Things to do before my first launch...

[lmannyr]

So I purchased my first "working" boat. I've been getting all things needed for my first launch (ex. engine, safety, etc.)

So far I've done this:

1 - Engine tune up in progress

2 - 5 life vest including one for my 2 year old.
3 - 4 handheld flares (expire in 2010)
4 - 6 12 gauge shots
5 - whistle, mirror.
6 - Auto fire extinguisher in engine bay fully charged (not tagged current)
7 - plug in boat
8 - Combo bow light works
9 - stern/anchor light works
10 - Handheld horn in boat
11 - Trailer lights work.
12 - Boater ED completed.
13 - Bow & stern Anchor with about 50ft of rode.
14 - 4 pairs of bunk brackets replaced replaced (8/29)
15 - Boat horn operational (replaced 8/29)
16 - Battery Switch replaced ( 8/29)

Things to

1 - Relocate decasent/drier (?) for A/C seacock line.
2 - Replace 4 tires.
3 - Check bearings.
4 - Replace Engine Cooling Hoses.


Am I missing anything?

thanks!!!

 

[flycaster]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

So I purchased my first "working" boat. I've been getting all things needed for my first launch (ex. engine, safety, etc.)

So far I've done this:

1 - Engine tune up in progress

2 - 5 life vest including one for my 2 year old.
3 - 4 handheld flares (expire in 2010)
4 - 6 12 gauge shots
5 - whistle, mirror.
6 - Auto fire extinguisher in engine bay fully charged (not tagged current)
7 - plug in boat
8 - Combo bow light works
9 - stern/anchor light works
10 - Handheld horn in boat
11 - Trailer lights work.
12 - Boater ED completed.
13 - Bow & stern Anchor with about 50ft of rode.



Things to do:

1 - Figure out why my blower is blowing air into the bilge and not outside.
2 - Figure out to unfreeze my holding tank seacock.
3 - Replace bunk brackets (bunks are bowing out).
4 - Replace 4 tires.
5 - Check bearings.
6 - Register Boat and Trailer.

Am I missing anything?

thanks!!!

I would think that you should have at least 250' of rode. 50' is OK for SHALLOW water
get and install buddy bearings (4) one each wheel
Be sure to fill up the fuel tank and check to see of you have a fuel/water separator.

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

If you are going into the ocean, wouldn't you want a sea anchor and a vhf radio? Can you rent out a epirb?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

Keep a roll of "hose repair tape" (like super duct tape) on board. Most people don't regularly replace the cooling hoses, and 20 year old cooling hoses tend to split at the most inconvienent times ....

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

Keep a roll of "hose repair tape" (like super duct tape) on board. Most people don't regularly replace the cooling hoses, and 20 year old cooling hoses tend to split at the most inconvienent times ....

Thanks for reminding me... I need to replace the hoses. I'll add that to the to do list.

 

[wewefirex2x]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

Things to do:

1 - Figure out why my blower is blowing air into the bilge and not outside


The blower usually has a arrow in which the air should flow. If you turn the blower around it will blow out of the bilge.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

I would think that you should have at least 250' of rode. 50' is OK for SHALLOW water
get and install buddy bearings (4) one each wheel
Be sure to fill up the fuel tank and check to see of you have a fuel/water separator.

I don't plan to go into deep waters to anchor right away. I'll most likely anchor at sandbars until I'm more comfortable going deep. But I'll add it as a future upgrade.

If you are going into the ocean, wouldn't you want a sea anchor and a vhf radio? Can you rent out a epirb?

Vhf on board and seems to works. I'm some 15 miles from shore can't test it just yet.

THANKS For the suggestions thus far.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

If the bearing age/condition is unknown I would replace them especially where its been in salt water. To really get a good idea of their condition you will have to take them out and clean to inspect if you are that far might as well replace. Do the races(cups) and seals while you are at it they usually come in a kit that has all of the stuff for around 15-20 bucks per wheel. Also a good time to check your brakes (shoes/fluid/functioning properly) I am assuming they are surge type brakes you can jack up one side at a time turn the wheel real good run up and push hard on the tongue and it should stop the spinning wheel, if not find out why. As Don S. mentioned a serpentine (while it would be nice) wouldnt be worth the money and probably wouldnt function much better anyway. Just have spare belts onboard and you will be fine. Most bunk boards Ive seen are a bit bowed in the middle you can repair but be careful how much you go you could create a hot spot on the hull if you go up too much measure how much you can go carefully. Take a plastic putty knife and slide it in at the spot you want to raise so you can get a feel for how much to go. Switch hoses or turn blower around will solve that prob.

 

[brownboat]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

You want the fire extinguisher accessible. If you keep it in the engine bay and have a fire you may not be able to get to the extinguisher to use it.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

You want the fire extinguisher accessible. If you keep it in the engine bay and have a fire you may not be able to get to the extinguisher to use it.

#6 states "auto" fire ext. Which would mean "fixed" in place?
But he also should have a "hand held" close by.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

Ohwellcraft,

My bunks run from front to back standing vertical like so.... ||

The galvinized brackts holding the bunks to the trailer are coroted and weakening. Because of the weakened brackets my port bucks now sit like so... \\

It's more pronounced at the stern (most weight) but not as dramatic as my little symbols show. It's time to change. The brackets will be replaced with aluminum brackets instead for longevity. The rest of the aluminum trailer (except for the axles) are like NEW!

The blower was indeed installed backwards. I removed and fliped it and viola, all is well now. Thats one off the "to do" list.

I'll have to add one to the list though. In a different post I noticed the battery switch did not work properly but was not sure. No matter what position it was in (1, 2, Both or Off), there was no change. Wasn't sure if it was how it was wired or what. I did noticed a crack at the face of the switch. I pulled it a bit and out came a metal piece. Low and behold, now nothing works.

Are these switches easy to replace? The original was made by Guest.

thanks for all the help so far!!!

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

Yes, the switch is easy to replace.
Try one of these.

http://www.iboats.com/Ignition_Prot...19951241--**********.678127931--view_id.39362

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

back to the anchor line, i think you should get that asap. if for some reason the boat breaks down out there, you want to anchor immediately. seems like the boat hasn't been run in a while, or its new to you. say you stay in 25 feet of water, you break down, start drifting out towards open water, you'd be surprised how fast ledges and shelfs can drop off to 60-75 feet of water.

just a safety suggestion.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

So the 2x4/2x6 is on edge? thats a bit different than most but stronger for sure. In that case just make sure your lumber is straight if it has a crown it will make adjustment of your brackets much more difficult. Usually the wood is flat more surface area and a bit more flex to it. The battery switch is an easy fix just make sure you follow directions(wire diagram) and get it right. Perko makes a good unit as well as other mfg. I didn't notice confirmation of bilge pump operation and a manual bailing device(bucket or hand pump) I also like to put togather a boat specific tool box to have onboard with some basic hand tools/hoseclamps&tape/wire/hardware to replace prop if needed/marine tex/fuses/etc. It can sure save you in a pinch, I even throw in some nuts,bolts,washers that are similar to some in the engine compartment. If possible post a picture of your trailer (and your boat for that matter) Good luck I hope your maiden voyage is a good one....

 

[marine4003]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

wait...wait...wait...you DID forget something.....

You forgot to enjoy yourself,you absolutely have everything covered, more so than 80% of the boaters out there, don't get wrapped up in completely forgetting why you bought the boat, and the reason we are all so fanatical enough about boating we spend absurd amounts of time typing on our computers further adding to the complete dementia.........and then there's the west marine catalogs threatening to overrun the bathroom and the pictures on the mantle of boats where mom-in-law's pic used to be and.......
ok,ok,ok i'll stop and go to my happy place now....

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

Picked up 8 aluminum "L" shaped bunk brackets. Wish I would have taken a picture of the bunks tilting outward. It seemed as if was getting worse every day! The new brackets seem to be almost 3 times as thick. I started on the port side late this evening, I'll take a picture of the starboard side and post it up.

I also picked up horn to replace the faulty one on the boat. I'm keeping the little 6oz hand air horn for emergency still. Horn not installed yet.

Picked up a Blue Sea battery switch (1, 2, 1&2, OFF) with alternator connections. I'm not sure if the original has the alternator connections. Anyone know how I can add the alternator connections if I don't have them already? Switch not installed yet.

I noticed my Jabsco toilet hand pump only pulls out about an inch. Is this normal? When the bowl is filled with water, the water pumps out with the 1 inch strokes. I thought it should pull out more like 6 inches.

Thanks for the help everyone!!!

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

I'd go out alone on my first outing, and have a rescue plan ready
in case the motor conks out a couple miles out.

Seems like you've studied up on the laws and safety issues, and
that's important. Know what you're doing, and what's about you.

Otherwise, have at it!

 

[ErikF]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

Make sure you remember to put the plug in

And have FUN

 

[mthieme]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

ErikF - stole my post.
As I went down the list I was sure noone caught this.
This is the FIRST thing I always do!

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Things to do before my first launch...

So I took the boat out yesterday. My daughter stayed with the grandparents. My wife came along and was a great help. We arrived at the Lake Worth Ramp at about 6PM. Parking lot was empty with maybe 5 trailers. Before pulling up to the ramp, we preped ( removed tie down straps, placed bow and stern lines, hung bumpers, inserted plug, loaded up with snacks, and off to the ramp we went.

I backed the trailer while my wife manned the boat. Stopped when the drive was in. Engine fired right up, and left it neutral. Backed the traile up some more until the boat was floating. wife tied the stern to the dock, then I unhooked the the bow and tied the bow to the dock.

This dock didn't have any cleats and the post were just beneath the rub-rail. It was difficult to keep the lines wrapped on the post cause it was slip right off the top of the post. This be came a problem when we returned since the water was within an inch of going over top the dock!

Casting off was quick and easy. After cast off, we stayed in idle in gear as we stowed the lines and bumpers. My wife is very uneasy about boats so we idled at 1500 down the intercostal enjoying the scenery. She had many questions so this was a perfect speed to do some teaching. After some teas, snacks and taking photos of the scenery and sunset she was ok with opening up the engine.

I slowly opened her up to 4500 with some trim. I don't have a GPS and the speedometer did not work. The engine ran very smooth and quiet. The trim tab buttons are a pain. It was very windy to begin with so I had a hard time keeping the bow level. The bow seemed to be lilted into the wind most of the time.

Anyhow, on the way back we had to wait for a bridge to pass for like 20 minutes. Our radio did not work and the bridge didn't open 15 min past the hour like the sign said it would it was more like 20-30 minutes past the hour. The bridge opened up when a tug boat arrived at the other side. What is up with that?

On the return we found it difficult to see the channel markers. Some had blinkers, but half did not. ( Wife says he need a Spot light ) Docking was an issue since the tide was much higher than when we came in. The top of the post were now halfway down the hull!!! there some 10 yo kids just hanging around and were more than happy to hold a bow line while I tied the rode some 20 times really tight so it wouldn't slip off the top of the post.

Got the truck and loaded her no problem. Slowly pulled her out with my 2500 Diesel truck and I heard ccccrrrrrrrrreeecc. And I said....ssssshshhhhhhhhiiiiiiiii*******!!!! I didn't raise the drive!!! DAM! Everything was going so smoothly and bam! The skeg lost some paint and was slight grounded off. No damaged to propeller! I bet you I won't ever do THAT again.

We both had a BLAST!!! My wife was very uneasy about the whole boat thing but she looking forward on doing it again. She didn't think she would enjoy it.

I think taking pictures behind Donald Trumps house on the boat did the trick...I don't know.

Dam...That was too long. BUT did I say I HAD A BLAST. MY SMILE WAS FROM EAR TO EAR THE ENTIRE TIME. YEAH BABY!!