Hi, I'm new to boat owning but not new to boats and have many questions. Please forgive if some have been asked before, just need some reassuring. Just purchased a new '05 Caravelle 207 with Volvo Penta 5.0 220hp.Should I leave the transom in the up or down position while stored? A buddy of mine who has owned his "ski ray" for 12 years tells me he never uses fuel stabilizer. Is it necessary and how long should the boat sit before having to use it if at all? Should I tow with the cover on or off? Are those transom clips recommended while in tow or at any time? Lost my anchor(heavy debris down there or something) yesterday, was one of those rubber coated heavy ones. Purchased it by the advice of my dealer, should I replace it with the same one or would the metal variety work? Any other new boat owner advice would be appreciated, thanks.
"Should I leave the transom in the up or down position while stored?"I'm assuming you mean the outdrive.. I've always left mine up so I dont forget to raise it before going boating but others may recommend otherwise." never uses fuel stabilizer. Is it necessary and how long should the boat sit before having to use it if at all?"My opinion would be if it is going to sit for more than a month or two, I'd add stabilizer and run it for awhile before storing it. Fuel that turns to "varnish" in your carbs, can add up to a costly repair bill. why take the chance when its relatively cheap and easy to do."Should I tow with the cover on or off?"If its a good secure cover and you have a long distance to travel, sure why not? I never do but I live 1/2 mile from my launch... if its going to rain I just dont go. If its loose and flaps in the wind much at all, count on it self destructing over time."Are those transom clips recommended while in tow or at any time?"not sure what your referring to."was one of those rubber coated heavy ones. Purchased it by the advice of my dealer, should I replace it with the same one or would the metal variety work?"my $20 walmart anchor holds my 19' just fine and its rubber coated. Wouldnt want a metal anchor dragging up the side of my new boat. (if I had a new boat)"Any other new boat owner advice would be appreciated, thanks."Sure post pictures of your rig... we all enjoy seeing others boats.
Here's my take on all this:Generally want to leave the drive down when stored, so the bellows don't get stretched out during the off season...just don't forget to tip it up before towingI use Sta-Bil with every fill-up. It helps everything and hurts nothing except maybe $20 per year out of the wallet. It serves as a carb cleaner and a water remover, I always know it's thorougly in the carb float bowl for storage when the off season comes, if the boat happens to sit for a few months unused it's one less thing to worry about. The fuel is always fresh. General opinions is that new fuel begins to go stale after about 3 months.If your cover is tight and secure, tow with it. If it flaps in the wind, it'll shred to pieces.You're referring to trailering clips, and yes they should be used anytime you're towing to relieve stress from the trim hydraulic system and as a safety net in the event of a hydraulic failure that causes your outdrive to suddenly drag the interstate at 70 mph. Another $20 of cheap insurance to prevent possible $1,000 in damage. No need for them when parked because your drive will be down (see # 1 above).Anchor choice depends on your use. Rubber coated is nice to prevent scratching your boat, but if you're careful not needed. Many people do not understand the importance of a chain on the anchor. You can't just tie a rope to your anchor and expect it to hold. Anchors get their holding power from the weight of the chain PLUS the weight of the anchor. Usually you want chain to be a bit heavier than the anchor. For your rig, you'll probably want 6 to 8 feet of 1/4 inch chain between the rope and the anchor for general anchoring for general daytime use. If you're anchoring in deep waters or overnight/unattended, you'll want something much more significant, do some research from others more knowlegeable about anchoring than I am...Additional advice: Make sure you're legal (lifevests, flares/flags, fire extinguisher, registration, launch permit, etc.), take a safety class, make a prelaunch checklist and follow it, and don't forget the plug.I use www.photobucket.com to post pics. There's many other similar sites. Basically you post your pic to a web URL, then post the URL here on your posting. It's pretty easyWelcome and enjoy your rig!
welcome to iboats...I don't put stabilizer in my outboard fuel, but I never let more than 3 or 4 weeks go by without running it. year round. I don't tow with cover on just cause if it gets loose it'll flap to death & maybe damage something. Rain's no problem, it'll just drain anyway. Also if you're counting on the cover to hold gear in, and the cover comes loose (Murphy's law), you may lose something. Owners of new boats may feel differently, to protect gelcoat from road hazards.I did trailer it covered once, long trip in the rain & didn't want to put it up wet or mess with it when I got there. No problem. Put at least 3 straps over the top of the cover & around under the boat to keep it from filling with air.Don't forget to cross the safety chains under the trailer tongue.Check out www.tpwd.state.tx.us for boater safety tips & state laws. And lots of good info on local lakes & ramps.Ramp courtesy: prep for launch before you get on the ramp: remove tiedowns, put in plug, load gear & beer from truck, don't unhook the bow hook though. Pull clear of the ramp to prep for the drive home. At night, turn off your headlights while on the ramp, they blind other drivers trying to back down the next lane.have fun, and most importantly, be sure to post your Stupid Human Tricks in the SHT forum!
__________________ "It's all about the tools." -- myself
"Poets talk about 'spots of time,' but it is really fishermen who experience eternity compressed into a moment. No one can tell what a spot of time is until suddenly the whole world is a fish and the fish is gone. I shall remember that son of a b**** forever." -- N. Maclean
Take a boaters safety class. Read the forums regularly. You would be amazed at how many tips you pick up.Don't forget to put your bilge plug in every time. I keep mine on a "holster" around my keys. That way I always know to put it in.If you are having troubles and someone gives your grief, remind them that they were new to boating once too! Most of the time, people are very friendly and willing to help if you ask.Have fun!!!
New boat owner, have many questions.
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