First weekend out with 24' offshore- had a few questions

[lofster]

I am new to the Grady family with the purchase this fall of a 1987 24' Offshore. I had a few questions and was hoping the group could help. The visaibility from the captains chair is a little tough-I have canvas up and the half moon zippers snap onto the underside of the t-top, but found myself looking through those, on my toes the whole time or looking through the windows, which within a few minutes into the trip were salt stained- any advice. Also, I found the boat leaning pretty heavily to the left side, I assume this could be adjusted by the trim tabs, but figured I'd ask and see if anyone has any other thoughts. Also does anyone know of a place to purchase the middle section cushion and fiberglass for the cuddy cabin (other than through the dealer?) Finally, I have a Mercury 225hp on the boat. I had about 5 adults riding today and a few kids, so I know it was a lot of weight, but when I was cruising my temp. gauge was almost at 180- obviously as I slowed down within a minute it was back to about 120. How dangerous is it to run at that temp for an extended period? Any other advise or things to look out for would be greatly appreciated

Thanks for the help.

 

[gradyfish22]

Not sure about the temp, but if there is a problem I'd look at the thermostat, your best bet is to call a merc dealer and ask about your engine. Most boats over 20', especially in a chop or with many on board will experience some list underway, just adjust the tabs, always run with tabs in the bow up position. Get in the habit of hitting the bow up buttons before you leave the marina or get ready to run again, after on plane, if the boat lists, tap lightly the bow down on the side that needs to be adjusted, usually a very short tap does it, maybe 2 but many boats are sensitive to tabs so do not hold them, you will list the other way and end up playing with tabs all day and just kill your fuel efficiency, tabs add resistance when down that is why you want them up as much as they can be unless conditions dictate otherwise. To get filler cushions, I'd find someone local and use his as a template and have a local upholster make them, we did this when we redid ours on an older model Grady and it was much cheaper. Chances are Grady does not have them for a model that old but they should be able to give you dimensions if you call them. Your best bet is to have it done yourself.

 

[wizard]

Use Rain-X on the windshield.