Spring Prep and Launch

[340Sundancer]

Hey Guys, Hope everyone is having a good winter....but SO ready for Spring here!

Last spring I purchased my first boat a 2005 340 Dancer, and we had the BEST summer on it! Now its sleeping nicely in heated storage, but I want to start getting it ready for the spring.
What advise do you recommend that I do in order for a good spring splash.

Here is what I am planning already:
* Wash and Wax (while inside)
* Oil Check/Change
* Fluids Check
* Replace Batteries (I know 2 need replacing, so I am doing all of them)
* New Isinglass on the sides
* Install in decal and name her (officially)
* Fuel Filters

I also believe I have a clogged water intake to the generator - (I think in the fall I sucked up plant life. I noticed that the water output of the side of the hull was weak on our last run in the fall) So I need to check on this. (Any Advise?)

Oh and....
* Clean
* Clean
* Clean



Any pointers would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Ryan

 

[Strypes]

I would recommend changing your impellers. At least check them. I'm sure that they don't get as brittle while in heated storage!

How's your bottom paint?

Other than that, sounds like you're on the right track!

Have fun!

Cheers

 

[northern]

Fan belts if they have not been done in a few years. Keep the old ones as spares.
If anti freeze cooled you may want to change it if original to boat.
Your oil and transmission cooler should be good as you are in fresh water. Look at drain plugs and make sure they are sound and not dripping.

 

[Boater420]

You'll probably need to service that generator as well. Oil, spark plugs, belt, coolant and pencil zinc.

Might also want to check the zincs on the running gear while it's out of the water as well as the shaft seals and thru-hull clean-outs.

 

[340Sundancer]

Thanks for the tips! I appreciate it.

 

[villain style]

My generator did what yours did. It was not a clogged strainer or broken impellar - the internal plumbing of the generator scaled up and was causing low flow and overheating. 1600 later it runs awesome. Hope this isn't your problem..

 

[northern]

Think you use magnesium anodes in fresh water not zinc.

 

[340Sundancer]

My generator did what yours did. It was not a clogged strainer or broken impellar - the internal plumbing of the generator scaled up and was causing low flow and overheating. 1600 later it runs awesome. Hope this isn't your problem..

How did you determine that? Was your boat in the water or out? Mine is out in heated storage and I was going to take a look at it this Saturday? Any suggestions?

 

[paulswagelock]

Spark plugs if not changed recently.
Check all the through hull fittings, trim tabs, etc to make sure they are sealed properly.

 

[Stee6043]

On the generator question I would offer up that the water discharge on my Westerbeke is not "tremendous" when operating perfectly. The generator will tell you (via shutdown) when it has a true restriction. I personally wouldn't go digging any further than the strainer (regularly) or impellor (annually) unless I experienced a shutdown or two. Just my two cents though...

 

[Vince_nj1]

Going forward, you should change your oil at the end of the season and not let the old oil sit in the engines (and generator) all winter.