Bored in Afghanistan Boat Questions!

[cravertosu]

So for those of you who don't know, I just started getting into the offshore fishing thing in the summer of 07. Pretty much just jumped right in, bought a boat and started reading/learning/asking. But here are a few general boating questions that have been running through my mind. Answer what you can, make up what you can't! Kidding, no making stuff up unless it's really funny and obviously not true!

Boat info first though: 1988 25' Wellcraft Cuddy w/235 OMC. It received a new powerhead just before I bought it. Had 5 hrs when I took her over.

1. a.) What exactly does that mean, a new powerhead? b.) How long is that good for before I need to worry about it?

2. a.) How exactly does the battery charging thing work with an outboard? b.) Does it have a little alternator that charges while it runs? c.) If I'm running electronics, livewell, or lights while the engine is off, how often do I need to start it up and run it? d.) How often should I pull and charge my batteries?

3. Maintenance: a.) What sort of general maintenance should I be performing on my outboard and how often? b.) I've been using Evinrude Oil, is it really worth the extra money or is a cheaper oil really ok?

Ok, I think that's good for now. I'm sure your answers will bring more question. That and I'm hungry and need some lunch!

Thanks,
Tim

[silenthunter]

hey man welcome to boating it the worst investment you could buy, but it's also the funnest...

the powerhead means the top of the motor "engine block with components" it all depense on how hard you run the motor and the amount of maintenance that is done on the motor..

the whole battery thing, Yes the motor does have a small alternator on it that does charge the battery by a small amount while the engine is running. You can run all of the pumps and electronics that you want as long as the volt meter on your gauges is staying between 12 volts and 14 volts.. As far as running your pumps and electronic while the engine is off if you feel you should start the engine then start it and run it for 10-20 min usually every hour or so.

maintenance is pretty simple it all depense on how much you run the engine. When i had a outboard i changed the lower unit oil 2 times a season running about 120 hours a season a bit much but oil is cheaper then a new lower unit. There is a lower unit drain plug at the bottom usually port side of the unit make sure engine is down and try to keep the dirt and crap out when you change the oil. When you winterize the boat and motor you should change all oils incase there is water in the oil so it does not freeze. and don't forget to keep stabile in your fuel and if you havn't ran the motor for a while splash a couple of gallons of high test fuel in the tank it help with cleaning injectors and water in fuel.

these are some of my maintenance procedures and mine only some poeple do more and alot of people do less.. if you have anymore question feel free the write me a message..

P.s. when you ar done using your boat at the end of the day get a pair of engine muffs and flush the engine with fresh water at home or ramp. put the muffs over the lower unit raw water intakes start the engine then have someone turn the water on after the motor start make sure the engine is peeing a nice stream of water if it is not peeing turn the motor off immediatly and turn off the water and make sure the pee whole is not blocked. Then start it backup and turn the water back on..run it for about 5-10 mins not to long. while the motor is running fell the pee stream and make sure it's not super hot. if so turn the motor off..and thats about it. It's always a good idea to have spare spark plugs and wrenchs and gum cutter spray can, and asorted tools for the motor i put these in a ammo container and kept them on the boat OH YEAH WD-40 damn almost forgot LOL... I'm done now fingers are hurting

[cravertosu]

Thanks Silenthunter! Good stuff! That was always my biggest fear, killing the battery while I'm out on the water! Which actually happened on my VERY LAST trip before I deployed...18 miles offshore! That was an expensive jump! I think it was because of a short I have somewhere. I'm redoing the whole electrical system when I get back along with a new fuel tank. Should be a fun project.

So with the new powerhead I should get a pretty good number of years before I should have to worry about anything big with the motor? Giving that I do all the good general/preventive maintenance.

You're right about it not being cheap!! Stacy calls it my old man hobby because only old men can afford it!

Thanks again,
Tim

[giantfan]

If your going to be re-wiring the boat... I would suggest that you have a battery isolated and dedicated for the motor only and then one for all of your electronics.

You hook them both up to the charging system of the motor but put an (isolater??? not sure what its called or how to spell...but it acts as a check valve does with water) this will let your battery charge but it wont back feed to the electronics battery.

WD40 "Water Displacement and it took them 40 trys to get it right...... Spray down the whole engine once a month and it will keep the water out of everything.... make sure to do this to a cold motor. It keeps everything protected.

[cravertosu]

If your going to be re-wiring the boat... I would suggest that you have a battery isolated and dedicated for the motor only and then one for all of your electronics.

You hook them both up to the charging system of the motor but put an (isolater??? not sure what its called or how to spell...but it acts as a check valve does with water) this will let your battery charge but it wont back feed to the electronics battery.

WD40 "Water Displacement and it took them 40 trys to get it right...... Spray down the whole engine once a month and it will keep the water out of everything.... make sure to do this to a cold motor. It keeps everything protected.

Giant,

Is that really how WD40 got it's name? Good little bit of trivia knowledge! So just pop off the cover and spray away or is there a few places you should stay away from?
The boat has two batteries now, a starting and a deep cycle. Is that what you were talking about? I'll look it to the isolator thing, sounds like a smart idea.

Thanks,
Tim

[gottaflylee]

Tim yep thats how WD40 it got its name. As for spraying you motor down, I was told not to use it as it will soften the coating on the wires, use CRC instead, it will do the same thing...

[norter79]

Might want to look into towing insurance..

Not sure which is better in your area, tow boat u.s. or sea-tow, but it can save your butt.

When I originally looked into it tow boat u.s. insured the card holder whereas sea-tow insured the boat.

If it's still the same you frequently fish on other boats, boat u.s. may be the best choice.

[cravertosu]

Might want to look into towing insurance..

Not sure which is better in your area, tow boat u.s. or sea-tow, but it can save your butt.

When I originally looked into it tow boat u.s. insured the card holder whereas sea-tow insured the boat.

If it's still the same you frequently fish on other boats, boat u.s. may be the best choice.

Little late Norter!! Just kidding! The guy told me about it out on the water and I looked into it when I got back. It's definitely something I'll start when I get the boat back on the water!

Gottafly,
I'll be looking for the CRC when I get back!

Thanks,
Tim

[sportfishingusa]

Little late Norter!! Just kidding! The guy told me about it out on the water and I looked into it when I got back. It's definitely something I'll start when I get the boat back on the water!

Gottafly,
I'll be looking for the CRC when I get back!

Thanks,
Tim

tim,

you can get crc at boaters world i am pretty sure.. have not bought it in a long time but i think they will have it on the shelves!!!

[Capt-D]

WD40 will definitely soften the wire coatings! Certain industries use it to break down and clean adhesives for that reason. Use the CRC same concept as the WD40 but not as "abrasive"(lack of better term).

If you have two batteries already they are probably set up as a house and starting. Keep it that way especially when running offshore. Last thing you want after drifting all day with the depthfinder on is that the engine wont start!

You'll hook the house batteries(and starting for that matter) up to a charger for when your hooked to shore power(or extension cord in the driveway) The engine wont put out enough amperage to recharge everything, just the starting bat. and even than may not be able to charge a weaker battery.

-D