Getting Boat/Outboard Ready for a big trip

[mustang5]

Hey guys,

Well I have planned a long trip over Easter totalling about 300kms. The motor in question is a Yamaha 200hp 2 stroke, which was rebuilt about 9 months ago (60Hrs).

Total running time I am guessing for this trip will be about 10-15 hours, depending on conditions of course.

It is still within its 1 year service, but I am looking to put my mind at rest and do some last minute maintenance.

So far I have cleaned filters(Water separator & under cowling filter), greased nipples, changed spark plugs, drained oil and replaced with fresh oil(2 strk remote tank), New battery terminals and connections...

Does anyone know the process in testing an epirb??? Do I take it into VMR and is this something they can look at??

Anyone have any other tips or scheduled routines for failsafe measures before a big trip they would like to share?

Cheers

[kind_cir]

Get someone to do a load test on your battrey, just to make sure it will be up to the task when needed. Check all wiring for corosion at terminal blocks and back of the radio ect. Do a radio check, and on water test, check for leaks and condition of hull for cracks ect and also pay attention to the transom area to make sure it's still strong. Also check the fuel breather is not blocked. Check nav lights and all saftey gear is there and working and in date. pay attention to the trailer and make sure brakes work and wheel bearings are good, and rollers support the hull properly and the lights work.

Best I could do off the top of my head.... but I don't even own a boat, so it may all be gospel.

[spelchek]

Your EPIRB should have the testing procedure on a label on the case somewhere. Mine is a simple button press - which I do every other time I go out (has sort of become a habit).

[timddo]

I would buy a few spare spark plugs $4 each, A spare fuel primer, some wheel bearingss and off you go. Make sure you have enough 2 stroke oil as well.

However in saying that, i have none of the above when i go fishing.

[Salad Fingers]

whatever you do - do NOT get it serviced just before you go.
...every time i have done this I have had dramas, dealer not putting the leg back on properly (water tube not connected/oring) ... etc. murphys law.

if it's working great now, chances are it will on this easter trip.
Sounds like you have already done a bit of maintenence anyway!

[mustang5]

Cheers fellas!!

Thanks for the heads up, thats a good feature with the Epirb. If only everything was that easy

Purchased new deep cycle batteries and the Transom has been done just before xmas (What a job that was).. Its held together with epoxy resin which I had to grind off the concrete (Spills.. ), so I am pretty confident in the strength of the transom :O :O

Stocked up on 2-stroke oil.

Spare plugs & primer, thats a good one. Thanks mate defs on the cards today.

[split-shot]

Make sure that you have marine charts for the area and notify the VMR of all details. Check for marine parks as well.

Hope you have a safe trip.

[mustang5]

Went in and had a chat with VMR Gladstone. Very helpful bunch of blokes, $30 membership and left there with pages of info of the area, and a few colourful stickers to boot!! They even spent 20 minutes running over the charts showing me the best paths to take through the northern channel.

Couldnt ask for more really!

Cheers