Help:New Boat Owner

[RavenSkylar]

Hello to all- I just inherited a Crestliner ProAm 1810 from my dad. He bought it new in 1994. I know nothing about boats, and would like any info anyone has for me-I couldn't really find any on line about this boat. Thanks

 

[crstliner]

Re: Help:New Boat Owner

narrow ur help down!

 

[RavenSkylar]

Re: Help:New Boat Owner

Sorry-I really know absolutly nothing about boats-Ive only been on 1 in my life, and it was a cruise ship. Haven't actually got it yet, will be here next week some time. I am in the process of taking my boaters safty course tho-So I wanted to know things like:

-what type of engine it has (inboard, outboard, jet driven, stern?)
-What is the maintenance on one, and what should I check befor using it
(my dad was a mechanic so Im sure everything is working, but want to make sure befor I use it)
-cant find an owners manual anywhere(contacted Crestliner, They said they dont make manuals for their boats, that the dealer that sold it would have the info????) Thought they would have something like you get with a car- they said nope
-how many people can I have in it
-What type of water can I use it in ( would it be safe to take it into a bay, ocean?)
-Is it primarily for fishing (i am assuming it is, knowing my dad)
ect, ect, ect....anything you can tell me i would appreciate.
Thanks in advance for the help-

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help:New Boat Owner

This is your Dad's boat and you have no idea whether is has an outboard motor (engine hangs on the back of the boat) or sterndrive (engine is inside the boat and the drive unit is outside)? An 1810 would indicate its an 18 footer and no, with your experience you had best not venture into the ocean or even close to it. To venture off-shore you need a VHF radio, preferably GPS and mostly a larger boat. You really need to do a search on-line for OUTBOARD MOTOR BASICS and if the boat is a sterndrive (I/O BASICS). I/O's generally have marinized auto engines for power so their maintenance is much like a car. Oil and filter changes, belt and hose inspections, and if you live in cold country, for heaven sakes water freezes so the boat needs to be winterized. You need to find someone with the same power plant you have to give you assistance, and please take an experienced boater with you to show you the ropes.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help:New Boat Owner

I just stumbled back across my previous post and realized I sounded a little terse for which I apologize. I've been at this for so long I tend to forget that not everyone is boat savy. I guess I thought that anyone who has ever walked past a boat knows what an outboard motor looks like. The fact that you are taking a boater safety course is of course a good thing. But you really need to do some serious reading about boat systems as I guarantee, you cannot get out and walk to a service station should you have a problem on the water. There certainly are things that happen that even experienced boaters can't fix on the water but many times problems are minor and easily fixed. If you are unfamiliar with fuel, electrical, and basic mechanics, you need the services of a reputable shop to keep your boat properly tuned and serviced. If this is a trailered boat, you also need a properly equipped tow vehicle and you definitely need some practice backing the trailer.

 

[rndn]

Re: Help:New Boat Owner

Congratulations on your new boat. Sorry about your Dad's passing. I would suggest taking it to a marina and ask them to go through the boat with you as if you had just purchased the boat from them. They should do this for free but if not it will still be well worth it. You must have a family member or friend or aquaintance that has been boating that can also help you out. I agree you should not go out on the open ocean, but there should be lot's of places around for you to take it. Make sure you have all of the coast guard approved safety gear and a water depth chart of the area you plan to boat. You should also check with the coast guard auxilary for any assistance with getting a boating start. A coast guard auxilary member should be more than happy to maybe even tag along for the first ride on the water until you feel comfortable. Bottom line is there are ton's of resources for you to access to get you up to speed on the rules of the water.
Good luck.