My New Boat

[mgmidget72]

Hi All,

I have just purchased my first boat! It’s a 1999 Sea Ray 180 O/B with a 115hp Merc. Some of the seller’s pictures are attached. From what I can tell, the boat’s in great shape and was taken care of pretty well. Right now, the boat’s in my driveway while I get it ready to launch. Once it's in the water, it probably will be in for the season. I intend to use it in the Long Island Sound and Housatonic River area for general recreation – some skiing, some exploring, some relaxing at anchor, some dock ’n dine.

I grew up boating, so I’m not new to boats, but this will be the first time that I’m responsible for all the maintenance, upkeep, upgrades, etc... I think I’m about to realize just how nice it is to use OPBs (other people’s boats).

I’m sure as I use the boat I’ll have some more specific questions, but for right now I have the following general questions:

1. After purchasing a used boat, are there any service or maintenance type things that one should typically do? I’m thinking things that are just done as a matter of course or just in case, regardless of the shape the boat’s in. I’ve gone around the boat and made a list of everything that I’d like to take care of, but just don’t want to overlook something obvious.

2. Are there trouble spots on this particular model boat or engine that I should keep an eye on?

3. What are some of the more common or useful changes that are done on this model or style of boat? I’ll probably use the boat as it is (critical problems fixed of course) this summer to get a feel for it, but I’d like to have an idea of what could be done come fall.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Big Island Lifer]

Congrats and welcome aboard!

I wold check to make sure that the motor- upper and lower has been serviced with recent lubd changes etc. Nothing like a good scrub and wax to get to know your new boat!

 

[surfinjoe]

Congrats on your new purchase. Nice looking boat!

I would go to your local marine store and get some gel coat safe acid wash for the bottom. That slime and scum is very hard to remove. Then get a good cleaner/wax, a buffer, a finish wax, some stainless polish and do the old 'wax on, wax off' Daniel-san!

Check your manual and do the required service for the approperiate hours (typically @100, 200 and 300 hours).

Spray the canvas and see if it repels water. If not, buy some canvas H2O spray and let it dry.

 

[Nehalennia]

Congrats. The things for a 12 year old boat is that those models have the carpeted floor. If they were left outside to collect rain your floors may have soft spots and potentially stringers underneath. Yes, as mentioned above, it would be prudent to have the motor gone through and serviced/inspected. Other than that, hopefully everything's ok and get to scrubbin' and waxin' and have fun.

 

[BUSTMUP]

Congratulations and nice looking boat Scott. Don't forget preventive maintenance on the trailer. Suggest you pull the hubs and clean and repack the wheel bearings. I'd also invest in a full boat cover.
Jeff

 

[Banagy]

Welcome aboard