New boat break in?

[ricohman]

After skinning my knuckles and doing many repairs (including welding the perches on a new axle, charging system repairs and many other things) I decided to buy new. I'm half way into the grave so I figure I should be spending more time on the water and less time fixing. I will leave that to you younger fellows!
Anyway, I bought a new Starcraft Islander 221 with the 4.3 merc. I've wanted an Islander for years and the price was right. The only thing is the boat is coming from a long way away and I won't get the first hand dealer advice and things like break in.
Is there a proper break in procedure for the motor and drive? Like a new truck?
Will the manual spell this out clearly?
I was thinking of running her easy for the first 15 hours then changing the oil in the motor and drive. Then slowly increase the load from there.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: New boat break in?

The break-in procedures should be spelled out specifically in the manual. If you don't get one for some reason, call the manufacturer and you can get one online from them. Most break-in procedures will advise to limit the RPM for the first 2-5 hours as well as the fluid change intervals. Follow the procedures exactly and keep specific records. You don't want to void your warranty. The onboard ECM will track all issues with the engine and if you over-rev or overheat, they'll know as soon as they hook it to the computer.

 

[ricohman]

Re: New boat break in?

The break-in procedures should be spelled out specifically in the manual. If you don't get one for some reason, call the manufacturer and you can get one online from them. Most break-in procedures will advise to limit the RPM for the first 2-5 hours as well as the fluid change intervals. Follow the procedures exactly and keep specific records. You don't want to void your warranty. The onboard ECM will track all issues with the engine and if you over-rev or overheat, they'll know as soon as they hook it to the computer.

I will follow whatever the manual directs. I want the motor and drive to last a long time. Its good to know that this will be in the manual.
Over-reving shouldn't be a concern as I am easy on my motorized equipment. I would like to change the oil as soon as possible though but that may be old school. I had to insist the dealer change the oil on my new truck at 1000kms as they wanted to leave it to 5000 or so.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: New boat break in?

You may want to go with Synthetic oil as it's the best.

 

[cr2k]

Re: New boat break in?

The break-in will be mostly for the drive as most motors come ready to run from the factory. Don't use synthetic until your break in is done. The break in is for mating surfaces to wear together if you use synthetic at first they won't. After that use what the mfg. recommends to preserve your warranty. I am not a fan of full synthetic in the drive as it won't mix with or hold any water if it gets in there, Syn blend is fine. In the engine full syn is good.