Some NewBee questions

[geppert]

OK ... real powerboat Newbee here (first one actually).

The boat is a 1992 SeaRay 180 with a 150 HP Oil Injected Merc Black Max XR4 OB.

I am using it in salt water but it comes home on the trailer after each use. Is stored under cover.

1) I understand that you should run the motor with the fresh water "ears" after each use in salt water to rinse? Question is HOW LONG? When I did it today the water coming out the motor outlet was hot to the touch but the temp gauge on the dash was reading ok so I assume this is normal (the hot water thing). I just don't know how long to run it to complete a satisfactory rinse cycle?

2) On the brief test drive the previous owner was talking about "appropriate motor tilt" for optimum performance while under way. I totally don't understand how to do this. I always thought "put the motor all the way down and go"? So how do you adjust the tilt for optimum performance once under way? Does the tilt have to be adjusted for different speeds etc.?

3) How often should you run the motor if the boat is just sitting on the trailer and not being used? Every 3 days, once a week, once a month .... ???? How long for the run (same deal as water rinse I would expect?)

4) How do you "winterize" a motor over a period of say 6 months? Our winter temps range from -3C to about +5C ish. Not severe by any means but freezing does happen off and on. I won't be using this boat for probably a 6-7 month stretch once our winter season begins. Should winterizing be done by a marine mechanic or can I do it myself? I also assume the battery should be removed from the boat and stored in the basement?

5) Any other suggestions about boat maintenance in a salt water environment would be appreciated. I did wash it down after our run today. I assume you want to keep the salt build up to a minimum as best you can?

 

[Hampton]

1) I used to run mine until the taste of the exhaust water was like metal, not salt. It seemed really hot to me too. Stay pretty close to idle when rinsing.

2) Trim all the way down. Accelerate until the boat begins to plane out. As it arrives on plane, begin to tilt up until maximum speed is reached without the boat porpoising (nose up and down), or prop cavitating (sucking air and reving up), or any other adverse handling characteristics. Try it up a little too much, then down a little too much. Up brings the nose up. Down drives it into the water.

3) Most people don't run their motors to exercise them. I think it's a great idea. I know that the diesel guys probably do this. I would run it until the thermostat opens and water begins to circulate completely (same with fresh water rinsing, by the way). I don't know much about your engine, but when it reaches normal operating temp, another 5 minutes should be plenty.

4) You can winterize it yourself, but it's critical that you know the procedure for your particular rig. I can't help much there. Battery out - yes, assuming you keep the boat out of the water (don't need a bilge pump to keep from sinking). People talk about putting pink anti-freeze solution into all of the areas that normally hold water and making sure it's in all of the lines, reservoirs...

5) They make a solution called "Salt Away." I've never used it, but I understand that it neutralizes the nasty corrosive characteristics of salt. Use soap and a brush when washing the rest of the boat. Go for the good, boat soap. It'll remove salt and preserve the wax.

 

[geppert]

Appreciate the information John