Starting

[JeffP]

Was wondering if there was an proper to start the boat on dry land? Just want to make sure it will start right up before I take it on the water.

I have heard before about hooking up water hose to mimmick being on the water. It would be on for only a really short time

Thanks,

Jeff
2001 Sea Ray 180 BR

 

[wish2fish]

never start your boat without being hooked up to water. The impeller is lubricated and cooled by the water. Starting without water will cause premature failure.

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

Starting your engine and running it for even 1 minute has been know to cause impeller failure by those who have reported the mistake. Always have the ear muffs in place and water running before starting the motor. :grin:

 

[mrtopknight]

It's not so much the overheating concern; it would take quite a bit of time to get it hot enough to overheat.

The impeller (water pump system) is not designed to run without water. Running the engine without water even for a short period of time can do serious harm. You would not want your impeller to go out in the middle of the nowhere causing the engine to overheat.

 

[jhild]

Hi Jeff,

These guys are right. Buy a good pair of ear muffs (flushing attachment for your garden hose) at the local boat store. Get the kind that squirt water from both sides of the attachment. They work great. I can send you a pic if you don't know what I'm talking about.