New owner - first boat!

[Fljar]

Hello everyone. Thought I'd join as I've purchased a new 2010 205 GT last June here in Colorado. (Volvo Penta 5.0 v8)

Family was very happy last summer and all was great. Well, at least after the dealer replaced the serpentine belt that shredded on day two. Hope that was an anomaly.

Anything I should look out for in general with Glastron (or this specific model)? I now have about 40 hrs on it. Any legitimacy to these boats "cracking" often?

Also, I'm a big DIY maintenance guy with my toys but no experience with boats. Just about to buy an oil extractor pump to start doing the oil myself at my intervals. Anything I should be aware of? I'm assuming I can get to the dipstick, oil fill hole, and filter. Anything else I should be aware of? Tranny oil? Synthetic after 150 hrs? Where the heck do I buy mineral oil for this thing? Any other simple maintenance items?

I bought the 2x winterization and summarization package from the dealer but I'd like to start doing it on my own (especially with that package running out next spring).

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[JRgt205]

Re: New owner - first boat!

Welcome to the boards and glastron. I cant speak for your power plant much but as far as the boat goes the only thing that popped in my head was to watch out for the Bimini top screws coming loose..had that happen..not fun. I have read some post about gel coat cracking..I assume that's what your talking about. I myself have not had this problem.
By some good vinyl cleaner and protector and keep a nice coat of wax on the boat.
change your drive oil in the fall.
check your engine oil often.
there is a ton of info on this site take the time to read up on your motor.

 

[cptnmcluvin]

Re: New owner - first boat!

We've got a 2011 GT205 with the 4.3 Merc MPI. I've made two modifications. First, I added a second pair of pop up cleats in the rear about 20 inches in front of the stock cleats. I found this position to be more useful than the stock cleats. Second, I'm adding a locking latch to the ski locker so we can keep stuff in there without worrying about it dissappearing.