first time boat owner

[snic68]

Hello all

I am a new old boat owner. I didn't pay much for the boat and I like to fix things. It is an 84 Mercuiser 898 -previous owner claims it "Ran great" the last time it was in the water 2 years ago and he claims it need a starter. Now the starter I am not worried about replacing what kind of things would I have to expect from it sitting for 2 years?

Thank you all in advance for your input

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: first time boat owner

Hey snic68, welcome aboard! You picked a great place to come for info. Alot of very knowledgable boat owners and industry pro's here. Even though I'm neither, I'm glad to share the little I DO know!8)

First thing you need is a good manual! It's NOT an option if you're going to do any work yourself. Even if you are familiar with automotive mechanics, marine mechanics is a whole 'nother animal.

Of the top of my head, and not knowing the previous maintainance history, here's what I'd do:

Remove any old gas and flush the fuel lines with fresh stuff.

Pull the float bowl and clean it and check that all the little passages are clear. Check the float and needle/seat. Clean/replace any fuel filters & water seperators.

Replace any regular tune-up parts like plugs, wires, points, etc.

Change the engine oil and filter.

Remove and check t-stat housting passages and t-stat.

Pull and check manifold passages, especially if RWC or used in salt water.

Replace all rubber (hoses, belts etc.)

Replace Impeller.

Change oil in outdrive.

Check all electrical connections for corrosion/tightness, especially grounds.

Check battery electolyte levels for dead cells.

I'm sure there's more, but that should be a good start. People alot more experienced than I, and familiar with your particular setup will probably have more specific things to look for.

Some things, like belts and hoses, can probably be left while working on it on land, but I'd replace them before going out on the water. I had a rubber manifold coupling that looked/worked fine on land, but blew the first trip out. That few extra dollars in rubber is worth alot in peace of mind!

Say hello to the wonderful world of boating and goodbye to your disposable income! :devil:d

 

[snic68]

Re: first time boat owner

Thanks for the info! and the welcome.

Are there any good links that explain all the lingo you just used because it all sounded greek to me hehe.

I got the boat from a charity seller and the only info they had was from the donor of the boat. The cosmetic aspects of the boat it looks really taken care of and clean.

 

[Don S]

Re: first time boat owner

You are going to need Mercruiser manual #3 (PN 90-95693) for your engine, for your drive you can use this free online manual or buy one also.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Here's a link with some general info.

http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: first time boat owner

All good advice......
However, I would put the new starter in, change the oil + gas & see if it will run.....
Hopefully it was properly winterized......JK

 

[ziggy]

Re: first time boat owner

after yer starter and seein if it runs, ya might give it the big wash and wax. that way ya go over every part of the boat and visually inspect it for any defects.
also, if yer a 1st time boater, ya might want to consider a boater safety class........enjoy yer new boat............

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: first time boat owner

A manual will help in learning the 'lingo'. They usually have a section at the beginning giving basic info. Most manuals have pictures that along with desciptions should help you figgure out what's what. Definitely make that your first priority. It will help you communicate better with board members trying to help you. Some systems are quite complex, and you will need to understand the terminology/part names to make effective use of the great advice offered here. It's hard to know what someone means by 'the round doohicky with the thing sticking out'.

 

[MJ76]

Re: first time boat owner

The previous owner always says it ran great... I wouldn't assume that was the case. Before you start sinking money into it, as someone said above, get it to run, or at least get the starter in and do a compression test. Pull the drain plug at the bottom of the outdrive and see what comes out. Take a close look at the bellows. All this will let you know what you're dealing with, so to speak. Hopefully it all will check out and you can start getting everything up to snuff. Good luck!