Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

dragos28

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
70
I'd like to thank you gentleman for advising me in the right direction in my previous threads and in the numerous other threads that i have read.

I ended up with a 2001 Sea Ray 180

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(That's my son, Mom and me in the background)

The boat has 140 hours of use, which is what really sold me on it. The engine presented itself to be very clean, oil was clean/clear didnt smell burnt, fired up nicely. So hopefully I made a good purchase and it will provide us years of enjoyment.

I've read numerous discussions and have spoken with several people about the 3.0 Merc and everyone has their own opinion... Some hate the idea of a small engine but have never owned one, others who have owned one have said that it served them just fine. I feel that it will suffice for my intents and needs especially for my first boat.

What i really liked is that it only weighs 2800lbs, so it was a breeze to pull, from LA to Bakersfield over the mountains, my truck didnt even notice it...

only problem was the silly suggested MPH

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70mph just felt soo much better
I liked passing up all the other guys.. especially those in Fords and Dodges, LOL :D
Ok, i won't start another truck debate :lol:
However I did notice that even at 75mph my trailer was steady and other guys even with dual axels were fighting to keep theirs in their lane, one guy wasnt even going 50 and his trailer was fishtailing... was a bigger boat, looked like a 21' yamaha, sexy looking thing...

Now I just need to get her registered and insured, find/buy/install a bimini top and enjoy the waters!
Also, I will need to find the appropriate threads about maintenance.

Since i'm in So Cal, can anyone suggest some nice lakes that permit camping? Preferably that are children friendly and have mature trees~plenty of shade.
 

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Levinz11

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
726
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Congrats dragos. Much fun will be had!
 

chimmike

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 26, 2013
Messages
141
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Congrats. Sea Ray is an excellent boat.

I learned the hard way that orientation on the trailer can significantly affect towing. Too far back=MAJOR sway issues.
Tow safe!

Looks like you were driving through west Texas. Did that drive last month. Ya'all can have that desert to yourselves!
 

jkimball

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 14, 2013
Messages
220
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Congrats! and welcome aboard. Nice looking boat
 

gtochris

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2010
Messages
742
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Congratulations! Be aware that many boat trailer tires and trailer tires in general are speed rated to surprisingly low Maximum limits.
 

emilsr

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 16, 2010
Messages
774
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Congrats on the new boat!

Trailer tires are rated to 65mph. That's all I'll say about that.
 

dragos28

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
70
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Thank you gentlemen, I will observe the legal speed limit from now on :D
Also I'd like to avoid Jonny Law as well

I was looking at the propeller and noticed that there is a slight bend/distortion on one of the blades, nothing major maybe an 1/8 of an inch of deflection. Should I be worried about this?
 

dragos28

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
70
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Also, since i'm on the topic of props...
Would it be recommended to upgrade?
I'd like a prop that would keep my RPMs lower to save engine wear and tear...

can anyone recommend a thread that discusses props... perhaps pitch and # of blades.
Thank you kindly gentlemen.
 

southkogs

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
14,999
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

I was looking at the propeller and noticed that there is a slight bend/distortion on one of the blades, nothing major maybe an 1/8 of an inch of deflection. Should I be worried about this?
From the sound of it, no. I wouldn't worry about some wear, deflection in the prop. That'll happen for a bundle of reasons ... in my case the occasional rogue rock. Keep an eye on it though.

I don't know the answers to prop upgrades on that boat.

Congratulations on the buy. Nice lookin' boat for your family.
 

dragos28

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
70
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Thank you kindly for the responses.
Now I am in the process of searching for suitable shade.. the sun here is unforgiving!
So far all i have found is the standard bimini shade...
i'd like to know if anyone could direct me to where i can find a "convertible top" such as this one
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in the owners manual it actually showed this item, but did not show an item #
would this be an off the shelf item or would it need to be custom made?
also could this be used in conjunction with a bimini for optimal shade?

thanks once again gentlemen.
 

RVGS209

Recruit
Joined
Sep 2, 2012
Messages
5
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Thank you kindly for the responses.
Now I am in the process of searching for suitable shade.. the sun here is unforgiving!
So far all i have found is the standard bimini shade...
i'd like to know if anyone could direct me to where i can find a "convertible top" such as this one
1368279.jpg

in the owners manual it actually showed this item, but did not show an item #
would this be an off the shelf item or would it need to be custom made?
also could this be used in conjunction with a bimini for optimal shade?

thanks once again gentlemen.

Check out iboats for the bimini. I found a website that made custom "umbrella" style tops. I will see if I have it written down as I was seriously thinking about getting one as well.

Welcome Aboard!
 

NYBo

Admiral
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

I'd like a prop that would keep my RPMs lower to save engine wear and tear...
That's actually a bad idea if you are running in the proper RPM range at WOT. You would have a harder time getting on plane and put additional strain on the motor doing so. With proper maintenance, your motor will last many hundreds of hours without problems.
 

Jayboat66

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Mar 19, 2013
Messages
86
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Good Advise!!!

Check the tires on your trailer, I think 65 MPH will be fine for your trailer.

I like your Sea Ray!!! very nice boat.
 
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dragos28

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
70
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Thank you gentleman!
Im chomping at the bit to get it on the water!
:D
 

pckeen

Commander
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
2,067
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Work out what the RPMs on your boat are supposed to be at WOT (wide open throttle). Run your boat and try it out at various speeds. See what the hole shot is like (how quickly it goes from start, front rears up, then drops down to plane). Run it at WOT and see what the RPMs on your boat are - they should be at or close to the maximum RPMs for the boat.

For more detailed advice, start a thread on the props section, but they'll want this info first.

And another big welcome to iboats!
 

etracer68

Ensign
Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
906
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Wecome to the boating world, I sugest buying a "FACTORY" service manual. And as others have said, run the prop you have now, and get WOT rpm, and GPS speed, with a lighter load in the boat. Then you should buy an prop and use the one you have now for a spare.
 

carey965

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
176
Re: Yes! Finally a Boat Owner!

Nice boat welcome to the expensive world of boating. Now we just got to get you a proper truck to pull it. Lol

All joking aside I have a convertable top for mine and is a pain in the arse you are always hunched over the Bim is where it's at just get a nice one of them
 
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