Successful shakedown

[RussGW270]

Okay....title says it all. This weekend was a successful shakedown.

yes, it was frustrating. Yes there were issues that ticked me off, but the point of the trip, for me, was to see what was wrong with the boat. I did that.

The problem(s) that were not boat related, revolved around people that were there that did not have the same objectives, and me trying to please them.

So, what did I learn? I know most major systems work...but the engines simply need a lot of tlc.

They sat a long time. They were run but were not taken care of, so...not a big issue. Given time, I will have them professionally repaired, rebuilt if need be. I think they are sound, just need refresh, maintenance cycle. Impellers and lower end are done, now time to do the oil and rest of it and get them checked out by a tech. The starboard engine still seems to have less power than the port, but that will get resolved eventually.

both need a solid compression check.

I do not think the water separators have been swapped in ages, also a possible problem. I bought new ones as well as new housings to replace the corroded ones.

The electrical issue is resolved, no low voltage problems occurring now.

I need to remove and replace a few valves that are too corroded to function properly, but they work. The rest could use removing and cleaning.

Essentially, the bones are good, not to check the heart and re-route some veins.

then, only once it is good, I hire a real captain to take me out and w me how to use a twin engine.

The frustrating part is the condescending tone of people telling me what to do, when it is not rocket science, just a different rocket. Listening to people everywhere think they are helping but saying idiotic things like, “Are you only using one engine?” ...”oh....you bet. That other one is spinning all on it’s own. How about you tell it to stop doing that for me?” Lol

I am not new to boating or the problems inherit with boating, I am new to a twin engine and this Grady.

I am not sure how often I have to say that. Again, not being mean, it is not directed at just here...I had people stopping their boat all weekend “giving advice” and not getting I was trying to turn and them stopping is what caused the problem, not me turning.

So, it means I have another good year of work to get this boat, and me, the help we need. I simply cannot pay for it all at once, but I am not replacing the boat, I am just venting.

So, thanks for the help and input. I’ll let you know when it is ready.

 

[magicalbill]

Please read (or re-read) my response to your handling question in the "Tips" forum. I wrote it a couple weeks ago, I think.

One of my comments was to practice alone in a deserted area so you won't get the advice dockside from bystanders that hurts more than it helps.

You seem like a smart guy to me. I don't think you need a pro captain and what it may cost to hire one. An afternoon by yourself once you get your other issues resolved will do wonders for your boat handling.

I went into detail on the aspects of twin engine docking that I thought would help you. I am by no means an expert..I still miss the mark often. The things I outlined got me much further along in the process.

 

[RussGW270]

I keep coming here because you guys, all of you, are just the utmost best...seriously, you guys are. I promise to go over the post again, a few times when I get ready. I hope to learn more sometime, but right now, I have a boat to fix heh

I am sure I will work a lot of solo trips, but first, I need a crash course in understanding this boat. Honestly, driving the boat is not an issue, but docking is and I learn best by watching...so may key upon that.
Thanks bud.

 

[magicalbill]

Your most welcome. Keep us looped in..

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Russ,
Gals you splashed it. I am puzzled though. Your engines are the heart of the boat and the fuel system is critical. That water separator is crucial. It would have been one of the first things I replaced on an unknown used boat and one that has sat for 15 months. You didnt ask but now way I run your boat off the trailer without replacing those. I was not tuned in when you bought the boat last year, but again before buying a used boat you pay a mechanic to test compression, you inspect the lower unit, check for water in the gear oil there. You fire then up and ask when the water pump was last done and for service records.

If I buy a used car and it brake, I can get out and call a tow truck. While I'm the water towing is an option, running that boat offshore without knowing these things is risky. As far as one engine being stronger versus another are the RPMS running the same ? That boat has mechanical throttle body linkages.perhaos one is just slightly more or less slack in the throttle body cable than the other? Just spit balling here.

In my opinion pick the low hanging fruit here . Replace the water fuel seorator filter cartridge . Do the 100 hour service regardless ..oil changes, water pumps and gear oil change . If the lower unit oil cloudy, you got water intrusion and the seals need to be replaced. Water is not a lubricant and if you seals are leaky you will damage your lower unit and cause failure.

I have no advice on your friends . I do have advice on your first mate and kids.. plan ahead the docking strategy. You're the captain and ask them or instruct them minutes before you reach the dock on their responsibilities. Get everyone on the same page well before you get there.

Make sure you never have your wife or kids put an arm or leg between the gunnel and the dock. You have an 8,000 load moving and boats don't have brakes . Many a person has been injured trying to stop a mass that size using just and arm or leg and then something happens their appendage gets crushed. That's why you deploy fenders let them take the shock . Practice , practice and lies practice gets you where you want to be.

 

[Summertop511]

Or buy a house on the water and go out whenever. I leave before the wife and kids are up. Cleaning fish while they are getting moving. Out tubing by noon. Having fresh fish by night on the grill. Life is goooooooooddddddd.