About to buy my first boat! But first...

ch.space333

New Member
Sep 19, 2016
5
Clear Lake, TX
Boat Info
2011 Sea Ray 185 Sport
Engines
4.3 TKS Mercruiser
Hey everyone! I am about to purchase my first boat and have a couple newbie questions for you. The boat is my girlfriend's, 2011 Sea Ray 185 Sport. It's only been in the water 4-5 times, it's been completely garage kept. It looks pristine, however, it has sat untouched for 2 years. I'm mechanically inclined but most of my experience is with car engines. I don't know much about boats. I have a couple newbie questions for this esteemed group...

As expected, the battery is dead. I replaced the battery and charged the new one. When I insert and turn the key, nothing happens at all. I feel like I'm missing something obvious and basic. The engine "run" switch is on. I found two circuit breakers that were both closed. Any idea what I'm missing?

Second, what things should I check given that the boat has been sitting for two years? I assume it needs an oil change. I'm happy to take it in to a professional, but I'd like to go in with some info. The local Sea Ray dealer suggested $1,250 worth of check up, which seems a bit steep. Any simple things I can do ahead of time?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Chris
 
Is it in throttle in neutral. There should be a button on the side of the throttle to advance the throttle without putting it in gear.When you turned the key to run did your gauges come to life.Don't crank it without water even a second will damage the raw water pump get a muff/water hose and put it on the outdrive. Once you get it to crank I would empty the gas tank and put some new gas in it.
 
Thanks! I'll check that the throttle is in neutral. When I turn the key to run, nothing at all happens. I was just trying to get the gauges to light up and check how many hours the engine has on it, but no luck yet. I was afraid to crank the engine, now I'm glad I didn't. Once I get the power issue figured out, I'll do as you suggest.
 
Also, depending on how the fuel system was last prepped, I'm not sure I would throw 2 year old gas through the fuel injection system.


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Got it. I'll assume it wasn't prepped at all. I can drain the tank and refill before I start. Thanks.
 
As others have said, check for a main battery switch. On my 2007 searay located it on the white panel that makes the storage compartment between the battery and the engine. It's a big black rotary switch on an even bigger red base, so it shouldn't be hard to find. Are you getting any power to anything? If you rotate the key counter clockwise to the accessory position, can you get the radio to play? When you rotate the key clockwise to the run position all kinds of things should happen. (i.e. gauges go active, alarm will beep since you have no oil pressure, ect.)
 

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