Hello,
I originally posted these questions in another thread but I am going to edit that post and put these questions here, as I feel they are more appropriate for this section of the forum.
My wife and I just purchased a "new to us" 2008 Sea Ray 205 Sport. It has 156 hours on it and appears to be in great condition.
I have been around boats my whole life and my family has always owned boats. But this is "my" first boat, and also my first sterndrive. Since I've been old enough to learn anything we have had outboard fishing boats. So I have a few questions.
1. The previous owners have a hydrofoil installed on the outdrive. I've heard these can place a little undue stress on the outdrive. The boat is low hours and everything looks great so I'm not concerned about the condition of things now.
2. Would any of you be apprehensive about installing smart tabs if I do remove the hydrofoil? I like the idea of them. Straighter tracking, quicker to plane, plane at a lower speed for watersports. But... Any time I think about drilling through the hull, it makes me nervous.
3. I have a good couple of months here before we get her on the water. I'd like to make sure everything is tuned up real well considering its a used boat. I plan on replacing the impeller, the battery, and the plugs. As well as doing an oil and filter change. Anything else I should consider doing maintenance wise before taking her out for the first time?
4. I'm used to fishing boats more than pleasure boats, which means I'm used to having redundancy in batteries. This has a single battery with switch. Should I consider a two battery system with a dual switch or am I expressing a bit of overkill? We will be running the radio a lot while anchored, however it is just the stock clarion system.
Thanks for any help!!
I originally posted these questions in another thread but I am going to edit that post and put these questions here, as I feel they are more appropriate for this section of the forum.
My wife and I just purchased a "new to us" 2008 Sea Ray 205 Sport. It has 156 hours on it and appears to be in great condition.
I have been around boats my whole life and my family has always owned boats. But this is "my" first boat, and also my first sterndrive. Since I've been old enough to learn anything we have had outboard fishing boats. So I have a few questions.
1. The previous owners have a hydrofoil installed on the outdrive. I've heard these can place a little undue stress on the outdrive. The boat is low hours and everything looks great so I'm not concerned about the condition of things now.
- But, I am wondering if I should leave it, or remove it?
- If I remove it, what should I do with the installation holes on the outdrive? Leave them empty, fill them with bolts, fill with Marine Tex then sand and paint?
- Basically what would you do to repair the cavitation plate if you removed it?
2. Would any of you be apprehensive about installing smart tabs if I do remove the hydrofoil? I like the idea of them. Straighter tracking, quicker to plane, plane at a lower speed for watersports. But... Any time I think about drilling through the hull, it makes me nervous.
- Is this a legitimate concern?
- I'm not sure how thick the hull is in the transom of this boat, and if you even have to drill all the way through?
- What would be best to fill the screw holes with before installation?
- Is it easy to strip out fiberglass?
- If you did do smart tabs, what pound piston would you choose for this boat?
3. I have a good couple of months here before we get her on the water. I'd like to make sure everything is tuned up real well considering its a used boat. I plan on replacing the impeller, the battery, and the plugs. As well as doing an oil and filter change. Anything else I should consider doing maintenance wise before taking her out for the first time?
4. I'm used to fishing boats more than pleasure boats, which means I'm used to having redundancy in batteries. This has a single battery with switch. Should I consider a two battery system with a dual switch or am I expressing a bit of overkill? We will be running the radio a lot while anchored, however it is just the stock clarion system.
Thanks for any help!!