed in such a way that the impeller would not get water (or not enough) and would burn up. I learned on this kind of system, so the thought of starting my boat with the outdrive not in the water gives me the "heeby-jeebies". That's what the dealer told me to do, I just wanted to make sure it sounded kosher with others before I did something really stupid. Unfortunately, it's not fresh or tannic; it's the FL intercoastal.. Which is some seriously salty stuff.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

Why doesn't your owners manual explain all of that? SeaRay has an excellent forum and I think you can find any answer that you want from other owners of the same boat that you have.

 

[mjfink]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

Many of my questions were answered by the owners manual; I didn't get one with the boat though, so was kind of running blind until I looked and found the manual online. It's rare that an owners manual actually helps with anything anymore, but the one available from Sea Ray was very helpful, it really is a must read document.

Also, the help from the folks here has been great, I really appreciate it!

Why doesn't your owners manual explain all of that? SeaRay has an excellent forum and I think you can find any answer that you want from other owners of the same boat that you have.

 

[Stud man]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

This should help you out a bit
http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10411/Owners-Manuals.aspx

 

[Fireman431]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

Bigger boats trim very differently than small boats. On a larger boat, while at idle, put the trim tabs completely down and then throttle up. As the boat picks up speed and starts to plane on it's hull, reduce the trim until you find that sweet spot. Every boat is going to be different depending on weight, design, loading, fuel, people, etc

""The only question I have is you say to put the tabs completely down but never mention picking them back up.""

Please reread. When I mentioned reducing the trim, I was referring to the tabs, not the engine, My mistake, I am used to running a boat with straight shafts and forgot about your Bravo.

Regarding your flushing system, is it an engine mounted system or one that pulls water thru the outdrive (impeller in outdrive)? If it's an engine mounted system, you should be able to flush without running the engine. The hose pressure will flush it out, but you need to verify if it is a Merc system or an added on aftermarket setup.

What part of the ICW are you in? I'm in Central Florida, 30 miles west of Daytona.

 

[sasto]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

"

The only question I have is you say to put the tabs completely down but never mention picking them back up. Should I start to "pull out tab" once on a plane and then start to trim out the engine? Or leave the tabs all the way down all the time (when planing) and trim the engine only?

Hi mj,

I think you will find many answers for this. Fireman is very knowledgeable about these things. He always gives good advice. I'll ride around with him anywhere he wants to go. I can't say that about many of the 100's I've been with.

You should experiment with the tabs using a GPS. Some boats like the trim and motors down upon take off and raised slowly while reaching planing speed. Normally, the less tab you have down the better. Load, load placement, currents, winds will have a bearing on tab placement. With practice you will be able to hear a difference upon take off, and you you will become comfortable glancing at speed and hitting the tab switch. There is a fine line between to much tab, and not enough.

Good Luck!

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

familureize yourself with the electrical controls--it is straight forward breakers & switches

as for operation of the trim tabs & trimming the bravo III---
My old 26ft Wellcraft with BravoIII
Start with both trim tabs fully down and drive down--once the boat is starting to plane- raise the tabs so they are not causing drag and trim the drive up---it will take a bit of experimenting on what works best- you just need to practice.
in rougher water you can trim down alittle to keep the bow from bouncing or the level the boat side to sde.
Congrats on you new boat!

 

[DaNinja]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

Another place I go with SeaRay specific questions.
Club SeaRay

 

[Fireman431]

Re: New (larger) boat, some stupid questions

Hi mj,

I think you will find many answers for this. Fireman is very knowledgeable about these things. He always gives good advice. I'll ride around with him anywhere he wants to go. I can't say that about many of the 100's I've been with.

Thank you Sasto! I appreciate your trust, especially coming from someone with so much seamanship experience under his belt. Your words mean a lot.

Regarding the tabs, every weekend may be different than the last. Water conditions, wind, loading, fuel and people on board, etc will determine the position and amount of tab required. When you find the best speed at the lowest RPM, you're golden.