BOUGHT MY FIRST BOAT TODAY!

[orgblu80]

Today I purchased a 1995 Grumman bass boat with a Johnson 30 (J30ELEOB), 1995 as well. So far I have greased the bearings on the trailer, inspected/greased prop, dumped old gas, and installed new fuel filter. I was unable to get the bottom drain plug out of the lower unit with the screw drivers I have so waiting to get the proper equipment before attempting again. I purchased some Sea Foam fuel treatment I was planning to add with fresh gas. It has life jackets, horn, and paddle on-board.

From what I have read everyone seems to like the Sea Foam product. Should I go ahead with using it? Also when using Sea Foam, does it change the ratio of fuel/2-cycle mixture our just add in addition to it?

Any advice as far as mechanical, structural, safety or just common sense items I might be missing before I head out for my first cruise would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance!

 

[82rude]

Change impeller,anchor and rope (50 to 100 feet) change plugs (spark) seafoam will not change the ratio and is safe to use .See if manual is here http://boatinfo.no/lib/library.html im sure somebody else will add to my small list as dinner is calling,lol.

 

[82rude]

Sorry, im not on the ball today,welcome to the forum!You could do a decarb also.Simple ,tilt motor ,remove plugs ,liberally spray in decarb solution or my personal fav seafoam deepcreep ,put plugs back in ,tilt motor back down a little and let sit for several hours.Start motor on muffs and watch the smoke show as the deep creep and loose carbon gets burned off.Use a tcw3 oil of your choice .

 

[pontiacfieroguy]

Count the seafoam as gas when mixing.

 

[Chad Flaugher]

Make sure you have an air horn or horn of some type, as well as a throw able life preserver if you are at, or over 18' long. :welcome:

 

[orgblu80]

Thanks for all the info so far this forum is awesome!

82rude - When you say "liberally spray in decarb solution or my personal fav seafoam deepcreep", is that spraying into the spark plug ports, into the carburetor intake, both, or something all together different?
Is tcw3 the 2-cycle oil you mix with fuel?
Suppose I might as well change the plugs while I am at it.

pontiacfieroguy - If I read the directions correctly on the seafoam it's minimal amount of product to fuel ratio. Do O need to be concerned about over using the seafoam

Chad - The boat has a built in horn as well as a can air horn. My new vessel is just under 15' and I will be out on my own my first few trips, but I will add a throw able on board on my first trip out with passenger(s).


Thanks again for all the good info

 

[NHGuy]

Make sure the first times you go out to do so on calm day and bring a paddle! In case the engine does anything disappointing you don't want to be blown away from your launch. Wear your personal flotation device.

 

[redneck joe]

And dont take the entire family, that always dooms me. You want first run alone or with one buddy.


Enjoy.

 

[82rude]

Yes spray in deepcreep into spark plug hole.tcw3 is a standard for 2 stoke oil.will say on the bottle.

 

[orgblu80]

Thank you all for the good info and advice.

As far as spark plugs go...
The engine currently has Autolite 2634 plugs in it, which is described as "Industrial Engine, Lawn/Garden, Outdoor Power Equipment, Small Engine Non-Resistor Copper Core Spark Plug."

Here on Iboat it recommends either BR7HS (standard plug) or BR7HIX (iridium plug).

Out of these would anyone recommend one over the other?
The recommended plug gap is 0.03, should that be the set gap for all types of plugs or just the ones listed?

 

[Chrisravosa36]

Make sure all connections on the battery are tight! No corrosion! If they are not rightened with a wrench (or for wing nuts as tight as you can get em) they could smoke, spark and star a fire! Thats one thing I ALWAYS check because I go out. Because fumes of gas, and sparks doesn't go to well! Have fun and be SAFE!!! Sounds like a great rig!

 

[SkaterRace]

I can not speak so much about your engine as I suck with them but do make sure you go out alone or with someone who can help you fix possible issues. Go over every electrical connection in that boat twice over and remove all tape and replace with heat shrink. You will want to make sure you always have spare parts with you such as a spare prop hub kit, plugs, wire, and a tool kit. I would also go over the trailer with a fine tooth comb and see what shows up, actually thinking of that go over the boat too. Make sure to check for every little thing. Better to find out on shore at home than a mile from the launch and needing to paddle back or worse race back because of a safety issue with the boat.



Here is a link to a thread about tools that might be helpful. http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...ot-engine-topics/10132958-tool-box-essentials

 

[garbageguy]

Suggest taking a boating course. Let someone know when, where you're going out, and when you plan to be back (float plan). Going out with somebody that can help you out if need be a big plus. Make your initial course up-wind or upstream from the dock. Make sure you have all required registration, insurance, safety equipment required by your State and/or local jurisdiction. If the boat ramp configuration allows, consider getting the engine warmed up while doing a final check of the boat while the bow is still connected to the trailer - just in case. Keep your wits about you, be very observant, and enjoy!

 

[orgblu80]

Alright, you have all given me some good things to think about. I believe I will be postponing today's first cruise until I check and double check a few more things. I am going to aim for this weekend for the first ride. I will let you'll know how it goes.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Bring a 6-pack in a cooler in case the motor dies. Nothing soothes the angry feelings as much as a beer within reach of a non-functioning motor! That said, boat responsibly and paddle back if you've had too much to drink.

Good luck.

 

[redneck joe]

If you can break away on a nice week day that is the ticket. Ramp is slower and you can take your time.


My carver sat for three years and was not well kept prior to that. My firat day i went on a week day and just sat tied to the dock running the motor with seafoam, played with the buttons and the batteries. About two hours of that took her out for about 10 minutes and felt it needed more love so immediately turned around and came back . Couple weeks of driveway love and been golden since .

 

[airshot]

If I may add to the other good suggestions here......get your self a pair of muffs for your engine and test run it in your driveway before ever going to the launch ramp.
Should an issue arise it will save the trip and the embarrassment. By the way welcome aboard....Pics can go along way with getting more specific help.

 

[orgblu80]

Update on what I have completed so far...

Changed the plugs, sprayed Sea Foam deep creep in spark plug inlets, changed gear oil, installed new fuel filter, greased the trailer bearing (will be replacing bearings, races and seals before my first long haul), double checked all electrical connections (gave them all a light coat of dielectric grease).

I was planning on firing up the motor on the muffs today so I put 2cycle oil and Sea Foam motor treatment in the tank, but my local station was out of non-ethanol fuel. Do I need to be concerned about having these products in the tank without fuel for the next week or so? Should I dump these products and start fresh?

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Bring a 6-pack in a cooler in case the motor dies. Nothing soothes the angry feelings as much as a beer within reach of a non-functioning motor! That said, boat responsibly and paddle back if you've had too much to drink.

Good luck.

Man it must be nice living south at times. 6 beers on a boat here in Canuck land and not tied off at a dock usually will bring a huge fine and or the loss of your drivers licence. I don't agree however suggesting alcohol on board for a first time boater. Water on the water and Daquiri's on the dock, until you know what you are doing at least.

 

[82rude]

No sweat on the oil and seafoam.If its 87 octane it goes in the tank, I never worry about whether theres eth in there .