First timer!!

Hello to all I just recently acquired a 1974 signa delta trihull 18ft boat with a newer trailer and a 115 hp mercury outboard motor. I have never had a boat beforeand any advise about storing or general maintenance would be appreciated! first off where should i buy a cover i found 1 on this website for $160 is that a decent deal? the previous owner did not take care of it as well as id liked and i need help with the basics!
thanks to all in advance!

Re: First timer!!

Welcome aboard. Post some pics.

Iboats is having a sale.

http://www.iboats.com/boatingmadness/

Re: First timer!!

Star Joe said:

Hello to all I just recently acquired a 1974 signa delta trihull 18ft boat with a newer trailer and a 115 hp mercury outboard motor. I have never had a boat beforeand any advise about storing or general maintenance would be appreciated! first off where should i buy a cover i found 1 on this website for $160 is that a decent deal? the previous owner did not take care of it as well as id liked and i need help with the basics!
thanks to all in advance!

Click to expand...

Born in Chicago Heights, raised in Olympia Fields...damn, you picked a helluva time to get a boat!

First, get her cleaned out of any accumulated crap (leaves, twigs, etc) and get her under a big blue tarp that you can tie down to the trailer. Leaves and crap hold a lot of moisture, which contributes to mildew and bug infestation. No use spending money on a boat cover that might be well spent elsewhere. Put a pole in the middle between the driver and passenger seats with a flat on top so that any snow will just roll/fall off over the gunwales.

When you get some decent days, peel the tarp back so you can climb onboard and start to assess what you have. Look at your wiring under the helm, the wiring and condition of the pumps in the bilge, in other words, familiarize yourself with the boat. But don't pull that tarp off, as you and I both know Chicago can get some really good snows come late April...

Given the age of everything, I would suggest buying a portable 6 gallon gas tank and try to run the motor on a decent weekend to see just what she'll do. When was the last time the boat was used? Do you have any recent info on her, as far as what type of maintenance has been performed?

But get her cleaned up and covered, first. Worry about the rest when the weather gets tolerable...

Re: First timer!!

Since you are limited as to what you can do because of the climate, buy a service manual specific to your engine and read it cover to cover. Note that I said "service manual" not an operators manual as they don't tell you squat. This is especially important if you intend to work on this rig yourself. It saves time, provides the information you may not know, and can prevent you from making very expensive mistakes -- but only if you actually read and understand the contents.

Re: First timer!!

WELCOME---WELCOME---WELCOME---amen to what was said befor.You may think its a waste of money,but I do think it's a must on your list.I'm sure you are checking on a storage area like you said, but do yourself a favor,take your prop off and take it with you. Like you I'm new here also,but have learned so much from these great folks.It's all good,so set back and enjoy,most of all welcome to the great world of boating.

Re: First timer!!

Welcome aboard. I have been boating for four years now and I am still learning. We have started refurbishing our boat and believe me, you never stop learning. The mates on this site are very helpful. Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions because some day someone will be asking you the same thing.

Re: First timer!!

Welcome aboard! I agree buy a service manual for that Merc. One of the basics I always do is to change the gear Oil in the foot of the engine annually. Also make sure to put a fuel preservative in the gas on the last tank of the season to prevent any gumming of the fuel in the carbs over the winter.