Spring startup checklist?

Im thinking about bringing my new to me boat home pretty soon, and getting her ready to go. Ive been out of boating for some time, so looking for reminders on what needs to be done prior to season. I know engine oils, drive fluids, check batteries. Any thing else im missing? Also what is everyone using these days for oils/fluids, brand/vicosity wise? Thanks for any info and reminders, like I said its been a while and dont want to forget something. Also any tips or tricks for servicing twins, my proir boats were singles and Im used to having room to work.

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Originally Posted by hotjava66

Im thinking about bringing my new to me boat home pretty soon, and getting her ready to go. Ive been out of boating for some time, so looking for reminders on what needs to be done prior to season. I know engine oils, drive fluids, check batteries. Any thing else im missing? Also what is everyone using these days for oils/fluids, brand/vicosity wise? Thanks for any info and reminders, like I said its been a while and dont want to forget something. Also any tips or tricks for servicing twins, my proir boats were singles and Im used to having room to work.

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Put the plug in before you launch:driving:

impellors, check dates on flares..... find a skinny mechanically inclined 12 year old to change the plugs, check bilge pump and float switch

impellors, hmmmm, never done those before, shouldnt be hard to figure out i hope. follow the water lines and there they are?

Registration up to date.
Check that all navigation lights are operational.
Check fire extinguishers.
Examine winch strap and replace if looks worn (I had one snap and the safety chain saved my boat).
You have enough required PFD's for all persons aboard.
Check tire pressure on trailer tires regularly.

And remember to remove the transom straps before backing down the ramp ;)

New box of condoms in stabin' cabin.

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Originally Posted by Love Machine

New box of condoms in stabin' cabin.

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that would be hard to explain to the wife since the big snip :eek:
actually im supposed to be helping her freshly single brother get laid with the boat this summer so I have a possible out :sifone:

Repack trailer bearings if not sure when it was last done.
Check surge brake fluid level (if so equipped). If it's brown, flush out and replace fluid.
Check brake shoes or pads for excessive wear.

Put your kill switches back on - one year I took mine off because they were attached to my PFD, and I forgot to put them back on. It took me two trips to the ramp, 2 blown tires, and an entire wasted Saturday to realize it. I'm a dumbass....

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Originally Posted by Seafordguy

Put your kill switches back on - one year I took mine off because they were attached to my PFD, and I forgot to put them back on. It took me two trips to the ramp, 2 blown tires, and an entire wasted Saturday to realize it. I'm a dumbass....

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You're a funny guy! :)

Actually I had that happen...once. At least until someone noticed it laying on the cockpit floor. :iamwithstupid:

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Originally Posted by Seafordguy

Put your kill switches back on - one year I took mine off because they were attached to my PFD, and I forgot to put them back on. It took me two trips to the ramp, 2 blown tires, and an entire wasted Saturday to realize it. I'm a dumbass....

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Actually I need to find some, the tethers were missing when I got the boat, good reminder.

So what about fluids, whats the best, Redline, Amsoil, Royal Purple, Merc, Mobil 1, any problems with any of them.

Eric, I use Merc in the drives and Rotella in the engines and Mobil 1 filters. You can find the fluids easily, no matter where you are, which I think is important for pleasure boaters. If you were going to run the piss out of the boat, I suppose there might be better and of course more expensive choices.

I use Merc Gear Lube, Valvoline 20W-50 VR Racing Blend - I use to use the PureOne Purulator filters when they were blue, but when they changed to Yellow I switched over to the Mobil 1 Filters. I might switch over to Mobil 1 oil.