Newb taking the boat out first time

[ridehardny]

Hi, My name is Josh. I recently bought my first boat, a 1988 Cheetah with a 350 and alpha 1. When I bought the boat I was told there was a plug to hold the antifreeze in for the winter? It's a open system. Is this true and where would it be located. I'd like to take it out tomorrow!! Also is there anything I have to do to run the boat out of the water with the muff?

 

[QC]

Re: Newb taking the boat out first time

Well the manual links I have posted below should help you. The second one is a newer Owner's guide and it may not be 100% accurate for your engine, but it is better than what you have which I think is nothin' . . . I think you should pay special attention to page 59 of the second one for the cooling system drain plug issue. If the plugs are in and closed there is really nothing to running it on the muffs except that you still want the drive down and you want to make sure you are getting good water flow out of the propeller if it is thru hub exhaust. If it is thru transom then you want to see good flow out of both holes. I'd also want to "see" the thermostat open by watching your temp gage and see it rise to the opening temp and then stabilise. Most say not to run over about 1000 RPM to insure you are getting enough water in. Also, you'll want to note oil pressure, alternator output etc. Good luck!! Where are you located? I believe that Cheetah is a CA boat?

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Owner/gas/86017411.pdf

Oh yeah, welcome to iboats!!

Oh, the water flow stuff out the exhaust will confirm that your raw water pump (in the drive) is working . . .

 

[ridehardny]

Re: Newb taking the boat out first time

Thanks, That should help me out! Im just outside of Buffalo, NY.

 

[Don S]

Re: Newb taking the boat out first time

Might want to try this link for the owners manual, it's for a sterndrive, the one QC gave you is for an inboard, not an outdrive. The manuals are also for 2000 and 2001 models, but that is all that is available online.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Owner/gas/86017101.pdf

 

[stevieray]

Re: Newb taking the boat out first time

Also check out all your electrical items - nav & anchor lights, bilge pump, blower & horn - make sure all that is working tip-top before you dunk her. Have fun!

 

[QC]

Re: Newb taking the boat out first time

Thanks Don. I was moving quickly and grabbed the wrong one . . .