New member introduction and questions

[adam7]

Hi there.

We just got a 2002 Key West 1900CC two weeks ago with a 115hp Mercury outboard for recreation and fishing (in salt). This is my first boat, although I've been around them quite a lot, and I'm excited to actually own one finally. I've taken it out twice now over the last two weekends, but now I realize I'm going to have to address a few issues before going out again.

As with most things you buy used, not everything is perfect, and I have a little work to do. Last weekend when I was installing the VHF radio and antenna I noticed that the switch for my navigation lights wasn't even hooked up. I had asked the seller if they worked and took his word for it. He lied, obviously. Last night I took a wiring diagram with me and tried to hook everything back up, but in the end only the transom light was working as far as I could tell. Could it just be the bow light bulbs are burnt out? I didn't have time to check last night, but maybe tomorrow.

The ground to the bilge pump switch wasn't hooked up. This makes me wonder if it works either. How do I test that, fill up the bilge with water and see if it comes on? I better do that on the trailer.

I have to replace the cockpit lights, but I think that switch is hooked up correctly, just needs new bulbs. One of the lights on the trailer is out too, more bulbs.

Last weekend as we were hosing down the boat I noticed one of the dust caps on the trailer wheel hub was missing and there was grease all over the wheel, so I figured I could re-pack it easily enough this weekend and put a new cap on. When I went by the storage facility last night I noticed they had mowed the grass, so now the hub is filled with dirt and grass clippings as well.

Oh, and I've had trouble starting the motor, but I made a separate thread about that. All in all it sounds pretty bad now that I'm typing it all out, but I'm still pretty excited. I just wish I had the time to fix everything during the week, now it looks like I won't be getting out on the water this weekend because of all the work to do.

 

[SteveRoss]

Re: New member introduction and questions

Hi Adam7...

Hang in there... Boat ownership is not much like new car ownership. No matter where you buy it ... Dealer, Private Sale, or whatever, it will never be exactly what you wanted. So, realize that boats are always a "project". Have fun with making it exactly what you want. I love working on mine. Just as I think I have it the way I want it, I think of something new !!!

Regards,

Steve

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: New member introduction and questions

Glad to hear you are happy about getting the rig, sounds like a great fishing boat to me

Does the bilge have a switch? If it's on a float switch and that's your only one you might want to add a manually switched pump just to be on the safe side.

If it's just automatically operated what you can do is crank the bow up and then use a hose to see if the bilge works. That way you won't flood the below-deck bow area unnecesarily.

As far as the lights, I'd be checking fuses prior to buying any bulbs, as they are cheaper and easier to replace normally.

Good luck to ya!

 

[lncoop]

Re: New member introduction and questions

Welcome to iboats and to boating. I'll make a couple of observations. In order to test the bilge pump you can just hook it up and turn it on for a few seconds. If it's working you'll hear it. You won't burn it up. You'll want to clean that hub out really well and reapply grease of course, and since the cap is MIA you should probably go ahead and closely inspect the bearings. Might as well do the same on the other side while you're at it. Good luck.

 

[adam7]

Re: New member introduction and questions

The bilge has a switch, but the seller said there has to be enough water in back for it to come on, so I guess it has both the manual and floater switches.

I don't know why I didn't think to check the fuses for the lights. I'm used to working on cars so I was thinking there would be a fuse box or something obvious that would have jumped out at me. I should probably check the breaker below the switch, duh.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[adam7]

Re: New member introduction and questions

Oh, and if anyone has any insight into this starting problem I was having yesterday while trying to flush the motor, I'd appreciate any opinions.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[sethjon]

Re: New member introduction and questions

The light on the trailer is probably a ground issue. Pull the light and check inside to make sure the ground is clean. Doubt if its the bulb. You don't have to necessarily put water down by the bilge. It might work. Hook it up and listen for it. If it "whirs" it should pull out the water.

 

[sethjon]

Re: New member introduction and questions

Bow lights could be bad but again, probably a little corrosion. Pull it off and check that all contacts are good. Re the dash board lights, since they are all not working look for a bad wire or one thats not attached right.

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Re: New member introduction and questions

Welcome to the forums and congrats on the boat!

Hope you make it out on the water this weekend!!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New member introduction and questions

sounds like typical boat stuff to me. I've had a Key West DC for over 20 years. I like the flat bottom. But the trade off is low freeboard.

Running lights seldom work all the time in salt water boats. Likewise trailer lights (hint: don't dunk your trailer! Unplug the lights before you back down the ramp!)

A lot of people set the float switch on the high side to save the battery--it comes on when you need it, not when there's a small amount of water in there.

The bow lights can be a pain to change if you have to change the whole fitting (mine tend to get banged into the piers, catch mooring lines or stomped on) b/c there's very little wire to work with and it's all sealed up in the foam.

Boat wiring on small salt water boats can be a real pain. The fewer add-ons, the better IMO. Carry battery powered bow and stern lights if you do a lot of night boating.

Budgeting the time to fix and maintain is hard. You have to keep telling yourself that it's as much fun to work on them as to use them. Yeah, right.

Welcome aboard!

 

[korygrandy]

Re: New member introduction and questions

It sounds like you have a few electrical issues. I had some myself when I bought my boat. To resolve this I just snugged up all the connections, ground terminal connections etc. Fixed the bow lights some gauges and accessory.

Don't be discouraged. All that you mention is really minor inexpensive repairs that can be done easily.