My first boat is in the garage!

[gixxerjim]

So I was sold on a '87 Seville 19 3.7L in very good shape, thought we had a deal but somebody bought it out from under me.

Now I have bought and taken delivery on a 1988 Seville 18 BR with the 3.0L motor in excellent condition with a beautiful trailer, interior, motor etc and I am very happy with the purchase.

I would have liked a little more HP but maybe that boat will come along in a few years. Right now my kids are ages 1, 3, and 6 so I don't see a need for speed for awhile.

Can anyone help with the following:

The original speaker covers are gone, need decent but inexpensive replacements (my interior is white with green accents, I assume white covers were std?).

I do not have the snap on bow cover, would like to find one cheap that snaps on and looks decent.

The boat jumps on plane immediately but tops out at 36mph with 3 140-165lb adults in it, does this sound okay or a little weak? There are no leaks, the motor runs great, the plugs are all chocolate brown, the oil is clean, the engine looks new etc.

What is the best prop for this boat for overall performance? How do I identify what prop is in place? Can I get 40mph out of it and still plane out pulling a light skier (150lbs) or tuber?

There is no depth guage but there is a pickup in place, shaped like a long thin triangle pointing straight down that can pivot slightly up or down via a spring. Anybody know an inexpensive depthfinder that uses this type of pickup?

There is a steel cable coming off the surge brake MC with a hook on it? What is the purpose of this? I think it is supposed to attach to the tow vehicle but I don't know what it does. The trailer is an EZ Loader roller trailer. Also if you know offhand how to disengage the brakes for backing up a hill I am curious.

Thanks, sorry for the all of the questions but I am new to boating and eager to learn!

 

[gstanton]

Re: My first boat is in the garage!

Well, the simple ones first.
The cable from your trailer is the breakaway lanyard, If the boat trailer separates from the tow vehicle, this lanyard (which IS attached to the tow vehicle) pulls the the trailer brakes full on. You and I and everyone out there wants that trailer to come to a stop, since it is travelling out of control.

On the speakers, you might check Wally world for new speakers - with covers. You could go higher end... I didn't three years ago and they are fine.

For your bow cover, check Great Lakes Boat Top Co.
http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/
They supply Sea Ray with their covers. BUT, make sure you order the correct item - their 100% guarantee is worthless. They will not exchange mistakes.

For the prop - check the forum here at Iboats-Prop Questions and Topics They have a section just for that. Stamped on the base of your prop is the pitch and diameter. You'll need to know the WOT (wide-open throtle) rpm's for them to be any help. The alternative is to try different props (with a co-operative marina) to find one that suits you.

Finally, I think the triangular thing you refer to is actually the speedometer pick-up (or pitot). As it is "bent" by the water going by, it registers the pressure - thus speed.