New to boating

[DoctorCAD]

Hello.<br /><br />I have just picked up my first boat. It is a 1973 Starcraft 15' KF O/B Came with a 1962 Evinrude Sportwin 10HP, a 1972 Mercury 200 20HP, a Minn Kota 17 LB electric and a Snowco trailer, and Humminbird electronic thingy. All the stuff to get it in the water. <br /><br />Never having done any power boating, What should I look for first? I am starting the Sportwin tonight with earmuffs. The electric motor works, so at least I can fish PA FBC lakes.<br /><br />Hope to chime in when appropriate and keep out of things not appropriate!<br /><br />Doctor CAD, Pittsburgh, PA

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: New to boating

Welcome to the forum. I would suggest: make sure you have the right oil mixture in fresh gas, make sure you have cooling water circulating [I believe that the Sportwin has an opening in the exhaust housing that you should see spray coming from], and run the motor long enough to be sure it's not going to overheat. You should be able to touch the cylinder head for a few seconds without it actually burning your finger. Make sure the gears shift properly. All this assumes that the motor is in good running condition. After that, the only way to check further is to take it out and try it under load. Have fun.