Impulse buy, new boat, new to (power) boating

[stigger]

Hi all,

OK - so after a somewhat impulse buy I need you guys to go easy on me, but give me some sound advice.

The wife and I have talked about getting a small day boat for use 3 or 4 weeks a year in and around North Norfolk coastal waters. We've canoed this many times but never had a power boat. (for the record we both have our RYA powerboat and are familiar with the seas, just never bought or owned anything bigger than a traditional canoe/row-boat with an ancient Seagull outboard)

So anyway, last night my itchy trigger finger on eBay bought us a vintage Gastron with a 55hp Evinrude 2-stroke. I reckon it's 1970s. 14 foot, 6 seater fibreglass. Electric start and in reasonable working order.

Suitable for near-shore coastal pottering/picnicking?
What is the realistic seating capacity of this boat (it has 3 bench seats and the seller claims 6 persons)?

So, having now bought this - what checks should I undertake before our first outing, which will likely be Brancaster Harbour/Scoltshead Island in the summer.

I'll be buying a small 2.5hp as a secondary motor in case the 'vintage' 2-stroke packs in.

I'm due to sit my SRC for peace of mind whilst on the water/radio back up.

Thanks for your comments and advice.

Stig

 

[sarabande]

the vessel is designed as a speedboat for use on pretty flat water. Whilst they are quite tough, I would not really consider that near-coastal pottering (where waves may in fact be bigger than further offshore) is the best area for using the boat. Rivers/estuaries perhaps.

Checks ? Bilge pumps, buckets, lifejackets, signals/comms, engine spares, clean fuel, etc, etc, etc.

The RNLi do free checks
https://duckduckgo.com/l/?kh=-1&udd...ectionDocuments/Outboard-engine-checklist.pdf

and will have an experienced person available to go over the boat with you, without prejudice.

 

[Imtamping2]

As above , but also the soundness of the boat especially the transom that evinrude 55 is a fair weight to hang off the back so you need to know its sound.

 

[stigger]

Thanks guys... well, I have the boat... and it looks to be in pretty good shape cosmetics aside. The engine is 1979 55hp Evinrude and it fired up first time which made me smile.

Now I just have to get the years of build up off the hull... any ideas? It's like concrete!

 

[Imtamping2]

Oxalic acid..........BE CAREFUL READ UP ABOUT IT BEFORE USING.

 

[Alpha22]

Viakal.... bathroom cleaner.

 

[Alpha22]

Brick cleaner - it will be cheaper.

 

[jrudge]

+1 for brick cleaner

 

[alt]

I know brick cleaner works great on stainless steel props, is it OK to use on gelcoat?

 

[Imtamping2]

Ebay 130751223418

If you can get 10 ltrs of brick cleaner cheaper I would like to know where.

 

[gordmac]

If you are using brick cleaner wear rubber gloves and eye protection, it is not pleasant stuff.

 

[Red]

Well done with your purchase, i would not worry too much about the outside appearance of the outboard, just check it runs ok before you start off. Make sure you have plenty of fuel because it can get a bit wild up there, take your camera for the seals.