New boat owner!

[CapriBX]

Hello everyone,

Well the day finally came for me to own a boat. After all the smack talk I gave to everyone else about the negatives of boat ownership, here I am. My wife and I went out yesterday and bought a 2001 Bayliner Capri 2150BX 20th Anniversary Edition. It's obviously not the prettiest, nor the best, but it is our first boat and I couldn't be more excited. Taking her out tomorrow on the lake for our first trip.

 

[Scott Danforth]

before you take it out, suggest you do all the maintenance that the prior owner neglected.

raw water impeller, bellows, alignment, drive maintenance
oil change, tune up, etc
trailer bearings, trailer brakes, etc.

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard.

I agree with Scott, give the maintenance items a good servicing. After that if you take care of it; it can be a fine boat. I was never going to be a Bayliner owner until ... I was. And the crazy thing has been a good boat.

 

[CapriBX]

before you take it out, suggest you do all the maintenance that the prior owner neglected.

raw water impeller, bellows, alignment, drive maintenance
oil change, tune up, etc
trailer bearings, trailer brakes, etc.

He had everything serviced and replaced a couple months ago. He had all the invoices to prove it.

 

[emoney]

Always check everything while the boat's still on the trailer in your driveway. Obviously, no one can tell the future, but a lot of times, boats that break down on the water were trying to tell the owner the night before when it was at home. Good luck, enjoy it and make plenty memories.

 

[mike_i]

Take a boaters class if available.

 

[CapriBX]

Took the California Boater Card course to get my little card. Definitely learned a lot!! Took it out on the water today and it was great!
Any post-water procedures I should follow?

 

[airshot]

Each time you use your boat, go thru a complete inspection and look for any changes, such as excess water, low batteries etc...this will make you familiar with your boat and recognize anything that changes, for the better or worse. Many problems give warning signs if owners would just pay attention!!! Hope you enjoy your new toy....

 

[mike_i]

Each time you tow it touch each hub to check the temp when you get to your destination. At the end of the day when you pull the boat out of the water take notice of the amount of water in the bilge when you pull the plug. Before you leave the ramp take a walk around making sure everything is secured, antennas are lowered, straps are tight, lights connected. Where in Cali are you? Are you in freshwater only?

 

[tpenfield]

Congrats on the new-2-U boat and a good first outing. Lots of times first outings don’t go well, so consider it a plus.

As you gain experience you will know the things to look for both pre and post outing. Each boat is a bit unique in that regard, but I usually look at the engine and bilge to see if anything looks awry.

 

[CapriBX]

Each time you tow it touch each hub to check the temp when you get to your destination. At the end of the day when you pull the boat out of the water take notice of the amount of water in the bilge when you pull the plug. Before you leave the ramp take a walk around making sure everything is secured, antennas are lowered, straps are tight, lights connected. Where in Cali are you? Are you in freshwater only?

I'm in Southern California. Just freshwater, my wife hates the ocean.

 

[Renken2000Classic]

Congrats on the new-2-U boat and a good first outing. Lots of times first outings don’t go well, so consider it a plus.

And the guests that get taken on the first outing get in on the "fun".

 

[mike_i]

Where in so cal? what's wrong with the ocean? there's a lot to see out there.

I'm in Southern California. Just freshwater, my wife hates the ocean.

 

[Drcoffee]

There is a lot to do when launching and retrieving the boat. Dont let anyone rush you or frazzle you. Do all you can to prep before launching to minimize the time at the dock. Until you get comfortable with this boat, I suggest you lift the engine hood before starting up. Once you fire it up, check for problems, smoke, water leaks, etc. its better to find out while the trailer is still under it.
and learn some knots so you can tie up on most any dock.

 

[poconojoe]

I have a 2003 Bayliner 185 bow rider also with a Karavan trailer (with 4 bunks).

Check your bunks. Make sure they are solid.
I just had to replace the wood for the bunks. Something many people might not notice since they are completely covered with carpet.

I noticed the two forward bunks were distorted. The ends were tipping downward. The wood was obviously shot. I'm so glad I noticed this before it damaged my boat.

One forward bunk was just splinters under the carpet. The carpet was holding it all together. The other forward one was falling apart, almost as bad. The two rears were not too bad.

I had to jack up the boat one corner at a time to remove the bunks. The carpet was still good, so I reused it all.

It was easier to unscrew the bunks from their brackets than to remove the bracket from the trailer.

So, since your boat/trailer are a couple years older, you might want to check your bunks.

I don't know if it's my imagination, but when trailering, the boat seems to bounce less with the new (solid) bunks.

 

[CapriBX]

Where in so cal? what's wrong with the ocean? there's a lot to see out there.

Orange county. She just doesn't like the idea of the ocean. Scares her.

 

[mike_i]

Me too, what part?

Orange county. She just doesn't like the idea of the ocean. Scares her.

 

[CapriBX]

Me too, what part?

I'm in Orange. Just drove out to Perris and got failed on inspection for the second time. First time she said I could come back Sunday (yesterday) which I understand because it was the first time we tried going there. So, we waited an extra day and went today. Turns out it's 8 days from the date of failed inspection. And the girl who inspected it last week was wrong.

Guess I'll never get on Lake Perris..

 

[mike_i]

Take your boat/wife out to newport backbay and launch from there. Pack a lunch cruise the harbor and see how the rich people live. What inspection did you fail? Mussels, snail or what?

I'm in Orange. Just drove out to Perris and got failed on inspection for the second time. First time she said I could come back Sunday (yesterday) which I understand because it was the first time we tried going there. So, we waited an extra day and went today. Turns out it's 8 days from the date of failed inspection. And the girl who inspected it last week was wrong.

Guess I'll never get on Lake Perris..

 

[CapriBX]

Take your boat/wife out to newport backbay and launch from there. Pack a lunch cruise the harbor and see how the rich people live. What inspection did you fail? Mussels, snail or what?

I really have no idea. My boat was clean, drained, and dry. But they said it's 8 day quarantine before I can go in. So, I guess I'll just never go..