Hello and where do I start?

[chonk]

Hello everyone.

I'm new to boating and just bought my first one Friday. It's a 1989 180BR with a 3.0 Mercruiser I/O.

I am new to boating (kinda) and did not get any manuals with my boat. So, where do you recommend I start here?

I've yet to launch it yet.

A litle fun fact. I worked for the advertising agency that did all of Sea Rays print and digital collateral for many years, so I'm very familiar with the company and models, but never dreamt I'd ever own one.

Thanks in advance. I look forward to the information I'm going to learn here.

 

[mwph]

Welcome to CSR! I'd be willing to bet that this site will serve as your "best place to start". Use the advanced search feature & it will provide plenty of reading material. The Sea Ray & Mercruiser websites have some manuals, but again you've found CSR, so you've found a great resource.

Again, Welcome.

 

[jason78]

Hello everyone.

I'm new to boating and just bought my first one Friday. It's a 1989 180BR with a 3.0 Mercruiser I/O.

I am new to boating (kinda) and did not get any manuals with my boat. So, where do you recommend I start here?

I've yet to launch it yet.

A litle fun fact. I worked for the advertising agency that did all of Sea Rays print and digital collateral for many years, so I'm very familiar with the company and models, but never dreamt I'd ever own one.

Thanks in advance. I look forward to the information I'm going to learn here.

Welcome. You can find your manual here http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10411/Owners-Manuals.aspx

Mercursier Manuals are no longer available on line for download as far as I know you you will likely need to purchase one from Mercury. These pop up on ebay frequently as well.

 

[OldSkool]

Welcome but loose the goofy boot head and replace with a picture of your boat.:lol:

 

[chonk]

I will when I pick it up on Friday

 

[LifeisGood]

Hello everyone.

A litle fun fact. I worked for the advertising agency that did all of Sea Rays print and digital collateral for many years, so I'm very familiar with the company and models, but never dreamt I'd ever own one.

Welcome Chonk!

My wife worked on the Sea Ray account at the same agency.

 

[rusobr2]

:smt038welcome aboard ! plenty of good people,and info here ! i'm not really sure how much boating exp. you have--word to the wise is to take a small course in boating--one of the best things to do is teach someone else on the boat how to operate it--it's a pain in the butt when you fall overboard,and nobody on board can come and pick you up--trust me ! it's happened more then 100 times a year--

my thoughts,steven

 

[SevenTeas]

Welcome aboard!!

When you get the boat post some picts and ask about any problems you may have.

The first thing you want to do is a visual inspection. Check the props for dings and beds, feel for imperfections. Check the outdrive for the same thing and look for any oil stains on drive. Clean and check again later to see if it is leaking.

Waxing the hull is a good way to look for any bubbles or cracks in the glass.

Change all fluids and filters, to see what condition they are in and to familiarize yourself with the process and the boat.

Your boat is an 89 so, depending on the maintenance records of PO, might consider a tune up. Plugs, wires, dist cap and rotor, points and timing.

Yes I know you want to splash the boat ASAP but trust me its worth it to check some things first.