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 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.