Tweet
My first nautique. Arriving today. It is newer and sold by a dealership who changed the oil and checked fluids, etc. do I need to start engine dry with a waterline, or any other startup procedure to check before launching the first time? Can’t wait to get out on the water.
-
-
I doubt you need to do that. Make sure the plug is in. Don’t forget dock lines, life jackets. Fill it up with gas on the way to the ramp.
Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique -
I would keep it on the trailer, fire it up for a minute to make sure everything is working to your liking. Open the engine hatch check for leaks, and bump it in gear both forward and reverse for a split second to make sure they work.
If all that checks out, send her off on the water and keep an eye out for leaks for the first hour or so. I would also fill the ballast tanks up just a little bit, and drain them to make sure that's all working. you don't want to fill them all the way to find out they won't drain.
Other than that HAVE A BLAST!!!!!!!!!Comment
-
I used to always fire my boat up in my driveway before taking It to the lake but I also used to own much older boats. I don’t do it anymore. There’s nothing wrong with it provided you’re feeding a steady supply of water to the engine somehow. I second making sure you can fill AND drain when you first get out there. Also, I encourage everyone who trailers to make their first trip of the season on a day that’s not busy on the lake if possible. That way you don’t feel rushed at the ramp. Most of the damage I’ve seen at the ramps is from someone who is having issues and in a hurry.Comment
-
If you haven't personally verified the fluids etc, I might be tempted to start it up, let it idle for a few, and then check oil and such. A friend bought a used 220 from a dealership in another state(not a Nautique dealer)that told him all the fluids had been changed, boat given a tune up, etc. Nope.
It was a 11 year old boat,with 45 hours on it, that had sat in storage almost it's whole life. He had problems right out of the gate, and took to the local Nautique dealer to get repaired. Guess how old the oil was... Yup, 11 years. Basically a sludge. Almost everything was original including plugs and fluids from 11 years ago. They lied. I'd trust but verify before heading out.Comment
-
I always make my first trip of the season with as few people as possible in case something goes wrong, it doesn’t ruin everybody’s day and doesn’t add to your stress at that point.Comment
-
Whatever you do, do not run it without water circulating. I don't trust anyone, and always check all fluids myself before almost every outing. My.02
Comment
Comment