1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

[Biggredd]

So I sold my motorcycle last week and figured I'd get an end of season deal so I can buy what I need through out the winter. I got a 1995 Marada 2100, 21ft open bow, 5.0 V8. Took it out 3 days in a row over the labor day weekend and other than a few rookie mistakes on my part had a ton of fun and the boat ran great. Obviously being a 95 it needs a little work and there are a few things I'm noticing that I need some help fixing or clarifying.

*First day I put the plug in before launching and when we took out and I removed it there was no water. The second day I put it back in and left it in since I was going back the next day. When we got home on day 3 and I took the plug out a ton of water came out. Not sure why the disparity. A little more important though is that its been sitting since Monday and I'm still getting a little leakage of fluid out of the plug hole and looks like there might be some oil in it. Does that make any sense that there would be oil coming from there? Or is that the sign of a bigger problem? I saw some other posts that told people to pour water in the boat to find leaks, do I just pour it into the basement storage area where the ski's and extra parts are?

*the hydro foil, or whale tail, or whatever its called above the propeller has piece that got broken off on the right tip from previous owner. Boat seems to lean a little to the left and I think we're pretty well balanced. Could that be why? Or is that just the way it goes sometimes? When I replace it is there one in particular I should look at for a better wakeboard and tubing wake?

*The gas gauge doesn't seem to work proper, is that a relatively easy fix? Looks like I'd need to remove a few screws on the floor to access the gas tank.

I have more questions but I'll start with this.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

relax, water in the bilge is common, what you need to do is eliminate the possible places that could be leaking, bellows are number 1 so check them for cracks, they are easiest to access when your outdrive is up and the boat is on the trailer, the gimbal ring mounts to the outside of the transom, where the outdrive pivots up you can easily see a couple corrogated rubber hoses, these are your bellows one is the driveshaft for the outdrive the other is the linkage, inspect them visually and manually(your hands) for cracks or splits. Also inspect any ports in the hull where you may get water intrusion, once you are done inspecting these you can put your motor on muffs and put the plug in, start her up, let the boat get to normal operating temp and all the while your waiting check for water leaks around the motor.

If you have no leaks then you are probably just fine, remember, that water in hull of a properly operating boat is not always a bad thing, IF you have a lot of fun outside your boat, where do you think the water that is on bodies coming into the boat goes? Kids, Passengers or the family dog all add to water in the bilge, you have to learn what is normal for the day and what is not.

Oil is also common, especially on a new to you boat, you have no idea what the previous owner did, he could have had a small spill and the residue remains in the bilge. But you have to learn if the amount is more then what makes you comfortable, I clean my bilge every month or so with simple green and a scrub brush, so if I get some oil residue I will know I have a problem or there is a reason. is your bilge and motor spotless? or do you have a dirty bilge or motor?

Gas gauges are a PITA, even mine has its good days and bad days but I rarely pay too much attention to it, I know what I have used and so I have a pretty good idea how much gas I have, but if you want to the first thing to do is look at the electrical connections on the tank and examine them, disconnect them from the gauge and test them for resistance and ground, once you have a clean circuit you can move to the float in the tank, you can get more info from the electrical section on this forum but the first thing you must do is make sure the wires going to the gauge are clean electrical connections. yes you need to remove the access hatch in the floor.

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: 1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

Yeh, what he said ^ lol Good job Lipp

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: 1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

Great job Lipp...now I got nothin to add

 

[smclear]

Re: 1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

Agree. What part of the country are you in and where do you do your boating? I assume you have all the necessary safety equipment.

 

[Biggredd]

Re: 1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

The oil is very minimal and very would could be just leftover from a previous spill. I'm not overly worried about it, just wanted to address it. I'll try cleaning out that area and checking the hoses and other areas you mentioned for leaks and proper seals. As for the quantity of water in there I kinda forgot it rained on us and we were doing a lot of tubing and wakeboarding so that makes sense how much water was in there. first day we didn't do much out of the boat.

I'm in Denver, CO. I boat at the reservoirs here. And yes, have all the safety equipment. Even got stopped by the ranger boat to confirm I have it all.

Do you think it would be worthwhile to ditch the hydrofoil/whale tail and go with smart tabs?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

yeah I do think you should ditch the hydrofoil, I think it would be better for you to learn how to boat properly without it, they serve a purpose but also put undo stress on the outdrive that otherwise can be overcome by properly operating the boat.

Its always good to see another boater in Colorado I try to boat at Pueblo res more then chatfield and cherry creek because of the quantity of boats on those two lakes makes them dangerous to use towables but thats another thread, I live in Douglas County so Pueblo is just an hours drive and I highly recommend it, if you need any help feel free to PM me and maybe I can meet up and help out!

Lipp

 

[Biggredd]

Re: 1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

Pueblo is definitely on my radar for next summer. I live only 3 miles from Cherry creek so its easy to use and the season is coming to an end soon for wakeboarding with water temps.

Thanks for the advice. I'll continue to read other posts and learn the lingo, I have a lot to learn. That first post had a lot of foreign language to me. Luckily I have all winter to learn and buy stuff.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 1st post, 1st boat, couple questions

hey dont be afraid to ask, like others say the only stupid question is the one you dont ask, I think you will love this site, full of really good and knowledgable people, some of us are full of it(me) if you need a good time don't be afraid to check into dockside chat, my favorite section of the site, I hang out in the trailer section too.