New boater 120hp Force questions

[Varilux]

We pick up our first boat on Saturday (1998 Bayliner 1802 LVS Cuddy). It is powered by a Force 120.

I've been trying to search through the forums to understand the potential issues, and have two concerns:
1. Water in gas (which I understand will wreck havoc)- other than keeping a full tank and having a water/fuel seperator, are there any tips to keeping water out of the fuel? (And is there any benefit to higher octane fuels?)

2. Cranking requirements- I anticipate we'll spend a lot of time just floating, listening to music, etc. on the lake. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be adviseable to have a second battery (I'm considering getting a deep cycle battery and wiring it such that once we power down I can switch over to the deep cycle to run the CD player, etc.- that way I won't get stuck with a motor that won't turn over).

Sorry for the newbie questions- just wondering if the water and battery issues are legit to be concerned about- or if I'm just inventing problems...

Looking forward to being a boat owner!

PS- with all the concern about condensation, why doesn't someone manufacturer a type of dessicant that could be placed in the tank over winter (you know, the silicone that you find packaged in electronics that draws water out of the air)?

 

[roscoe]

Re: New boater 120hp Force questions

Welcome to iboats Varilux.


There is no benefit to higher octane fuels. Just the opposite.
Buy 87 or 89 octane fuel from a busy station, and add a fuel stabilizer.
A product like SeaFoam is perfect.
It will stabilize the fuel and help keep it dry, as well as clean the fuel system and help reduce carbon buildup that can be a problem in 2 cycle outboards.

I would suggest getting a second battery.
Wire your engine, bilge pump, and navigation lights to the starting battery.

Wire all other accessories to the deep cycle battery. No switching back and forth.

Oh, and NEVER disconnect your engine from the battery while it is running, not even for a second.

 

[gregmsr]

Re: New boater 120hp Force questions

Would a portable 12 volt jump starter be a handy thing to have on board? I'm thinking of getting one just in case playing the radio or something else drains the battery. What you think?

 

[roscoe]

Re: New boater 120hp Force questions

sure, if you have room for it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: New boater 120hp Force questions

Jump starter is not an absolute necessity because that engine can be relatively easily rope started. You only need something to hold the choke closed if it has a choke. If it has the electric enrichment solenoid, you don't need anything except a handle and length of stout rope. Turn on the ignition and wrap the rope around the flywheel. If the engine has been warmed up previously and is in good tune, one pull is all it takes.

 

[Varilux]

Re: New boater 120hp Force questions

Picked her up a day early- first time I took a boat without someone who knew what they were doing!

What a blast! That little Force gets her up to 45mph or so (wow, a small adjustment on trim makes a huge difference on ride and speed).

I did notice the voltmeter never climbs above about 12.6 volts (would think it should get up to about 14 when running). I'm going to take a meter out tomorrow to see if it might just be the gauge (when I change the trim, the volts drop to about 11.0.

Other than forgetting to prime the fuel bulb (oh, and forgetting to disengage the transom saver prior to launching), everything went pretty easy- kids had a blast!

This boating stuff seems like it'll be a blast!

 

[roscoe]

Re: New boater 120hp Force questions

Good to hear you had a good first outing.
It will all become routine on no time.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: New boater 120hp Force questions

Congratulations. The fun with your family is just beginning.
Just to set your mind at ease: The trim motor draws a lot of current. It usually has a 30 amp circuit breaker on the supply. The engine alternator only supplys 7-10 amps, so when you use the trim motor, you draw more current than the alternator can supply and the battery voltage goes down some. As far as the voltmeter, they seem to read all over the place: I had one that read 18 volts while running. I don't think I've ever had an accurate one in any of my boats.

Contrary to what you may hear from some people, If you treat that Force right, she will never let you down. But always carry an extra set of spark plugs and 13/16 wrench. They do tend to foul and make it hard to start.