First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

I am about to pick up a 1998 Maxum Boat 17'. It has a 120 hp motor, cant remeber the name of the engine. It has been sitting for two years, it was last ran two years ago with no problem. I was wondering what steps I should take to ensure that I will have no problems down the road. I would rather take 3 months to get it running than take 2 weeks of shortcuts. Thanks,
Jon

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

Is this an outboard engine or a I/O engine?
Has a lot to do with the answers you want.
Give us some more info.

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

It?s an outboard engine. When I get the boat can I just fill it with gasoline and see if it runs, or should I flush the old fuel out if there is some in there, and then add new, fresh gas?

Do I just see if it starts and go from there or are there certain steps I should take first before I even try to start the engine, replace anything, and inspect anything?

Obviously I will look over everything first to see if I see anything that doesn?t look right, but I am not a boat expert, it?s my first one so that?s what I am asking. I don?t want to ruin it by being premature, I would rather do it correctly, whatever that entails to ensure the engine will last.

I have read different articles, some saying that I should replace a bunch of parts because it?s been sitting there even though they aren?t necessarily broken, and others saying that I don?t need to replace anything until its bad/broken.

I hope that helps you with what I am looking for as far as advice/help.

If you were to be getting this boat, what steps would you take to ensure it will run/operate to its best ability as far as the engine/mechanics go?

I could also use suggestions as far as the best way to clean it inside (everything) and outside, I know it will need a good waxing. There is mold/mildew on the seats, what?s the best way to get rid of it and prevent it again?

Sorry, there is a lot there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

I'd flush the gas out and then pull the plugs...spray some oil in each cylinder and turn the engine over by hand first...see if there are any stuck rings...then spray somemore oil in each cylinder and use the starter to spin it up some to get oil up and into the rest of the engine....replace plugs..ad the new gas...then make sure it's got water flowing to the water pick up...start engine and run for a few minutes keeping an eye on temp and oil pressure....if that trial works...then take it out into the water on short trips....getting it oiled and up too temp...I'd also replace the impeller and oil in the engine and drive before going out....

mold on seats...get the Mr. Clean's magic eraser...and a bucket of water...that will clean the marks and mold up really nicely....

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

Steve, thank you for the tips. I have a few questions. When you say keep an eye on the temp/oil pressure, what exactly am I looking for, what temp and oil pressure should it be running at normally?

I am not familiar with impeller? What exactly is that? Are you talking about the propeller?

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

Picked up the boat. It?s a 1998 Maxum 1800 XR with a 120 HP Mercury/Force engine. The engine is very clean. I will do the engine stuff; plugs, impeller, oil etc, within the next couple of weeks.

The two major things that need to be done are the seats and the floor.

The floor has more than one soft spot. Around the entire storage area and some other smaller spots. Would it be best to replace the entire floor as opposed to the different spots? How much price difference is there? Is it something that should be done by a professional or is it a DIY kind of thing?

The seats need to be replaced, both Port & Stbd sleeper seats and the bench cushions (3 up front and 2 in the back). This should be done by a professional correct? Any idea on a price range it will be in...so I don?t get ripped off? Also, how much more would it be to have the vinyl long the sides replace? Is this something that would be expensive? Not worth it?


Thanks,
Jon

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

Just make sure you add 2cycle oil to the gas, at 50 to 1 ratio on that outboard.

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

Jefro573 said:

Steve, thank you for the tips. I have a few questions. When you say keep an eye on the temp/oil pressure, what exactly am I looking for, what temp and oil pressure should it be running at normally?

I am not familiar with impeller? What exactly is that? Are you talking about the propeller?

Click to expand...

sorry I missed this one ..been really busy up here at the bomber factory...but anyways...when you run it...watch to see that the oil pressure doesn't drop out or fluxuate..it should be about 35-55psi on the gauge.....make sure it's steady...the temp...you don't want that going about I think 175..if it starts creaping up into the 190-200 range...shut it down ...it usually means the thermostat is bad or the impeller....
now for the impeller..nope...not talking about the propeller...that pushes you thru the water....the impeller .......it drives water up into the head and engine for cooling and needs to be replaced every so often...if it's been sitting for a couple of yrs...it should be replaces as it is probably dry and brittle....they aren't that hard to replace but if you don't know how..have the shop do it and show you for next time.....
hope this helps....sorry for the delay on my answers...

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

Not a problem Steve. I am not sure if it has a oil/temp gauge I forgot to look and I can?t remember if it does or not. If it does I will keep those numbers in mind.

As far as the impeller, I know what you are talking about now. Just had to understand how a boat engine works. I will hopefully get to it this weekend; I want to hear this engine start up...see how it sounds.

Then it?s on to repairing the soft spots in the floor.

Thanks for your help.

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

I have another question. My boat needs two new sleeper/lounge seats for the port and stbd side. They are 21" wide. I got a quote for $325 each to have them rebuilt/reupholstered including the box. I have been looking online for new seats to buy and have found some for half the price but are only 19" wide. Can I use the 19" inplace of the 21"

What are the pros/cons of each method?

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

Well good news and bad news (I think). The engine started right up. However I am worried about something. The engine (Picture attached) had fuel spitting/coming out of the bottom of the two silver parts (not sure what it is yet ) at the front of the engine. Is this normal? I have been told that boat engines spit out oil/gas but it seems to be too much. What is the norm?

Let me know if you have trouble viewing the attachment.

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

Hey guys...got another question for you. There is a little gouge on the starboard side just about 1-2 inches above the rub rail and about a foot or two from the registration letters going towards the stern. The gouge is about a 1/4" deep maybe a little more or less and about the size of a nickel to a quarter size.

Is this something that should be repaired before we go into the water? Is this something that can be patched with a fiberglass kit or something like that? Or should it be done by a professional?

Re: First Time Use? Need Suggestions?

you shouldn't spit out anything but water out the pee hole in the back...you may need to have the carb rebuilt.....and as for fiberglass goes....I can send you step by step instructions on how to repair fiberglass and gelcoat..send me an email at
harry.stephens at worldnet.att.net...(use the circle a sign in place of at)..