2002 180 Sportsman: New to me Questions

[captaintony]

I just picked up a 2002 180 Sportsman,

1. How the heck doesn't anyone replace the bilge or float switch with the (2) 6" holes? Has anyone removed and put one bigger waterproof hatch?

2. Yamaha gauges are un readable/Is anyone on the west coast doing these repairs?

3. Removing the seat for the built-in bait tank with its plumbed-out drain? I haven't been able to find any pictures online.

4. Does Anyone have their switch panel labeled have two dead switches previous owner has no clue.

5. What prop are people using with the 115hp? seem to take a bit to get up and planed out. However, we did about 27. no clue about rpm couldn't read the gauge.

thanks for the help.

Tony

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Congrats and welcome to the forum.

1. I'm not sure how your boat is laid out, where your bilges are, if they're below the floorboards or so on, but if they are below the floorboards, they should have the screws in them to where they can be pulled up somewhat easily as long as you re-caulk them before putting them back down.

2. Most Yamaha gauges can typically be purchased new online, or you could trying calling up your local Yamaha dealer/tech to see what they recommend doing.

3. Couldn't tell you about the bait tank.

4. My boat has more switches than items/accessories to use those switches. I'm assuming those are for options or accessories that the person who ordered my boat likely didn't decide on going with and the factory probably just does it that way on all boats.

5. Can't help you with this one either, though a search of the forum and/or Google should get you some decent information. Also, Ken at Prop Gods is a great resource for props, and I'm assuming that your boat has trim tabs on it?

Here's a link to the owner's manual for your year/model of boat, might give you some insight to the bait tank or other issues you're facing. Good luck!

https://gradywhite.blob.core.windows.net/media/21910/2002-180.pdf

 

[DennisG01]

I just picked up a 2002 180 Sportsman,

1. How the heck doesn't anyone replace the bilge or float switch with the (2) 6" holes? Has anyone removed and put one bigger waterproof hatch?
Welcome to Boat Mechanics 101 Often times you're doing things "by feel" only. But sure, you could add larger hatches - easy enough.
2. Yamaha gauges are un readable/Is anyone on the west coast doing these repairs?
Look up "Gauge Saver" online - great guy to work with.
3. Removing the seat for the built-in bait tank with its plumbed-out drain? I haven't been able to find any pictures online.
Pictures of what? What does "plumbed-out" mean? Post some pics of what you have - that will help us
4. Does Anyone have their switch panel labeled have two dead switches previous owner has no clue.
What 12V items on the boat don't work? That would be your clue. And/or... are there load-side wires attached to the switches or just supply wires? You may find a dash layout in the manual (can get it online at GW's site). OR - look in the manual for the wire color specs and match up what's on the switch with what you have
5. What prop are people using with the 115hp? seem to take a bit to get up and planed out. However, we did about 27. no clue about rpm couldn't read the gauge.
What prop do you have? Will need more info about that speed as it sounds low, even with the 115HP on it. Need info (eventually RPM) about the load in the boat, conditions, how you are trimming the boat, pitot or GPS speed, etc.

 

[captaintony]

Thanks for the input; I guess I need to proofread my post before posting
I need to get the gauges cleaned and dialed in to see rpm etc.

Prop on there now is a 13x17-k2

I want to remove the bench seat and install a built-in bait tank with a leaning post; I want it to drain under the deck; however, I need to run a 1 1/4" -1 1/2" hose for the proper discharge.

 

[trapper]

captaintony, I removed the 6 inch plates in the splash well and replace them with two 10 inch Armstrong deck plates. Totally waterproof and makes easy access to the happenings in the bilge. Talked with GW first and they assured me it would not compromise the splash well structure or stern of my 208