First time leaving boat in the water
 

leaving my 2000 Mariah Shabah 18 4.3 2bbl alpha 1 gen II in the water at my lake(south Florida weather). Had a few questions for the more experiences chaps:

1. Is my bilge auto? How do I leave it in that mode? IF NOT - Should I buy a switch kit or should I get new auto pump (assuming current bilge is factory)?

2. Safest / best way to keep battery charged (since auto bilge will be going)? Constantly leave charger clamped on 12V @ 2amps? Is there a specific charger or amperage recommendation for this?

3. Tips on the best way I should cover it? (I have a waketower and speakers) currently have a silky smooth cover with the elastic band. I may need to cut holes for the wake tower, unless I want to drop the waketower every time I cover my boat...

http://i.imgur.com/HQPzi.jpg

Re: First time leaving boat in the water
 

The bilge pump should be fully automatic with a float switch and it should be directly wired to the battery. As good practice, you should always test your bilge pump before every boating season or every 3-6 months if you boat year round.

Without a good cover a good battery(s) will not do you much good since you put yourself at risk of the bilge pump not keeping up, burning out, etc...

A custom cover may cost you $600 - $1000 but you need to consider the risk of loosing your boat.

Good Luck!

Re: First time leaving boat in the water
 

Agreed.... TEST YOUR PUMP! I test mine by filling the bilge with water until the pump kicks on. As for batteries, have them tested as well. Do not leave a battery charger plugged it in, unless it is also a battery "maintainer". The maintainers monitor the battery level, and only kick on when the battery needs it. Also, a good cover will not only help keep water out, but will keep your boat cleaner and make the interior last MUCH longer.

Another thing to consider is good insurance on the boat. Be sure if it sinks, you are going to get paid for her. I heard one member say something about haz-mat coverage too because of the gas/oil cleanup after one sinks. I'm sure some of the unfonutate "experienced" guys with sinking boats will chime in as well.

Good luck, and HAPPY BOATING!

Re: First time leaving boat in the water
 

Good advice!

I am going to test today. I have a solid cover, but i just installed a waketower. I am debating just cutting the cover and sewing the edge myself (for the 4 waketower feet).

I, also, had an idea of snapping or sewing a rope onto the cover in order to tie it onto my waketower in order to add a pitch to the middle. Let the rain slide right off. But I have never tried this. could just mess up the cover

Re: First time leaving boat in the water
 

an upholstry shop would probably make those modifications for you pretty cheap, if you decide not to take it on yourself.

Re: First time leaving boat in the water
 

I'd recommend taking it to an upholstery shop if the cover is in good condition. Our cover is on its last legs from being weathered over 16 years and so I made the modifications myself.

It works for the 2 times a year I need it during camping, but is a huge PITA to not further rip the holes that I cut and seamed and then to also clip and reattach the rope which runs through the entire length of the bottom seam. If I ever start to used my cover more frequently, I would for sure be in the market for a new cover (probably snap-on to avoid the tower legs all together).

As it stands right now, I'd rather spend the money on a few places I want to touch up the vinyl (i.e. sundeck).

Kris

Re: First time leaving boat in the water
 

Well... The good news is that I DO have an automatic pump (Rule-Mate 1500).

The damn auto fuse was popped.
Fuse was located at the battery switch terminal and the incorrect amp fuse was broken inside (7.5A instead of necessary 10A).How the hell do i remove a broken fuse? glass type

I was scared because the pump doesnt turn off until ~3 minutes after auto mode is enabled through float switch.But, I'm happy.

Now, I just need to replace the bellows and get her back in the water... womp womp. Anyone in Miami that can lend me their specialty tools? I will pay [9/16 deep deep socket, bearing pull, worm socket driver, bellows expander, Other tools I haven't read about]