General question for a boat that has primarily sat for the last year

[alwayzcocacola06]

What needs to be done for it to be ready to be on the water. You can safely assuume everything was in good working order when parked. I have cranked it occasionally and replaced all 3 batteries. What about fluids and plugs and all? I just am new to bass boats in general. Also i have driven a boat exactly (1) time. Have been in bass boats about 20 times. Is it safe for me to learn on my own? its a 90 nitro with a 150. I am a lil timid when it comes to speed on the water in general. I would be around 30-40mph mostly. Just looking for input.

[BassinBarrister]

If you did not put Stabil in the gas, you should drain the gas and put fresh gas in it. Normal maintenance is probably in order: new L/U lube, change filters, new spark plugs. If you don't have a water separating fuel filter, I would put one on. However, that being said, if it starts and runs, then you're probably OK for the time being.

Take your time getting used to the boat. Play with the trim but keep the rooster tail no higher than the engine cowling. It just takes practice and seat time. If you know anybody who owns a boat, ask them for help - I'm sure they would be more than happy to give you some pointers. And, of course, ask away on BBC!

[alwayzcocacola06]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BassinBarrister &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you did not put Stabil in the gas, you should drain the gas and put fresh gas in it. Normal maintenance is probably in order: new L/U lube, change filters, new spark plugs. If you don't have a water separating fuel filter, I would put one on. However, that being said, if it starts and runs, then you're probably OK for the time being.

Take your time getting used to the boat. Play with the trim but keep the rooster tail no higher than the engine cowling. It just takes practice and seat time. If you know anybody who owns a boat, ask them for help - I'm sure they would be more than happy to give you some pointers. And, of course, ask away on BBC!

</TD></TR></TABLE>where would one go to get the lube changed?are filters something a novice can do? what about plugs? what kind and what type gap?

[basshole45]

lube can be changed at home in about 10 mins,,take out the drain screw drain and replace with lower unit oil of your brand for the motor.Alot of us run quicksilver pro for mercs or yammy brand ,,etc..The spark plug type should be on the motor under the cowling,if not im sure if you posted in the right engine forum someone could let ya in on what you need .and gap,..All can be done easily at home,just post up specific questions and someone will help you out,doesn;t hurt to search either these topics are brought up alot,,

[shawnjohn]

FYI do not try to start your boat in the driveway without a set of earmuffs on it. it is generally ok to turn it over to make sure it cranks but don't do it to much the impeller in the motor requires water for lubrication. if it is ran dry it could fail and not cool your motor.

[alwayzcocacola06]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by shawnjohn &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">FYI do not try to start your boat in the driveway without a set of earmuffs on it. it is generally ok to turn it over to make sure it cranks but don't do it to much the impeller in the motor requires water for lubrication. if it is ran dry it could fail and not cool your motor.</TD></TR></TABLE>i was lucky enough to know about earmuffs

[Jack Yates]

If you are going to change out the lower unit fluid be sure to remove the top plug and fill from the bottom. This way it will remove any air as you fill it. Just add the fluid until it starts coming out the top hole. Replace the plugs and be sure to inspect the o-rings on each screw while your at it. Very easy job. About 10 minutes.

Also inspect the lower plug for any metal shavings that might be present.

Good luck,

Jack

[bluelake08marinemech.]

first make sure you have a waterseperating filter.if not put one in. second go in middle of lake and play easiest way to learn boat capabilities. hardest thing for new people is to turn fast but dont work your not going 80 when water is rough or turning trim down till boat is smooth and just have fun tilt trim on steering wheel will help you keep mboth hands on wheel