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

[Splat]

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

Well let's see...
New trailer tires, put the deck back in. Install all hardware. mount trolling motor. Run wiring for entire boat. Mount battery boxes. Install hose clamps for new live well system. Mount seat pedistals. Reinstall forward cleats. Repair spark issue on motor. Secure fuel tank. Install rod holders. Find license plate for trailer in garage.

I think that's about it.

Should be on the water next weekend.

 

[JimS123]

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

Haven't done a thing and don't intend to. Fluids, winterization, waxing, etc. all done last Fall. The gas tank is full. Need to install the battery and run on muffs a half hour before we go out the first time. The Starcraft is ready as well.

The upper Niagara will probably have ice out late May, based on the current ice pack in Lake Erie. Last year at this time we were boating already.

Flying to FLL tomorrow for a 10 day cruise. The ice can take its time!

 

[dingbat]

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

Uncover the boat, rinsed, and put in the slip the third week in March. Pull boat after Striper season (mid-May) and detail.
Project wise, can't decided between refinishing the hardtop or installing a bow pulpit...

 

[garbageguy]

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

The upper Niagara will probably have ice out late May, based on the current ice pack in Lake Erie. Last year at this time we were boating already.

I hope it doesn't take that long, Jim. I was just thinking today that she was already wet this time last year. Then again, it gives me time to knock a few things off the list. Maybe I'll make a dent in the wish list once the essentials are done.

 

[79Renken]

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

I've been out 5-6 times so far this year including yesterday. ;-)

Lots of work before that. I stripped out most of the interior over the winter. The side bow cushions needed new wood backing. New carpet throughout and new Wise lounge and jump seats. Redid the stereo. Still not quite finished with some details, however I couldn't pass on the nice weather we've already had here in Middle Tennessee. She's running well, engine and outdrive oil changed as part of winterization last fall.

 

[briangcc]

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

It's still in shrink wrap - major waterways still have ice in them so no rush on my part.

As part of the winterization process, the marina I dealt with got it ready for turn key in the spring so all I need to do is clean, put my safety equipment in, and launch...well once I register my trailer that is. I do need to put my boat registration stickers on - might take me all of, ohh, 15 minutes as I plan on peeling off the old ones as the stack is a little thick now!

 

[eavega]

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

New water pump, check alignment greased up u-joint, gimbal, shafts, as well as other points with zerks on the outdrive, changed the drive oil and the motor oil, new fuel-water separating filter, new fuel filters at pump and at carb, lubricated the shift cable pivot points, fixed the engine cover (needs to be rebuilt, but I'm hoping it survives the season with my fix), repacked trailer bearings and installed bearing buddies. New 4-blade prop installed. Hauled it to the local gas station that has non-e and filled up the fuel tank. All that is left is to give it a detailing and put it out on the water.

I ALMOST took a "sick and tired" day today and took the boat out to the lake since it was supposed to be a beautiful day here but I couldn't find a buddy to go out with me and I've never single-handed the boat. I may have to wait until week after next, as softball season is in full swing and my daughter is playing both on her league team as well as the league all-star team so between games, practices, and tournaments I don't think I get a free afternoon until mid next week and the weather is supposed to be crappy here all next week.

-E

 

[MH Hawker]

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

Splashed mine 6 weeks ago.

 

[dadurling]

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

When I put away the Wellcraft V20 Fisherman last fall I lost tilt/trim in the Evinrude 140. Just put in the battery and traced the problem to a dead tilt/trim motor. Thanks to all the great information on this forum, I'm now attempting to hammer out the top pin in the ram so I can tilt the trim motor assembly and hopefully attack the rusty screws holding the old motor on. Let's just say I can't think of a worse design than putting that trim motor where it is, with two screws almost completely inaccessible. I'd also like to hook up my VHF radio to the GPS for DSC but the information about the connections is pretty sketchy.

 

[AChotrod]

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

Goin out tomorrow. Put in a new impeller, washed, waxed, cleaned carpets, new trolling mounts and a new sonar. She is ready to go. Cant wait for work to be over!

 

[Trim]

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

Alot of minor things for me: new bilge blower hose, bilge water hose, replacing impellar, oil change, need to replace horn but I never use it so doubt I will have that done. Can't wait to splash her!

 

[JimS123]

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

I hope it doesn't take that long, Jim. I was just thinking today that she was already wet this time last year. Then again, it gives me time to knock a few things off the list. Maybe I'll make a dent in the wish list once the essentials are done.

The weatherman reported the other day that this was the worst winter and ice buildup in 40 years. I distinctly remember the Spring of 1969. The last ice came down June 1st. I had a wooden boat that year and went May Pike fishing in Pendleton, launching from the NT City Docks. When I got back to the ramp I had to traverse 1/4 mile of ice flows and then use a paddle to clear the ramp. I didn't know that the canal locks had opened that day and the current pulled the ice 6 miles inland from the river.

Let's hope this year will get warm fast...

 

[bezerk1]

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

I have been reading your posts. You guys are way ahead of me. Even the guys up north. I stopped at a boat store and purchased a new winch strap for the trailer. My existing rope is dry rotted and ready to fail. I have a boat load (see what I did there) of parts to install this weekend. I need new mounting nuts for the drive, then I have to borrow an OMC alignment tool and put the drive back on. It seems like everybody is installing water pumps. Mine is 5 years, and it looks as good as the new one. We'll change it anyway. Maybe in two or three weeks I'll haul the boat to my house. In the winter I store it at one of my buildings about 20 miles away. It really sucks when I have a full shop at home and only a basic tool kit at the remote location. I'm expecting to launch the weekend after Memorial Day. Keep your stories coming.

 

[southkogs]

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

1) Refinished the swim deck this winter.
2) Rebuilt the "dog house" over the engine.
3) Reassembled back of the boat - put "dog house" on, put seats back in.
4) Charged batteries.
5) Checked fluids - changed unit lube when I put her up.
6) Fill the fuel tank.
7) Attempted to start boat. Wouldn't start. Run battery down to nuthin' trying to figure out what the heck is going on.
8) Disassembled the fuel pump to figure out that probably isn't the problem
9) Disassemble the back of the boat - take off "dog house" and take seats back out
10) Try to figure out fuel flow from the tank, and find a nice hole in the fuel line. Fix fuel line.
11) Repeat steps 3 - 5
12) Start boat ... it runs!!
13) Realize it is not too late in the evening to take it out to the lake
14) Put boat back in garage.

... we should hit the water this weekend.

 

[greenbush future]

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

Purchase new boat cover, mine was destroyed in the winter of 14 here in Michigan. Using the full Bimini enclosure right now to keep her dry. Replace trim switch in throttle handle, new carpet and cushions if I'm really motivated.

Second boat is needing finished glass work, reinstall cut cap, sand prime, paint. Twin 35's need to be repainted. The list is long but I'm motivated, need 35 hour days to get both floating this year. Until that occurs it's OPB's (Other peoples boats). Been hitting the walleye's quite a bit on the Detroit River.

 

[Challenger604]

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

Changed the oils, filters, bearings, races, seals, water impeller, washed and steam cleaned the carpet. Once it gets a little warmer a good wax job is on order and new tires. Will most likely get out on the water in the next few weeks then the BIG trip to Lake Cumberland in June.

 

[axisg]

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

LOL busy couple weeks behind and a busy one ahead
DONE:
New alum prop, sent the spare to be repaired
1 New battery, made my own battery tray, glassed and mounted
New trailer spare
Pulled the trailer bearings apart, new seals and re-greased with bearing buddies
Re-inforced the 2 areas on the floor where you first step into the boat with another layer of fibreglass
Cleaned and painted all the storage cubbies
Headgasket, headwork, "rattle can re-build" of all the removed parts and short block
Oil Change

To-do by next weekend
- steady trickle from the heat exchanger return line
- clean the bilge area
- repair the seat mount that broke last fall
- shampoo the carpets ( glass floor repair made a mess )
- pull off the 25+ year old graphics, compound, cut , polish, and apply new graphics ( this may wait a couple weeks )

 

[AChotrod]

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

Got out yesterday! Ran great but it was a bit chilly with the wind.

 

[T_Herrod]

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

Installed new impeller and housing yesterday and mounted batteries. Today i cleaned the carpet and fired it up on the muffs. The motor started much easier that i thought it would. Water pump is working just fine. Have to do wheel bearings and torque the prop nut this afternoon and we will be ready for the lake. Expect to splash it next weekend, it looks like the weather should be good enough for the Admiral to go out.

 

[T_Herrod]

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

Installed new impeller and housing yesterday and mounted batteries. Today i cleaned the carpet and fired it up on the muffs. The motor started much easier that i thought it would. Water pump is working just fine. Have to do wheel bearings and torque the prop nut this afternoon and we will be ready for the lake. Expect to splash it next weekend, it looks like the weather should be good enough for the Admiral to go out.