Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

[Shevie]

Hopefully tomorrow I will be the proud new owner of a 1992 Rinker Feista Vee 260. I got the boating bug March of this year. So needless to say i'm new to it all. Started out with a yamaha exciter jet boat, then onto a 1994 Sea Ray 170. Yeah on my third boat in less than a year. Bad decisions on my part. I'm thinking this boat is probably to big for a newbie but with a experienced friend to guide me i'm willing to take the chance. This boat is the cuddy cabin. My question is, what types of preventative maintanence do I need to do to keep my boat running a smooth as possible. I do not plan keeping the boat in the water when not in use. This boat seems to be in immaculate condition and well taken care of. My friend is going with me tomorrow for the sea trail and is doing a compression test on motor and a couple other things. Can someone guide me and give advice on things I need to do, litarature, etc.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

Congratulations ... hope the 2 foot-itis doesn't keep creeping you up boat sizes over this next year. That could get expensive!

Help us out by telling us what drive you have on the Rinker. That'll help with some details. Also, time to buy you a good shop manual ... they make a nice Christmas gift.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

Congratulations, Shevie. +1 on the Shop manual. Others will chime in, but you might check out the engine section of the forum below, or try the advanced search box above. Lots of excellent info there.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

If the sea trail goes well... your next most important item would be structure. You need to inspect the hull of the boat for rot. Just because it looks nice doesn't mean its structurally sound. Take a flashlight and mirror. Get a look anywere you can. Post up some pics if you get her.

 

[Shevie]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

It has the mercruiser 5.7 with bravo one and thanks for the help so far!! Where is the best place to look for rot?

 

[Shevie]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/auburnfan1103/5637a77b.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/auburnfan1103/91cf4794.jpg

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

Beautiful looking rig. Can't believe it's 20 yrs. old !!!

 

[Shevie]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

Yeah I know!! The boat was originally all white and the owner had the blue added. He just had the bottom anti foul stripped to gelcoat and a couple coats of anti foul bottom paint. The guy that im trying to buy it from is the second owner. Hope all goes well tomorrow Hopefully ill be adding pics of my new (used) boat tomorrow!!

 

[90stingray]

Where is the best place to look for rot?

Usually toward the aft of the boat... since that's the direction the water is moving and will usually stand. I would do a lot of looking in the engine area. Tap around on the transom with a screwdriver handle to hear for soft spots. Walk around on the floor to feel for weak areas. You will know if you have found a bad spot.


Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

As far as regular maintenance goes . . .

Winterization - that is a fancy word for using antifreeze and draining everything so things don't freeze and break (if you are in cold climates) and using fogging oil on the engine so it does not rust internally when layed up for extended periods ot time (see winterization does sound better)

Oil changes - engine & outdrive

Checking hose clamp tightness and electrical connections.

Corrosion protection, especially if used in salt water (anodes)

Lots to learn with a bigger boat, more stuff to break, etc.

You'll have fun. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

A whole lot depends on where you are (due to heat or cold, salt or fresh) and if you keep it moored or on the trailer. What's your status?

 

[Philster]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

^Absolultely. Details about how/where it was used.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

I would suggest getting the boat surveyed by an accredited surveyor. Cheap insurance in my books.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

In addition to the boat maintence, make sure your tow vehicle is adequate and the maintence is kept up. Thats a good size boat and will tow a little different than what you are used to pulling.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

That's a really sweet looking boat. Good luck with it!

 

[Shevie]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

Well the boat is mine. Brought her home today. My friend checked everything that he could. Seems like a solid boat to him. He has experience with Rinkers. He had this same boat just newer. I live in lower Alabama. 45 minutes from Pensacola,Fl. My plans are to keep out of the water when not in use and I plan to use all year round. The weather here is pretty unpredictable. Its the middle of December and it was almost 80 degrees today. Two weeks ago it was freezing cold. This week I plan on changing foot oil and engine. Towing with F250.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

That far south you aren't likely to encounter freezing conditions. But if a deep freeze is predicted for 1 or 2 days you could drain it or put it in the water. Water bodies take days to freeze. If you want a shared copy of the manual check your private mail. I'll send you an address.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

Well the boat is mine. Brought her home today. My friend checked everything that he could. Seems like a solid boat to him. He has experience with Rinkers. He had this same boat just newer. I live in lower Alabama. 45 minutes from Pensacola,Fl. My plans are to keep out of the water when not in use and I plan to use all year round. The weather here is pretty unpredictable. Its the middle of December and it was almost 80 degrees today. Two weeks ago it was freezing cold. This week I plan on changing foot oil and engine. Towing with F250.

It all sounds good. The tough thing is where you are it could get to freezing quickly, so you have to winterize when not in use. I (also} would recommend draining everything (water) from the engine after each winter use, since you could use it occasionally throughout the winter.

You have more than enough towing vehicle, so you should feel comfortable in looking for a larger boat in a few years.

Now that you have the boat, here is a typical list of my annual maintenance items. I usually keep a list on my computer and add to it throughout the year. Then, I do most of the work in the spring and some of it in the fall.

 

[Shevie]

Re: Newbie Needs Some adivice on Maintanence

Thanks everyone for the help and tips!!!