Newbie needing help about owning a boat.

[jflatt]

I have a new to me 1991 sea ray 22.5ft bow rider, that is on a trailer most of the time. I was wondering if there is a good source of information on owning and maintaining my boat in salt water. I have no clue what to do and not to do. Also, who i should talk to about my trailer not fitting my boat very well. The boat does not seam to center up very well on the trailer and most of the time i have to re-trailer the boat since it is not sitting center on the trailer or the carpeted runners are sitting across 'lifting strakes'? Any and all help appreciated.

 

[Bt Doctur]

move each bunk outboard about 5 inches.

 

[BurgundyS24]

If ot doesnt already have it i would go ahead and convert to closed cooling

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

 

[War Eagle]

Jflatt,

Welcome to the hole in the water club!

First thing to know is that your engine/outdrive must be regularly maintained. Corrosion is a major threat especially in salt - especially if left in the water for any period of time. Read every thing you can get your hands on about out-drive care and use a good service shop if you are not comfortable - DIY'er.

In general any water or oil in the bilge of your boat is not a good thing for the engine or the boat. When properly serviced I/O's don't leak - but if the bellows in the bravo is beyond its useful life it will likely leak and could sink your boat. Have it checked (and replaced - if necessary) at least every three years or so.

Make sure rain water can get out if you have to store it outside. The starter motor is on the bottom of that big block - and it's a beast to change. Keep the power cables clean and tight - batteries charged.

Keep some of this stuff around http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AXYA0...hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_ubc1kxeyq_b - good stuff.

Your 454 is a great engine - tough and stout ... but shes not bullet proof!

Boat US is a good investment for most newbies.

Have fun and be safe on the water.

There are hundreds of things that can make boating more fun and less work -- this forum is chocked full of tips and tricks - search is a wonderful thing!

Read up on CRC Salt terminator ... another good product to keep around (I don't have any relationship with CRC - just 40 years of successfull use)

 

[MrHappy]

How does the boat sit in the water? Does it list to one side? My boat lists to the starboard. When I put it on the trailer the starboard side sits lower on the frame. I believe my problem is she is water logged.

We may have the same boat but I have the 5.7 Ltr. engine.

 

[Lakebum431]

Is your gas tank further to one side than the other in that model? How many gallons does it hold and is it full or empty? With a boat that size, it could be as simple as that. If it is a 50 gallon tank that is over 300 lbs of weight.

 

[MrHappy]

Is your gas tank further to one side than the other in that model? How many gallons does it hold and is it full or empty? With a boat that size, it could be as simple as that. If it is a 50 gallon tank that is over 300 lbs of weight.

If he has the same boat I have the tank is dead center. 70 gallons

 

[jflatt]

Yes my Tank is dead center.

 

[jflatt]

How does the boat sit in the water?
NO my boat sit pretty level in the water.

 

[dpmulvey]

If ot doesnt already have it i would go ahead and convert to closed cooling

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

On a 1991?

 

[northern]

Is the hull painted? If painted is the paint smooth IE not a lot of layers. If multi layers of paint you may want to consider removing it and resealing the hull then repainting it.