hi a new chap needs help with new boat

[lardypants]

firstly hi im in the uk and am a novice with boats, only previously owned couple small speedboats, just got another speedboat, a 16ft shakespere sportsman with an old mercury 85hp, im very mechanical minded and am fine with cars etc but boats baffles me, the outboard is a mercury 85hp lump, i have never been out in the water yet with this boat all i know is ive had it running on the trailer with the ear muff thingy's, water spurts out fine but it does stall on idle from time to time.<br /><br />so id like to give it a good check before taking it out, any help with checks nd servicing etc?<br /><br />were the hell do i start?<br />servicing etc<br /><br />what to check before i take her out on the water (dont wanna break down)<br /><br />any help extremely greatful

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: hi a new chap needs help with new boat

Hello Sportsman, First of all, your in the I/O section, and I believe your talking about an outboard. I am not a boat mechanic, either, just learning, but might I suggest that you have it checked by a mechanic, before getting stranded. Or at least try to set up a date with another boater, with some knowledge of your type of motor, that can bring his boat along, in case you need a tow. <br /> When I bought my boat, brand new, I got that friend that was always talking boating to me, to bring his boat along, when we launched my rig for its maiden voyage. Knowing someone else with experience and a proven working boat was there may make the experience less stressful! Good luck.

 

[lardypants]

Re: hi a new chap needs help with new boat

oh its a mercury 850 4 cyl???<br /><br />number is 9053842<br /><br />one thing prob totally me being a bit thick but i noticed were the plugs are firing order etc on a sticker it said 1324 or something like that<br /><br />but when i looked at my leads they were numbered and in positions 1234 from top to bottom, 1 at top??????<br /><br />also noticed engine has a dizzy, i take it she has points? whats the gaps and setting procedure?<br /><br />Lee

 

[JB]

Re: hi a new chap needs help with new boat

Moving to Merc Outboards.