First time boat owner

[Bene288]

Hello everyone,

New to the forum. I just picked up a 1988 Bayliner Capri 17' with an 85 Force o/b. This is the first boat I've owned myself but grew up around boats and the ocean.

I was just wondering if you all could give me a few things to go over when I give a thorough cleaning. I checked the plugs, bilge, transom, hull etc etc. I had the seller turn over the motor with water muffs. It had been sitting for the winter and took 2 turns of the key for it to fire (cold day too). The engine looked pretty clean. The only problem I found was a small soft spot in front of the motor. He had the ply replaced a few years ago, however it doesn't feel like rot so much, I don't think it was reinforced correctly.

I know my checklist is probably way too short. I would appreciate any tips. Especially with treating the motor. I know quite a bit about outboards, but not this particular motor.

Thanks everyone,
Bryan

 

[cr2k]

Re: First time boat owner

Congratulations on your new boat! And welcome to iBoats.
You will find a wealth of help and information here. Just remember to list your boat and engine serial numbers when asking questions so we don't have to guess. Better yet you can add this to your signature line. Oh and we LOVE pictures too if you think it will help with any questions.

Check the steering and make sure you get full lock to lock. Maybe hit the grease fittings one more time. Make sure your fuel hose is in good shape, not real stiff and the primer bulb is not too soft. If you need to replace this hose use a sierra silver or OEM, I would stay away form the less expensive Tempo ones, they don't last too long.

If there is a fuel filter I would check it out or replace it. New gas is kinds important.
When mixing your gas and oil (use good oil not the cheap wall mart stuff) you should use a mix rite or similar mixing container. It is important to get the right mixture. If you use too much oil it will mean less gas and you will run lean.
Just don't guess at it, get it as close as you can.

Enjoy your new toy and above all BE SAFE.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: First time boat owner

Welcome to iboats!

Congratulations on the new boat. You have three major things to check. Boat, motor and trailer.

For information on the "construction" of the boat check the restoration forum. http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22 Investigate that soft spot which may hold through this season....

For the motor we have a forum that cover Force outboards.http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28 Get a manual and do a tune up and impellar

And as far as the trailer.... lights, tires and wheel bearings. We do not want to see you stranded on the road in Albany Please do the bearings!

Post a few pictures of the new to you boat.... instructions here and the best size is 640 x 480 http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=285637

Welcome!!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: First time boat owner

Congrats on the new boat. Nothing else to cover,the previous posters pretty much said it all. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There is a wealth of knowledge out here.

 

[NYBo]

Re: First time boat owner

Welcome to iboats!

Never heard of that particular boat model.

That small soft spot may be just the tip of a rotten iceberg (ask me how I know that).

 

[Bene288]

Re: First time boat owner

Thank you all for the information. I'll get more into details when I pick the boat up this week.