new guy needs advice

chrisroche · Aug-02-2007, 09:17 PM

Hi everyone !! I just got a 1985
26' sea ray that needs to be cleaned checked out-ect. by a reasonable-honest person in the san diego area.It has been sitting for a few years but I've been told it runs good.there's 450 hours on each motor.needs new props for sure but there is a couple of good ones on the boat.I know little about boating and meeting somebody ( a mentor of sorts )
would be excellent.I'm trying to make sure that owning a boat is going to be a pleasure instead of a nightmare !!!!! thanks Chris cpatrickr@yahoo.com

fishnbuddy · Aug-02-2007, 10:22 PM

Good luck on that one. I sold one boat and bought a bigger boat...took it out once on the 4th of July for 10 minutes and ate some gears. Its been severly gutted ever since. You know what BOAT stands for right...Bust Out Another Thousand! Stick to this website. Best one around, lots of experience here, good people too. Good luck. Hope it doesn't turn into that nightmare.
...fishnbuddy

WarpDrive · Aug-02-2007, 10:39 PM

Welcome to boat ownership......

Troy · Aug-03-2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisroche

Hi everyone !! I just got a 1985
26' sea ray that needs to be cleaned checked out-ect. by a reasonable-honest person in the san diego area.

All that stuff should have been done prior to you buying the boat. Hope it works out and good luck!

HuskerHeaven · Aug-03-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troy

All that stuff should have been done prior to you buying the boat. Hope it works out and good luck!

2nd that! However, I'm a first time boat owner as well; and know what you're going through. I've gotten tremendous advice here, but the best has been from fellow owners on my dock. Talk to your neighbors, figure out which ones know what the hell they're talking about, and heed their advice. Keep in mind that half the people you talk to probably know less than you do - but they'll love to give others advice.

skifisher · Aug-03-2007, 02:12 PM

Welcome! you'll get plenty of advice and input here. As you go thru your boat, post on things you have questions about, pics help alot. Best of luck.

chrisroche · Aug-10-2007, 09:52 PM

thanks for sharing that story !!! Just what I needed to hear

chrisroche · Aug-10-2007, 09:55 PM

Thank you ,I'm trying to charge up the batteries (it's been sitting a couple of years )
also doing clean-up and minor repairs

chrisroche · Aug-10-2007, 09:56 PM

thanks

lokegirl48 · Aug-10-2007, 10:10 PM

I would suggest that you get a marine surveyor to go over the boat, you'll need a survey to get insurance anyway, also engine surveys. This will give you a list of the "MUST DO'S" and the "should do's" and the "would be nice if's". Does the boat stay on a trailer or in the water? And most importantly are you a hands on guy? If you are there are mechanics out there that will teach you how to service and take care of the engines and outdrives. Really get things checked out first. So many times at the boat yard folks with "new" used boats would come in under tow with a nightmare on their hands. Not that you will but don't go out till you are SURE things are not just a puff away from disaster.
Wow that makes you want to own a boat huh?!! And I fully agree that you choose who you listen to CAREFULLY!!!! The ones that try to convince you they know their stuff usually know the least.
Post some pics and maybe the board here can help get you going in the right direction. Lot's of knowledgable folks here.
Good Luck

Diamond Jim · Aug-11-2007, 10:01 AM

Congratulations on your new to you boat.
What the guys said is all good advice.
If you are going to try it out any way. First change the oil and filters in the engines and fuel filters.
If it is on a trailer check the oil in the out drive and change it also. If that oil is milky it has water in it, not good. replace the oil and try it out. then check it out if it's still milky you have a bad seal in the out drive.
This is just for starters. Be sure to join Vessel assist. It's worth the money.
Hope this helps. D-J