Newbie questions

[sandstorm]

Hi everyone:
I'm a longtime lurker, first time poster here on the site. After dabbling in PWC's and longing for a boat, I finally picked up a new (to me) 1997 Bayliner Capri 1750. It has the 3.0 Mercruiser I/O and looks like it's been well cared for. I'm looking forward to my first outing with it this holiday weekend and just want to ask a few questions here to help it be a success.
1. What are the steps to getting the boat ready to go the morning of the trip? I want to make sure I can get the engine started so I don't have a long day of hauling to the lake just to turn around without hitting the water. I bought the motor earmuff things to flush and start it out of the water. What are the things I need to do when starting it in the driveway? (How to choke, run water first or turn on motor first, etc)
2. Upon getting to the launch site, what further steps do I need to take? I know the drain plug is important, but how about anything not as obvious? Little tricks you all have learned over the years are appreciated.
3. Safe boating - Anything to know that hasn't been covered in the boating class?
4. End of day - What are your procedures at the end of the day that ensure success on your next trip?

Again, I appreciate any help. I'd hate to spend what I did on the boat only to do something wrong and ruin our weekend.

 

[Monte1961]

Re: Newbie questions

Check and make sure you have enough life jackets, a throwable also, check engine fluids, fire extinguisher, lower outdrive and turn on water before starting, Bad JuJu on impeller running dry! allow to get to operating temp approx 160%fht. Shift to forward and reverse just to make sure its working, DONT GET NEAR THE PROP< IT WILL BITE YOU! and do this with the outdrive in down position. if good cool go and have fun! NOTE: have everything ready to go before you back down the ramp. leave outdrive up intill the boat floats before lowering, start and move to the dock and allow engine to warm up. Dont leave the dock intill your sure that engine doesnt overheat. if not, go play!

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: Newbie questions

Get a copy of the boating regulations for your state (can prolly google it). They will have a list of what is required to have in your boat in your state. Make sure you follow this, you can get a ticket if they pull a safety inspection on you. For pre-boating stuff, I recomend going out the day before and starting your engine (on muffs, or barrel), checking the stearing, flip all the switches and make sure all your stuff is working, only takes about 10-15min. Install the drain plug at this time!!! Next day, load your boat before you go to the dock, this gives you a chance while your still home to make sure you haven't forgotten anything and also keeps people at the launch ramp from giving you dirty looks while they have to wait on you to get your boat loaded. While at the ramp, make sure you have installed the drain plug. Make sure you have checked the weather and tides if applicable. While out there, keep your head on a swivel and pay attention to whats going on around you. Often you can spot an idiot comming. Keep an eye (and ear) on your boat. Oftentimes you can hear a problem with the boat before you'll see it.Be respectful of other boaters (remember, sailboats under sail always have the right of way) follow the nav rules, and above all have fun. If you haven't yet, taken a boating safety course you should do so, some are online. When you get back home, unload your boat than (if in saltwater), run and flush your engine, I recomend disconecting the gas and running it till it dies). Than wash the boat, remember, you are fighting a constant battle aginst corrosion, and fix anything that went bad durring the day. Allot of boating is common sence stuff so be safe and have allot of fun.

Art

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Newbie questions

Welcome to iboats.

Visit the I/O section and ask around for the link to see a (and download) a manual for that set up

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Newbie questions

I think everything covered already is sound advise. Always start your rig before leaving home (with muffs of course), Call a relative and let them know where you plan on boating and how long (call back when you return),small tool box of wrenches,scewdrivers plyers and electrical tape,and watch at the dock the day before or before you launch to see what others are doing that works and make it work for you in your own way or exactly.Good luck and welcome aboard!!!!!

 

[cr2k]

Re: Newbie questions

Since the boat is new to you, I would add checking the oil for both level and color before and after running in the driveway. (checks integrity of cooling system and block/gaskets).

Also you should be thinking about a new water pump impeller way sooner then later. These should be replaced every other year regardless of use or no use and unless you know for sure it's been done....

Practice backing up! Load boat and unhook straps and install drain plug before you block or back down the ramp. You should be ready to back into the water with someone in the boat to back it off trailer and dock it or someone on the ramp holding the bow line.

Spend some time just watching people at the ramp, getting a feel for it. It is not hard to spot the good ones and ones who don't have a clue.

Hope your first outing is fun and safe.

 

[sandstorm]

Re: Newbie questions

Excellent advice from all. Thanks very much!

 

[mrchev]

Re: Newbie questions

always leave winch tied on till your in the water. seen people undo them and then back the boat in, to only have it come off the trailer a couple feet short of the water. doesn't make for a good boating day.$$$$$$$$

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Newbie questions

like it's stated above muffs on water on engine on egine off water off muffs off then once at the water let it warm up might take you a minuite or 2. if you dont let it warm up enough it sometimes may stall out if you accualy look at the choke mine stays on for about a minuite after i start it, thus about 1 minuite to warm up, if choke is closed no air means no power. as for tightening down the hatches at the end of the day check stern straps, bow strap, safty chain, and make sure your outdrive is up. always good to have 4 screw drivers; 2 phillips, 2 flat head, 1 small 1 large, socket set, maybe a few wrenches, channel locks, ect..

few weeks ago i went out my speedo stoped working i had just put new gauges in a month before that and water was coming out of the dash. so i shut it down mom threw out a fishing line and i took the dash out and put the hose back on the speedo[this time i did it better]. fluke things happen i put 5 hours on that gauge before it came off. also i noticed my water pump belt was loose when i went out, it was squeeling so i tightened that as well. best to be covered on tools even if they arnt used better then not having it when you need it.

another thing i do is check my oil not in drive way but after boat is launched before i start it, not every time but most of the time.
as stated impellor i would have i changed in fall when you get it winterized unless you change it yourself pull the cover off and inspect shouldnt take but a few minuites try the merc threads to more details.

 

[copake]

Re: Newbie questions

Here is a checklist I keep with me:

Boat Prep Checklist (before leaving):

1. Boat title, boat registration, and trailer registration onboard (in boat glove box)
2. Trailer tire pressure @ 45 psi, including spare tire
3. Lug nuts tight
4. Wheel bearings greased and appear ok
5. Trailer lights connected and working
6. Trailer hitch latch secured to tow vehicle and locking pin inserted
7. Trailer safety chains secured to tow vehicle
8. Bow winch snug
9. Bow safety chain secured to trailer and boat
10. Stern straps secured
11. Outdrive up (and hydraulic cylinder brackets on, if avail)
12. Cover off and stowed
13. Windshield walk-through closed
14. Toys and tow ropes onboard, including air pump
15. PFD?s onboard, one for every person plus a throwable
16. Safety gear onboard (fire extinguisher, flares, flag, horn, anchor with line)
17. Tool box onboard; spare plug, tape, flashlight
18. Engine bay appears ok (belts, hoses, oil and hydraulic fluids)
19. Connect battery, check if battery ok / test start / charge if needed
20. Gas tank full; also add Sta-bil
21. Boat key (in boat glove box)


Bring:

? Lake parking pass and gate combination
? Lake map / chart
? GPS
? Cell phone
? Ipod
? Drinks and Snacks
? Sunglasses
? Hat
? Fishing gear
? Toys, tubes, skiis, ropes


At-Water Boat Start Up:

1. Outdrive hydraulic cylinder brackets off and stowed
2. Stern straps off and stowed
3. Drain plug in and snug with wrench
4. Bow safety chain removed. Bow winch loosened but don?t remove until boat in water
5. Bilge dry; check pump
6. Blower on
7. Ignition kill switch lanyard inserted
8. Maneuvering rope secured at bow cleat
9. Unplug trailer lights before backing into water


Shut down & storage:

? Check all items are reinstalled from the Prep Checklist
? Stereo off
? Disconnect battery
? Drain plug out

 

[emilsr]

Re: Newbie questions

On our lake I never leave the dock without beads. Lots and lots of beads.