In REALITY...what is done before first trip of season?

[scooper77515]

I printed out the list (long list) of things that are supposed to be done on a yearly basis to prep your boat for the first trip. Most are bogus, some are legit.

In the REAL WORLD, what should one do with a 14 year old boat before going out on the first outing?

97 Challenger. approx 15 hours on new engine.

 

[Dr Honda]

Check the jet pump oil

change the oil filter

Check the oil lines. (replace/bleed if needed)

check the fuel filter

Charge the battery

Check the carbon seal

Grease the PTO

Pack a cooler chest

have fun :hurray:

 

[Dr Honda]

Oh... also.

Check the trailer !!!!!!

grease wheel bearings

check air in the tires

check lights

Check coupler.

I just did my trailer bearings, and I'm glad I did. After sitting all winter, one of the hubs had water in it, and the bearings were shot. I don't think it would have made it to the lake.

 

[scooper77515]

Good point on the trailer.

I just did new bearings, hubs, and wheels end of last season. Same thing you had, water in one bearing and the grease was shot. So I replaced all the way around, a couple new lights, etc.

Those other items on the boat were pretty much what I assumed needed to be done, and most have been.

I just need to swap out those two filters.

 

[voodoo]

Get the motor running before you leave home, observe any liquid leaks and repair as needed - then on the trailer at the ramp with the pump in the water check again for any liquid leaks and the charging voltage, this will indicate whether you paddle or drive back. I coat all the bulb bases with grease when I do the wheels, of course it is not the EPA designed grease but it helps displace the space where water goes in to rot out stuff - when I dip I remove the trailer light cable so no blown car fuses result from the water and reconnect when I pull out after taking out the bilge plugs and running out the last of the ramp water in the parking lot while the riders hit the restroom.

 

[scooper77515]

I have run the motor for a few minutes this past weekend to de-winterize it. All looks great, and it should. New motor, put in just last year.

I always warm it up on the trailer before launching. Jumping out of the boat near the ramp is never my favorite thing to do. Never know what you find on the bottom near boat ramps. Glass, pop tops (not so much nowadays :hat. Last thing I want to do is get 50 feet off shore and have to jump out and pull the boat back to the trailer by hand.

Good suggestions though. :cheers:

 

[shockerfd]

I cleaned the guillotines in the rave assembly before I went out on my first trip last weekend. I put in fresh plugs and did a few plug/test runs out on the water to see how boat was running. Everything looked good but I'll probably pull the carbs to give them a fresh cleaning. WD-40 all the linkages, jet pump area well.

 

[scooper77515]

I did the RAVEs end of season also. Then checked them again this weekend just to be sure I cleaned them.

Just storage oil on them for now.

I will run the old plugs for a little while the first day, just to burn of remaining storage oil, then slap in new plugs when we make our first beach stop.