Quick Questions- First time out

[TwoWatt]

I finally bought a small fishing boat a few weeks ago and since the weather forecast is calling for 50's this weekend I thought I'd take it out.<br />The plan was to make sure the trolley motor works ok, take it too a lake & get away from the launch before trying to fire up the outboard (50hp Mercury).<br />I am looking for any tips before starting the motor up. The fuel can has been drained, I am charging the battery now (I have 2 that I am taking). I also have the must-haves, life vests, paddle,fire ext,etc. <br />Also, assuming this weather is just a fluke and it gets cold again (freezing temps) do I have to worry about the outboard freezing? Does anything need to be done after the trip? <br />Thanks for helping a new guy out.

 

[kcole683]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

If I had bought a boat and hadn't had it out before there is no way I would drive it to the launch without first starting it up in the driveway on the garden hose. If you don't know about it you may need some tools and a little tweaking. I suggest to run the motor on the hose at home before the maiden voyage. Make surte water flows through cooling system,engine runs good,and that it doesn't get hot due to a bad water p0ump impellar or clog thermostat etc.<br /><br />As to the outboard freezing,they are self draining and require no further winterization for freezing. The unit will drain when in the down position,it may not fully drain when tilted all the way up. Leave it drain in a down position for a few minutes to get most of the water out.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

I would take this good advice and run it on the<br />hose/muffs first. always good to change the L/U<br />oil and water impeller on any new/old motor.<br />also make sure carbs are clean and working properly.<br />even if it runs, if it is too lean, you can fry<br />a piston real quick.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

NEVER NEVER EVER RUN A BOAT THE FIRST TIME ANYPLACE THAN ON DRY LAND, HOW DO YOU KNOW IT EVEN WORKS AT ALL?!?!?!?! i sure hope you know how to swim....

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

The plan was to make sure the trolley motor works ok

The problem is.....I live in an apartment. I have the "earmuffs" but no water source.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

maybe you can put a big garbage can under it and<br />fill it with water? 50hp is a little big for this<br />but better than the alternative IMO.<br />I would still do the maint. I suggested even b4<br />this though.

 

[jinx]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

Find a friend who has a driveway...a co worker?<br /><br />Good Luck, and it was a good idea asking first.<br /><br />Jinx

 

[roscoe]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

The electric trolling motor can be tested, breifly, without water.<br /><br />Just be sure everything is clear of the prop, and no kids around.<br /><br />This time of year, the launch should be quiet.<br />I would back the trailer into the water and try the motor before taking it off the trailer.

 

[ED21]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

My Johnson recommends cranking the engine briefly without starting to make sure water is purged from waterpump. Store it down so water can't accumulate anywhere.<br />Couldn't agree more with starting ahead of time & performing maintenance. It may save a lot of headache.<br />Get a service manual & take the mystery out of it.<br />It sounds like you are on the right track.

 

[a2xprt]

Re: Quick Questions- First time out

I too live in an Apt complex. I am currently restoring my boat/trailer/motor/etc. When it comes time to test the motor, I plan on using a garden hose hooked up to my faucet of the kitchen sink. You can buy adapters from any hardware store to allow you to do this. You just need to find out what type of connector you need. Threads inside or outside...<br /><br />Hey, I actually gave advice instead of asking for some...woo hoo!<br /><br />Regards,<br />Joe