summerizing the boat

[strokeoluck]

See below for our boat info. We're new boat owners - just bought it several weeks ago. After reading up on the forum I saw some "summerizing" info, to help me understand how to get the boat ready for summer. Frankly, it was pretty intimidating. I'm not a mechanic. The extent of my mechanical abilities is to change oil (which of course I no longer do since they charge ~$25 to do it at a shop), change tires, and add the basic fluids to a vehicle. So I called the local marina and asked them how much they would charge to summerize the boat. The guy was very nice and patient, but I think he was initially doing his best to hold his chuckles in when he heard the question. He said if the boat was properly winterized (and after I told him the marina that winterized it, and the tags hanging on it, he said it was very likely properly winterized) then all I have to do is make sure it's gassed up, plug is in, pump the throttle (if it's *not* EFI), drop it in the water and start it up and go. He did say something about an engine plug if necessary, but I'm not sure about that one - will have to read the manual.

So I ask the group...is this really all there is to it?! This is certainly what I'd prefer, but want to make sure it's not "too easy" and will do damage to the boat.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: summerizing the boat

I want to be the first to ask the stupid question. so did you buy a boat with no sea trial? never even heard it run? never seen it float?

 

[H8tank]

Re: summerizing the boat

I want to be the first to ask the stupid question. so did you buy a boat with no sea trial? never even heard it run? never seen it float?

I bought my boat 12 hours away in a walmart parking lot. (off boattrader.com) I knew I wanted a 230LX, but I had not only never ridden on one, I had never even actually seen one live, in person.

Turns out I got everything I expected, and am very pleased.

 

[H8tank]

Re: summerizing the boat

To answer the posters question, if it was winterized properly, put a battery charger on the batt, throw some muffs on it and start it up in the driveway. Check the oil & engine temps.

If all looks good. Head to the lake!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: summerizing the boat

Along with checking the engine, check your lights/electronics, and make sure you have all the safety equipment that the USCG requires. Without the safety equipment can end a good day on the water.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: summerizing the boat

much easier to summerize, than winterized. take a safe boating course. google US coast guard auxillary.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: summerizing the boat

I want to be the first to ask the stupid question. so did you buy a boat with no sea trial? never even heard it run? never seen it float?

Not a stupid question at all. Short answer = yes, I did buy the boat w/out a trial, never even heard it run. I understand there's risk in that decision, but I try to weigh everything within the risk/reward ratio framework. The boat has only seen three summers; we're in MN so it's not a very long boating season and this guy has two very young children so I believed him when he said it was challenging for them to get out on the water the last two summers; it was in very good condition (granted, he could have had it repainted, re-vinyled, etc. - but I doubt it, everything looks original/new), he mainly used it for fishing/trolling (he kept the trolling motor, I still have to get rid of the mount), the engine looks brand new, trailer was in very good shape, etc. On top of all that, he seemed like a good guy...and yes, I know that last point is pretty "fuzzy".

So I weighed all that against the good deal I thought I was getting, and pulled the trigger. If I'm wrong, I'll have to pay the price, but again - it was a risk I thought was worth taking.

Thanks to the others for confirming that the start-up/summerizing process is fairly simple!

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: summerizing the boat

much easier to summerize, than winterized. take a safe boating course. google US coast guard auxillary.

Thanks tashasdaddy, we did indeed sign up for a power squadron course - it starts in mid-March. To my pleasant surprise my wife insisted on going as well. I'm doing my best to save up my questions for the instructors.