Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

First boat questions

FishinLogician

By FishinLogician
in Open Water

 Share

Recommended Posts

FishinLogician Contributor

FishinLogician

Posted
Posted

I just purchased my first boat. It's used so I didn't get an owners manual or spec sheet. Does anyone know details or where I can get details on the web for used boats?

My new reason for living:

93 Crestliner NightHawk 1640 - side console
Mercury 50 hp outboard (no model # on the body that I could find)

I will be contacting Crestliner directly but if anyone has details like fule tank capacity, weight or other details....issues owners have noticed that I should be aware of. The boat is in very good condition from a first time buyer's perspective. I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Angler Don Enthusiast

Angler Don

Posted
Posted

Congrats ! FishinLogician !
on your Crestliner / merc combo. My
first and current, a 2000 Crestliner Angler 16 console / 40 Merc 4 stroke. I love it !
I think proper maintenence is critical.
Do what you are capable of yourself, pay a pro if you have to. Every time I take mine out, I have the same problem. I have a really hard time prying my behind out of the seat. Like it gets stuck there or something. Can't figure it out for anything. Ive heard other folks experiencing the same problem, so it's not just a Crestliner thing. Has made me late for work a few times ! But I guess I can live with that.
Enjoy !
Don

[This message has been edited by Angler Don (edited 02-22-2004).]

Link to comment
Share on other sites
FishinLogician Contributor

FishinLogician

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for your good wishes folks! There are not many people who know the inner drive I'm feeling right now for open water. I'm 38 and never felt this before. I'm glad I've found this place!

Does anyone know of an internet HSOforum or a book that explains good general information and maintenance for fishing boats? I did find a bass boat resource page but that's primarily fiberglass boats. I plan on doing just as Angler Don suggests in primary maintenance but leave the stuff that's over my head to the pros. The trailer that came with the boat has a lot of rust spots due to age and use. I'd like to strip, clean and repaint it. I'd also like to make sure all the rollers are cleaned and in good shape. This will be difficult as the boat will always be stored on it. Any suggestions on a way to make repairs to a trailer when it's the primary storage location?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Daze Off Mentor

Daze Off

Posted
Posted

Congrats on the boat!!!!! I'll share this bit of wisdom that was shared with me when I got my first one...."The two best days in a boat owners life are (1) the day he buys it, and (2) the day he sells it"

Don't forget the drain plug!

<g>

Daze Off

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dennis Steele Mentor

Dennis Steele

Posted
Posted

Congratulations Fishin'!
I think your going to love that boat.I have always liked Crestliners.They make a good boat.
Just keep up with your maintenace and she'll run good for you all the time.

I would suggest taking a Coast Guard boat operators course.They will teach you all you need to know about how to enjoy your baot safely.Then when you get out on the water assume that no one else has ever taken that course and drive defensively.Most haven't!!

Just a few tips
I like to use Nonoxygenated gas in my outboards.They seem to run better and you will be less likely to scorch your piston walls with this gas.
Put a little Sea Foam in the gas every time you gas up.It helps keep things clean inside.
When you put her away next fall put some Stabil in the tank and run her for tem minutes then fog the carbs untill she kills.Change the lower unit grease.Let it all drain out and fill from the bottom vent untill she comes out the top vent.
Store her in a dry place and make sure the mice don't start nesting in the motor.I had mice eat all the insulation off a one of my boats motors on winter!
I also change spark plugs once a year and alway have a spare set in the boat and tools to change them.
I am sure there are lots of maintenace tips that I am missing.Any more help for the Logician?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Angler Don Enthusiast

Angler Don

Posted
Posted

Hey...
Everything Dennis Steele mentioned is right on. It is a lot like maintaining an automobile. In some cases, marine specific fluids and parts are required. A repair manual for your Mercury is always a good idea, it will explain in detail all the required service procedures and intervals. A genuine Mercury brand repair manual can be purchased from your local dealer or the Mercury web site .mercurymarine.com .
Clymer is another brand, you can check this out at your local library, pick one up at any major bookseller such as Barnes & Noble, or purchase one on the internet through the bookseller, or check hsolist as well. A good waxing keeps her looking good. Try to find a place to practing your trailering skills before you get to the boat launch. I'm here to tell ya, that first nice, sunny spring day, you and the whole world will be at the launch at the same time. We can discuss ramp etiquette and technique at a later date. That can be a lengthy topic in itself !
Don

------------------
people who fish live longer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
FishinLogician Contributor

FishinLogician

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I plan on spending lots of time on the Minnesota. I hope to see that River Pro more than a few times this year. Since I hear rivers are open earlier than lakes I plan to practice launching, loading and driving skills well before opening day. The only public launch on the Minnesota I currently know is at the end of Lyndale Avenue. It seems a little steep (of course I saw it last fall when the water was exceedingly low). Is there a launch near Bloomington, Eden Prairie or Savage that would be good for practice? I don't want to go too far.

Are the Coast Guard courses online or classroom? If classroom, usually where and when? I suppose I should take the initiative and contact them directly - duh.

The recommendations are great and I've learned quite a bit. I appreciate the time everyone gives in response to what must be a fairly common yearly question. I can't help but think this type of forum helps improve the experience for everyone. I'm certainly inspired to continue learning and eventually educating others in the future.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dennis Steele Mentor

Dennis Steele

Posted
Posted

Yes of course the bearings!! smile.gif
If your baot does not have bearing buddies(caps with springs inside to keep the grease packed against the bearings) get them!They keep the water out and the grease on the bearings.
Make sure you do a very good job repacking when you do.No short cuts.Work that grease in with your clean hands untill you are positive that they are completely filled with grease.I packed a set of bearings once and apparently did not get the grease in all the way.One 15 mile trip to the lake was all that it took to loose them.Its not fun leaving your boat and gear along the highway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
FishinLogician Contributor

FishinLogician

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I've never worked on bearings before. Should I have a service person handle this the first time out? I purchased the boat and trailer from a marine dealer. They are currently going through it prior to my picking it up. If they are good, is this a service I should expect they'd already perform? Would you recommend I specifically request this be done on a purchase?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ackotz Enthusiast

ackotz

Posted
Posted

Hey FishinLogician...

I also recommend the Bearing Buddies...they are only about $11 to buy new and it is an easy installation you can do yourself. I would ask the seller if they would do this for you. They probably won't, but it doesn't hurt to ask...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept