I did it!!

[Im Lon 2]

Thank you for your help as I spent this off season going back and forth between boats, and answering all my questions.

I have pulled the trigger and will be bring home a 2008 - Q8i.

She is in great shape! The graphics look like they took a little bit of beating from the fenders. Tracker/Tahoe only carries items back 5 years old and new, and no longer has these graphics in stock.

Every boat I looked at had some type of stress crack in the gel coat near the front cleats. I have search youtube, and the job does not look to bad.. I might tackle this someday if it bothers me that bad.

other than that, I cannot wait for the weather to get warm and get out on the water.

Oh one last thing.. The first thing I'm going to be doing is replace the Sea water pickup pump in the lower unit. I'm not sure the last time it was changed, and was told by my local Mercruiser mechanic, that this pump should be replaced every 3 years. I have the pump and gaskets on order now. Is there anything else I should be replacing while I have the lower unit apart?

 

[redneck joe]

Re: I did it!!

if you are mechanical replace impeller every year. If not, pay for it every 2-3.

otherwise, lower unit oil will have to be replaced, and you might as well change the oil in the block. Anything I buy used, not matter how well purportedly kept, I run Seafoam through it, double the recipe on the instructions


If it has water fuel separator, replace that filter.


Thos are my basics, others will give you more detailed info.

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: I did it!!

For the replacement decals.... check GreatLakesSkipper (i believe that is the spelling) they have tons of old boat parts/decals. They have a lot of tracker/tahoe parts.

good luck and nice boat!

definitely change oil/lube/fuel filter to check for issues and condition.

Get some Aerospace 303 to the vinyl

I'll have to keep an eye on my cleats, doesn't seem they get much real force when i tie up...but i suppose i am usually in harbors and bays when docked. Maybe i'll try to get some goop/glue of some sort on the underside (if i can reach it) to beef it up.... hmmm

 

[redneck joe]

Re: I did it!!

second on greatlakessipper - they have lots of stuff like decals.

 

[Im Lon 2]

Re: I did it!!

thanks guys!! I checked there last week and even looked at it, and thought that's not it because its backwards.. LOL, its how they have them laid out. Glad you said to check there, made me look a little closer.

 

[Im Lon 2]

Re: I did it!!

Get some Aerospace 303 to the vinyl

Have you tried the cleaner?

Whats a good cleaner for the outside to remove some oxidation?

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: I did it!!

nope - never used their cleaner.

I believe there is a lot of good threads of cleaning up hull oxidation. I believe you need to use polishing/wax compounds of some sort to buff it off pretty much. (or even fine sandpaper)

 

[Im Lon 2]

Re: I did it!!

I'm going to try a product out called Cmagic Wax, that my parents, and their friends swear by and use on their Corvettes. I have seen how this stuff looks at car shows, and really brings out the shine on the fiberglass. I of course still need to buff it out to get rid of some of the oxidation first. I will let everyone know how that goes.

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: I did it!!

Sounds good. I think the problem with oxidation a lot of times is that you can apply a wax to it and it will look good....

but then give it a few splashes and within a short period of time the oxidation is no longer 'wet'... and it comes right back.

Wheras some of the more 'polishes' actually remove the surface glass/paint.... and then you coat with a fresh coat of wax to protect and further polish.

See posts regarding vasoline for a similar 'wetting' effect to the dry oxidation.

 

[carey965]

Re: I did it!!

nice boat she is a big girl

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: I did it!!

Congrats on the new to you boat!

 

[Im Lon 2]

Re: I did it!!

Well.. I got to bring home the boat yesterday, and everything thing went smooth..

My biggest fear was it was not going to fit into the garage, but it went in with no issues.

Today, I purchased some Meguiars Ultimate Compound, and use a DA polisher. I did a little test area on some of the oxidation, and it worked very well.

I haven't gotten the Aerospace 303 yet, but did use some Meguiars cleaner and vinyl protection. I have found the Aerospace yet, with out ordering it.

I found a few drain plugs I'm not sure where they go, and there are a few cooler that have drains that I don't have plugs. The ones I have are way to big.

Do you know where I can get the plugs for the drains I have?
Do you know where the bigger plugs should go?

 

[MikDee]

Re: I did it!!

A Tahoe, Wow! That is one of the Best looking boats I ever saw, in Pristine condition too! For oxidation, decals, aluminum windshield frames, chrome trim, & vinyl upholstery, there is nothing better to clean, and bring back the color, & shine to new, with the least amount of work, then Vaseline! I rub it in with my bare hands, let it penetrate awhile till it looks dry, then just wipe it off with paper towels, or rags. I apply it in coats till dry, and the best it can be,,, Then Wax, or polish over it for a long lasting durable shine!

 

[magiaone]

Re: I did it!!

Congrats - I have a 2010 Q8i - Same colors.
I bought mine in 2011, the sales person said it was really too big of a cruiser to hold in Basspro. So we got a good deal on it.

You ll really like it - its big enough to hold people and still get up on plane - not to mention all the storage and the sink etc.

We love ours, and cant wait for the weather to break here in MI.

I need my impeller done this year, as well as an oil change etc. Couple of things i did.

Added an extra battery, i also had the aluminum trim on the trailer powder coated white, as cleaning it is a PIA.

 

[magiaone]

Re: I did it!!

as for the plugs - i have them too - I think the fit on the outside holes, as they for sure dont fit in the cooler drains etc.

 

[Im Lon 2]

Re: I did it!!

Congrats - i also had the aluminum trim on the trailer powder coated white, as cleaning it is a PIA.

Do you have a picture? Sounds nice. Where did you have it done?

Have you thought about Smart Tabs?

The plugs are 5/8". I'm not sure I will use them but thought I would like to have the option.

 

[magiaone]

Re: I did it!!

No pics as its still in storage in a barn.

I have thought about tabs - but to be honest - the boat works fine for my needs - we dont ski - just tube.......

when i pull it i ll have some pics for you - the pwd coat cost me 90 for all 6 pieces.