Need help with general maintenance

N

Nosealegsyet

Well-Known Member
Joined
14 May 2019
Messages
421
Location
Worthing West Sussex
Visit site
Hi guys, relatively new to boating, I have a SeaRay230 sunsport, and soon will be wanting to take her out after not using her for five months. What are the basic things that I should do, before I take her out again. She is new, only has 40 hours on the clock, and has been sitting in water the fast five months, but will be on dry dock soon, as that's what I prefer, and she will be launched into the water every time we need it thereafter. Thanks, karen
 
If new to all this best idea is to get a marine engineer to come down and pay an hour of their time to talk you through it.
Depends what type of engine, fuel, sterndrive or outboard etc.

You might also be due an annual service on the engine - for the most part if the boat is kept in good condition, used regularly and the engine is well looked after that's most of the worries sorted.
After that it's things like making sure the sea cocks work, no leaks or damage to hull or above waterline and the electrics all function and wiring not rusting or sat in water etc.

Without being dramatic almost anything on a boat can be a serious problem if you are not aware of it or not checked it. That's why most boaters end up being sucked into a world of mechanical and electrical paranoia because there's always something that needs fixing. But in a good way, in that if you understand the typical issues you can usually prevent accidental damage or expensive repairs that otherwise would have seemingly come out of nowhere.

There's a good edition of Practical Boat Owner magazine that you'll find useful, think you can buy as a book too.
PBO Essential Maintenance Guide - out now! - Practical Boat Owner

There's quite a lot online re boat checks.

Spring Start-up Checklist
Boat Maintenance
Semi-Annual Checklist
 
Ask the yard to giver her a pressure wash, after 5 months afloat she will need it. And have the engine(s) serviced, give her a good clean and polish, cover her up, not only with the usual boat cover, I’d recommend a good quality tarpaulin large enough to cover the whole boat. This will keep it clean and protect everything from the ravages of the Spanish sun. Just make sure there are no areas where the tarp can sag otherwise it will collect water and cause strain on the tarp and possibly the covers underneath. And make sure you tie the tarp down well, the Spanish wind can be vicious and will rip it to shreds if it starts to flap around.

I do all the above with my small boat a few miles further up the coast from you. after 3 years she still looks like new.

95237FC9-DA4E-4A30-8EAB-472BF4427B61.jpeg
This what can happen if a tarp isn’t tied down properly!

FCEFF752-7E1E-4701-BAFE-43E1381CB281.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Pleinmont said:
If new to all this best idea is to get a marine engineer to come down and pay an hour of their time to talk you through it.
Depends what type of engine, fuel, sterndrive or outboard etc.

You might also be due an annual service on the engine - for the most part if the boat is kept in good condition, used regularly and the engine is well looked after that's most of the worries sorted.
After that it's things like making sure the sea cocks work, no leaks or damage to hull or above waterline and the electrics all function and wiring not rusting or sat in water etc.

Without being dramatic almost anything on a boat can be a serious problem if you are not aware of it or not checked it. That's why most boaters end up being sucked into a world of mechanical and electrical paranoia because there's always something that needs fixing. But in a good way, in that if you understand the typical issues you can usually prevent accidental damage or expensive repairs that otherwise would have seemingly come out of nowhere.

There's a good edition of Practical Boat Owner magazine that you'll find useful, think you can buy as a book too.
PBO Essential Maintenance Guide - out now! - Practical Boat Owner

There's quite a lot online re boat checks.

Spring Start-up Checklist
Boat Maintenance
Semi-Annual Checklist
Click to expand...


Thanks so much for that, that's a great help, cheers
 
longjohnsilver said:
Ask the yard to giver her a pressure wash, after 5 months afloat she will need it. And have the engine(s) serviced, give her a good clean and polish, cover her up, not only with the usual boat cover, I’d recommend a good quality tarpaulin large enough to cover the whole boat. This will keep it clean and protect everything from the ravages of the Spanish sun. Just make sure there are no areas where the tarp can sag otherwise it will collect water and cause strain on the tarp and possibly the covers underneath. And make sure you tie the tarp down well, the Spanish wind can be vicious and will rip it to shreds if it starts to flap around.

I do all the above with my small boat a few miles further up the coast from you. after 3 years she still looks like new.

View attachment 112047
This what can happen if a tarp isn’t tied down properly!

View attachment 112048
Click to expand...
 
Nosealegsyet said:
Wow! Thanks for your input!


Mercruiser 4.5 litre alpha 2 I think, it might be the alpha 1 though I can't remember lol
Click to expand...
It will be an alpha one gen 2, if it’s attached to the new 4.5 engine. Very modern engine, in terms of boat engines. Nice package !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top