My New Boat

[mgmidget72]

Hi All,

I have just purchased my first boat! It?s a 1999 Sea Ray 180 O/B with a 115hp Merc. Some of the seller?s pictures are attached. From what I can tell, the boat?s in great shape and was taken care of pretty well. Right now, the boat?s in my driveway while I get it ready to launch. Once it's in the water, it probably will be in for the season. I intend to use it in the Long Island Sound and Housatonic River area for general recreation ? some skiing, some exploring, some relaxing at anchor, some dock ?n dine.

I grew up boating, so I?m not new to boats, but this will be the first time that I?m responsible for all the maintenance, upkeep, upgrades, etc... I think I?m about to realize just how nice it is to use OPBs (other people?s boats).

I?m sure as I use the boat I?ll have some more specific questions, but for right now I have the following general questions:

1. After purchasing a used boat, are there any service or maintenance type things that one should typically do? I?m thinking things that are just done as a matter of course or just in case, regardless of the shape the boat?s in. I?ve gone around the boat and made a list of everything that I?d like to take care of, but just don?t want to overlook something obvious.

2. Are there trouble spots on this particular model boat or engine that I should keep an eye on?

3. What are some of the more common or useful changes that are done on this model or style of boat? I?ll probably use the boat as it is (critical problems fixed of course) this summer to get a feel for it, but I?d like to have an idea of what could be done come fall.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[nlain]

Re: My New Boat

Unless you know for sure the oil in the foot was changed, change it before you put in the water. Check the gas tank for the quality of gas that is in it. Make sure the battery is good, maybe pull it and have it load tested. Just a couple things I can think of that should be done first.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: My New Boat

O M G!!! NOT the 99 Sea-Ray with the 115 merc OB ???!!!:facepalm: What were ya thinkn ??? Im SO just Kidding...! Sounds like a nice rig ! Happy boatn' I would go get yourself some Slimey Grimey or some cleaner with oxalic acid in it and that sucker will be snow white pretty again.

 

[archcityBob]

Re: My New Boat

No advice as I also just bought a very used boat that I'm trying to get ready to launch. Just wanted to say that looks nice and sweet.

Good luck.

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: My New Boat

Thanks for the tips!

paultjohnson - you gave me a good scare there, at first! Thanks for the info about the acid cleaner. Right now, it's not as bad as it looks in the picture. I think that picture was taken right after he pulled it out at the end of last season. Since then, he's given it a good pressure washing which took care of most of it. I guess that just means that the hardest to remove grime is what's still there...

 

[Subliminal]

Re: My New Boat

Out of the last 7 years, I spent 6 of them on a 175 with a 135 on the back. Nice boat! Always ran and started great, and the interior is pretty spacious with the motor out back. I'd say you got a fine boat!

 

[scoutabout]

Re: My New Boat

Nice boat - congrats. I loved my '92 SeaRay 170 and got huge use out of it during the ten years I owned it. Always got a lot of compliments on the lines. Looks like you got some good canvas on that thing too. I'd get a manual for the motor if you don't have one so you know how to service it.

Some other ideas:

Give all grease points a good shot before you launch (including steering system), check under the hood for brittle or cracked fuel lines, change/clean the fuel filter as applicable, and install a water separator if you don't have one. While you are down there check the filler hose running to the tank for cracks or wear.

Also, I notice that trailer is missing at least one fender. Be sure to take care of that before towing any distance so you don't chip up your gelcoat with crud flying off the wheels. Also on the trailer, check your tire condition and bearings, and go around a give all nuts and bolts a good tighten. Make sure your bunks don't contain any rot and are still firmly attached to their mounting points. Finally, check your winch line or strap and replace if weathered, brittle, or frayed.

Happy boating!

 

[mgmidget72]

Re: My New Boat

Great to hear so many good experiences with these boats.

scoutabout - great point about the fender. I do have it, but the mounting tabs are broken off. I'll probably try to reattach it after I launch for the summer. It's only about a 10min drive on local roads to the ramp. I'm pretty sure there's a separator installed, but I have to check the filter on it. Yeah, I really lucked out with the canvas. The p/o wasn't planning on selling it until the end of the season last year and had just gotten all new covers made.

 

[Hiya Bayaya]

Re: My New Boat

You must be jumping with joy, looks sweet, dont get the first launch jitters and forget to put the plug in.
Happy boating !

 

[rrhodes]

Re: My New Boat

Any idea when the water pump was replaced? Nice boat though and having an outboard should extend your season...

 

[scoutabout]

Re: My New Boat

Any idea when the water pump was replaced? Nice boat though and having an outboard should extend your season...

Excellent point. Cheap and easy insurance to just replace it. Plenty of know-how in the Merc outboard forum and plenty-o vids on google to see how it's done.