1997 Challenger 1800 - Just bought..questions..

[8-Ball]

Well.. I just purchased a used Challenger 1800.

As I am cleaning it out.. I have noticed a few things... that I beleive the previous owner did not disclose....

1. While Waxing the boat.. I noticed that the keel seems pretty worn... down to the yellow fiberglass... I am wondering if I need to have installed a keel guard..

2. While cleaning the boat from top to bottom.. I am hearing the billage pump running. I am assuming that its due to some water.. in the engine compartment...**I know they turn on automatically when water is there**.. Looking in.. there is no water.. but it is still running. Sooner or later.. this is gonna drain the battery..if not wear out the billage pump... Just pull the fuse??? I cant seem to locate it after darn near doing a hand stand... What is the best approach here?

UPDATE,.. BILLAGE SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN..with out discharging the battery.. oh well.. must have been some water there..

3. The right engine was replaced...last season.. and I am noticing that there is a housing cover missing. (comparing with the other engine)...its a gray cover near where the water just exits the transom..*think thats the term*... is this an issue??? I tried to find it from engine diagrams..but cant seem to zero into the correct area...

and at last..

4. When pulling out the driver side storage bin.. and exposing the back side of the stearing column I am seeing the two steering cables...on both of the cables.. was a nut just dangling there.. I can see where they screw on.. but am unsure at how to adjust it once I screw them on...


Sorry for what seems like newbie questions.. but I am really wanting to understand the operation of this boat.. and be a lil more then just a weekend driver..

I look forward to all of yours experience.... Thank you!

 

[Bdt1967]

1. Never have I installed a keel guard but I have seen them at the boat store, I would be nervous of putting something plastic on my boat hull especially if its only attached with glue or double sided tape, seems like it would rip off or come lose. You could always have it repaired at the boat shop, or just live with it, pictures would help to show the full extent of the damage.

3. That cover if I am picturing the correct one is not necessary for operation, I believe it just keeps grease from slinging around the engine compartment, you could probably build something to do that.

4. The procedure for aligning these is in the service manual for that boat, not sure if its like mine, but I will look in mine and let you know what it says to do for my boat.

 

[8-Ball]

I have decided to install a keelshield product...

Anyone with experience with this??