Help for a boating novice!

[GamecockJen]

Hello - I'm sure that somewhere on this site someone has probably already addressed this, but...

I'm a new boater. Last year we bought our first pontoon. Its kind of older (87) but it good working condition. We live in Columbia, SC and were slack on getting the boat winterized, for some reason assuming that we'd be ok since it doesn't really get below freezing (maybe a couple of days it got to the freezing point, but nothing too bad). We didn't drain any fluids, but did store the batteries off of the boat. We pulled it out and cleaned everything up last weekend, but were afraid to try to start the boat without finding out if we needed to do anything special. Any recommendations for us "newbies" to the boating world? Would you recommend taking in to a shop to get it tuned up? Or should we just try it first? Do we need to drain the gas? Have we totally screwed up? Thanks!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

Welcome to iboats.


First off, what outboard do you have on it? It is self draining provided the motor was in a vertical position. I would definately change the lower unit oil along with new gaskets, and pay attention to the colour of the fluid, that will tell you if there is water intrusion into the lower unit.

A test run will let you know if there are other issues. For next winter, read the "Winterizing" thread in the FAQ section on this forum for an easier start up in the spring. Was Stabil added to the fuel before winter?

 

[brandonsb22]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

new gas

 

[5150abf]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

First off, is this an I/O or an outboard?
If it is an outboard you should be okay, as Hightrim said definately change your lower unit oil with new lower unit oil.
Watch for water to come out as the water has probably seperated from the oil by now, the oil should be a tan, if it is white or milky looking you probly have a leaking seal.

 

[GamecockJen]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

Thanks guys! The motor is outboard - evinrude from 1987 (lol - I was 6 the year it was made). Will replace the oil (haven't done it yet). Appreciate the advice.

Stabil was NOT added. We didn't think/know to do it until a couple of weeks ago. We bought some but then thought "well at this point, its a little late since we'll probably take it out soon."

Here's a quick question that may be stupid, but....

We finally bought some muffs to run the motor on land, but when we went to put on the standard "universal" pair, it wouldn't form a "tight seal" per the instructions because there is a little ridge on it, causing there to be a bit of space. Is that ok to use it like that, or do we need to try to find a customized pair? I didn't know how important the air tightness of it is.


May be silly questions, but we're really new to this and don't want to ruin our pontoon.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

When you say there is a little ridge on it, are you referring to there being a ridge on the muffs or on the lower unit? Is this the type of flusher you bought?



It should easily fit over the water intake. Keep the pressure up on the hose. By the way, this will not test your water pump, as the pressure from the hose will 'force feed' your cooling system. Just for you to know.

 

[GamecockJen]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

It's the single feed flusher round that is on the diagram. the ridge I was talking about is on the motor...I mean its supposed to be there. I kind of drew a little diagram (don't laugh!).

http://www.scrx.org/associations/6582/files/diagram.jpg

 

[captain zac]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

I boat on Lake Murray

If you have any problems that are over your head you might want to contact a pro.

I have had the best luck with the Boat Doctor. He is located on 378 near Southshore Marina

Harry

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

Jen what hp 1987 motor do you have? this is proper installation, it will leak as the motor cannot take all the water.

 

[GamecockJen]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

Thanks Harry! Last year when we had to get a little something done we used Cajun Marine in West Columbia. They were pretty good too - but a little out of the way. Might be nice to get some place closer to me (I'm in Lexington anyway).

My engine is a 48 hp (I think - its either 38 or 48, but I know it ends in 8!). I know that it should go on like that, the round flusher that I got is a little too big. I need one smaller in diameter to fit it so that its tight. I guess I'll try running up to Boater's World at lunch to see if they have other sizes (becuase I did get the original one at Walmart after all....they only had one size!)

 

[Scott Barnes]

Re: Help for a boating novice!

hey, us new people need to ask lots of questions. What have you heard @ evinrudes 88?