WOW!!! Lots to learn!!

SFORBES

New Member
Dec 31, 2009
9
Henderson KY
Boat Info
1994 Sea Ray 290
Engines
454 bvo 2
I went from a 24' toon to a '94 290 sundancer w/ 454;kohler gen;ac;refer.

I purchased in Dec without starting or driving(I am A Sucker). Honestly I purchasd the boat from a friend and I got a great price.

Boat was pro winterized and he told me it was a gas and go winterization.

I am mechanically inclined and can do most all work myself with exception of pulling motor and rebuilding.

I am going to start by asking one question and we will go from there.

What do I need to know before I put the muffs on this beast this weekend. Be very specific since I have not ever owned one of these before.

My plans:

1.check all fluids(ps,oil, drive)
2.use same muffs i used for outboard
2. start motor( stop me here if needed)
3.let run to op temp
4.start gen.(scared to do with out quetion 1 answer)
5. open beer and try to relax
6.try to make everthing on the boat work beore I splash

I am always thankful for constructive critisizim so feel free to let me have it.

Thanks in advance for all your knowledge.
 
Welcome and congrats on the boat. The plan sounds good just make sure he did not leave any engine block plugs out (or stopcocks open if it has them). Some people drain the block in this manner and leave open until Spring. Do not turn your hose to full pressure on the muffs...about 1/2 will do. Have the engine hatch up and divide your time between watching temp and oil pressure gauge and motor as well as keep an eye on the muffs (it would be bad if they slipped off....they probably won't).

Do not start the generator out of the water! It has a thru hull under the boat and needs constant water or you will burn up your impeller in a hurry.
 
Last edited:
Hold off on step #5.

There will be plenty of time for after you shut it down. Between the gauges, the drive, the engine itself, water hoses, there is a lot going on.

Read Quint's post again & read all you can here & in the manuals.

By the way.......Welcome to CSR.
 
Is the boat stored at a marina? I would try to find who winterized it. You may want to use them next winter. Ask them if there is anything they remeber about the boat. Pay to have them put it bak into the water for you. Watch closely and and learn.
 
Welcome to CLUB SEA RAY.
I did the same thing in the fall of 08. Traded my 24' pontoon for a 1994 270DA. Never heard it run. I was worried all winter. Went thru the service and checked everything. I did find the block plugs out. Installed the plugs and changed all fluids. Had the lower unit removed and had the drive bearings and u-joint checked. Rebuilt the water pump. Put it in last spring and never had one problem all summer. It is very different. Some of my family want to go back to a pontoon. They miss having all the room to get up and walk around. I love having a cabin and a bath room (Head). Good luck. I hope your summer turns out as good as mine did.
 
Boat is in my driveway on a trailer.

I spoke to the marina that winterized it and they told me to gas and go.

Thanks for the info on the gen

Is there a checklist that anyone uses for spring start up??

Thanks
 
I guess this is contagious. I'm another boater that went from a 24' 'toon to a SR 220. I was able to run it with muffs before I bought it, so I took the fact that it puffed like a kitten with a grain of salt. I paid for the boat accordingly. The last cruiser I boat without a sea trial didn't work out, but that was an old MFG with Volvo engine/outdrive. It ran well.....sometimes :smt013

Launch is probably less that two weeks away, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
 

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