What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this year?

[bezerk1]

I want to know what the status is on your boating season? What are you doing? What have you done? When are your expecting to launch the first time this year?

I already uncovered my boat twice this year. I installed a new exhaust flapper in my venerable 2.3 OMC Cobra. Next trip to the boat I am going to install the battery. Next is a timing belt. My boat mechanic recommended the belt. He was the previous owner's mechanic up until three years ago. He knows the boat inside and out and has many stories and memories regarding it. Since I do all my own work he gives me tips and pointers about my vessel. Really a great and helpful guy. Before my first launch this year I will polish the boat with Vaseline. Next, the wake tower goes back on and we will be ready to roll. My drive needs to filled with oil (Yes, I know the procedure) and aligned. I take it off and store it inside for the winter. I have a new fuel/water canister to install. I'm not changing engine oil this year because I did it last year. It is still as clear as the day I put it in. In NE Pennsylvania my boat only sees action every other weekend. Everybody that runs a boat all year round makes me jealous. I might, however, screw on a new Wix filter. A new prop might be in the works. Other than that, we are ready roll. What's your story? Post it up.

There are some members on this forum that will get all bent out of shape over the way I boat. In PA we are not as hardcore as coastal boaters. I wish we were. Boats around here are only used sparingly on the weekends. Every other weekend if you are lucky. 20 year old boats rule the water. There are still as many OMCs' as Mercs' around here and there will be for decades. Not every boat has a rotten transom. This is the way I do it and it has worked for me for the last 3 years of boat ownership. So deal with it.

 

[agallant80]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

It never ends. I think the last few things are a good cleaning and installing the filter on the tank vent.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

Changed the oil and impeller a couple weeks ago. Removed a board rack and added a ski rack. Just need the weather to get decent so that we can take it out and play.

 

[jobofly]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

Bottom paint and a full wax before it hits the water

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

Plan to clean and repack wheel bearings on trailer this weekend. Also put new impeller in water pump and get fresh fuel in the tank. I hope to launch the first weekend in May.

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

We've already had our boat out 3 trips this year. Still need to do a few odds and ends. Today, I need to complete the fish finder install then work on buffing her out. I've already refinished most of the wood trim on the boat. Just 2 more small pieces and that job will be done. Need to install cup holders too. Sometime this season, I need to replace the bunks on the trailer. I'm sure after those jobs are done, I'll find other things that need addressed. No boat "project" is ever finished.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

Finish this!

 

[dozerII]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

Went from this



To this



Almost ready for the water.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

After one of the coldest winters in history around here in the north east..wondering if using the "air dont freeze" method of winterization on my new to me boat, just bought last spring... tense waiting... finally warm enough, needed new points was all, fired over and runs like a champ.. Thanks Bondo! for the dry storage recommendation, I will never put antifreeze in... The idiot that I am, I installed a new axle last year with the cambre reversed..spring center hole down, not up.. it trailered fine all last year, however I wore the inside edge on tires about 1/2 off.. so this spring, up on blocks she went, flipped the axle over, everything off, then back on,, checked hubs, bearings, breaks, bled lines,, good to go.. new tires on trailer now..installed new bow stop, new winch with strap, no more cable to deal with.. converting to electronic ignition just because I dont want to deal with points again... probably splash down in May, fishing in NYS Fingerlakes

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

The list is long. First goal is to get the hull buffed and get her in the water and over to the dock. Once she's floating the fun begins.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

I have one piece of upholstered seating--the helm--that I remove Jan 1 when striper season ends and replace with plywood for the winter; need to put that back on plus some of the soft equipment I take out for the winter.

being a maintenance free boat, it sits in the water through the winter uncovered except the console. Could use a scrubbing, that's all.

 

[Natesms]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

I apparently buttoned up the bow-rider correctly last year. Only 3 hours to dewinterize and clean from top to bottom. Ran her around for a couple of hours on easter, she's done for now, just need to hit it with some wax at some point.

The Chris Craft has a way to go. Already taken it for a couple of runs but...Dewinterize the generator, change impeller and oil. Dewinterize and sanitize the fresh water system. Pull the starboard carburetor and rebuild, probably do the port as well while I'm at it. CLEAN, the winter grime is killing me. Finish building the deck on the new slip, finish building the sink and dock lockers for the new slip. See what breaks, fix that, repeat.

 

[hockynut2]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

First off dozerll beautiful work!! Just getting into the final stages of our winter floor project. new stringers installed, floor in just need final glass coat then paint(eliminated carpet) seat are here waiting to be put in. then put the lower unit back in (only way it fits in the garage) hook up all the wiring and fire her up, after impellar and oil seperator change. launching set for Memorial day weekend. :watermelon: wife will be happy to get her garage parking back(for now!)

 

[gstrom11]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

Just waiting for the rain to go away.. New trailer spare on its way, other than that ready to go!

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

OP, you don't change your oil every year, are you........... Lol J/K I don't change my 4 stroke every year either. Every other due to minimal use. Even when I do dump it, it still looks very good.

I need to change the powerhead and lower unit oil this year. I use synthetic in both. Waiting on my new prop. Also waiting for the ice to leave the lakes. Probably wont be open until around the 10th of May, give or take....... Still have snow in the forecast. Also want to take the "Crestliner" decals off, have new ones. And buff the hull......... For now it's still in storage.....

 

[ssoper]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

With my Four Winns, charged up the battery, ran on the muffs, did a good clean up, wash and vac. Wax this weekend. Then ready for the water!

 

[SDSeville]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

To do:
Water pump seals
Petronix ignition
Smart tabs

The season really doesn't end here, but I don't go out much in the winter. Will launch in a couple weeks.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

New trailer tires, good wash and wax, ready for the water! I enjoy spending a nice fall saturday changing oils/impeller/etc then not wasting too much time in the spring.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

OP, you don't change your oil every year, are you........... Lol J/K I don't change my 4 stroke every year either. Every other due to minimal use. Even when I do dump it, it still looks very good.

I need to change the powerhead and lower unit oil this year. I use synthetic in both. Waiting on my new prop. Also waiting for the ice to leave the lakes. Probably wont be open until around the 10th of May, give or take....... Still have snow in the forecast. Also want to take the "Crestliner" decals off, have new ones. And buff the hull......... For now it's still in storage.....

waiting for ice to leave? wow........... guess it's always colder someplace else.............

 

[bspeth]

Re: What needs to be done? What have you done so far? When is the first launch this y

Long list of maintenance,topped it off with a new stereo and speakers,new bearings and races for the wagon.Waiting on a little nice weather.