Tips for new boat owners

First Born

New Member
PLATINUM Sponsor
Oct 3, 2006
3,900
Charlotte, N.C.
Boat Info
2006 185 Sport
Engines
4.3 L 190 HP
I decided after a posting the other day that we should have a topic for tips or ideas for new boat owners. These are things that a person new to boating would probably miss in the excitement of that new boat. Lessons learned, etc. I am putting this in the sports boats section because most first time buyers are going to fall in this arena.

First posting - 20 Hour Break-In period - consult your manual for your actual break in period.

For my 185 -

The first 20 hours of operation is the engine break-in period. Correct break-in is essential to obtain minimum oil consumption and maximum engine performance. During this break-in period, the following rules must be observed:

- Do not operate below 1500 RPM for extended periods of time for the first 10 hours. Shift into gear as soon as possible after starting and advance the throttle above 1500 RMP if conditions permit safe operation.

- Do not operate at one spped consistently for extended periods.

- Do not exceed 3/4 throttle during the first 10 hours. During the next 10 hours, occasional operation at full throttle is permissible (5 minutes at a time maximum)

- Avoid full throttle acceleration from idle speed

- Do not operate at full throttle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature

- Frequently check engine oil level. Add oil as needed. It is normal for oil consumption to be high during the break-in period.

After break-in period.

To help extend the life of your Mercury Mercruiser power package, the following recommendations should be considered;

- Ensure the propeller allows the engine to operatie at or near the top of the WOT RMP range (refer to specifications and Maintenance) when at full throttle with a normal boat load.

- Operation at 3/4 throttle setting or lower is recommended. Refrain from prolonged operation at WOT throttle.

- Change the oil and oil filter. Refer to maintenance.
 
First Born said:
After break-in period.

- Operation at 3/4 throttle setting or lower is recommended. Refrain from prolonged operation at WOT throttle.

That's why I like the 4.3 over the 3.0. Crusing speed (30-35mph) for the 4.3 is at 3/4 throttle :thumbsup:
 
With my new boat - it says to change the transmission fluid and filters at 25 hours to keep the warranty in place.
 
When I first saw this topic, I immediately thought of.... Don't forget to put in the plug before you launch! :grin:

It seems it has happened to everyone...I dreamed of it happening once. What a nightmare. :wink:
 
How about lock the captains seat prior to trailering. I forgot to do this once and went over a bridge. The seat pivoted and engaged the trim down switch. Needless to say my skeg is now 2" shorter. Thanks Skegard for making my life better!
 
Read every piece of literature that came with your boat. Study the mechanical literature. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can solve your own problems afloat with a little knowledge.

Take a captain's course. After the collision it is too late to be figuring out stand on v. give way vessel, what the colregs are, what the green and red thingies are, and "securite" v/ pan pan" v. Mayday"

Think thorugh your plan for when things go south, be it on the ramp, in the middle of the bay, or as the sun is setting.

Have tools and spares adequate to your comfort level and DIY skill. If swapping an alternator at sea is not something you will ever do, why carry a spare aboard?

Get Sea Tow or an equivalent service with coverage appropriate to your boating area and requirements.

If you have kids, teach them to swim and keep them in life jackets. if you doubt this, wait until you hear a "child overboard" call on your VHF....it breaks your heart. Absolutely, positively turn the engine off if you have folks on the platform or in the water at the stern.

Safe Boating requires common sense, planning, knowledge, and the occasional piece of luck, which is nothing more than the collision of preparation and opportunity.

Run your boat every chance you get. It is good for you.

regards
Skip
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,862
Members
60,932
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top