Hello TFF.

Do you guys have a checklist or any other advice for the time immediately following a first boat purchase (before putting it in the water)?

I picked up an early 90's 16ft Sprint/ Mercury 90 setup. So far replaced the trailer tires, interior vinyl is new, have good condition cover, trickle charge on batteries in covered storage, and verifying last motor inspection (2010). That's where I'm at so far. Also looks like there is some good advice on Boat insurance here for me, as I live in Ft. Worth.

I've been reading up for the last couple of hours, and I realize it will not be fancy or fast, and I need to be aware of backwash when reducing speed. But, it's in good condition and fit my budget and towing capacity.

Once the insurance is setup, what else do I need to think about before taking it out for the first time? I am not new to the water, but I know that I shouldn't assume I know how to make a boat lake ready. Ray Roberts will be primary lake for launch, with others possible here in the N TX area this summer and fall.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Make sure you have all of your safety equiptment. You will get backwash when slowing but not as bad as with a bigger engine. I have a friend with that boat nice boat just slow down when you get ready to stop and you will be fine watch the water behind you. dont shut it down from full speed to no throttle and you will be fine have fun. oh and make sure you have tlittle green and white card from you registration on you or on the boat.

Thanks for your reply. Will add to the to do list. I don't think I would have forgotten safety equipment, but the registration card needed to be added to my list.

DON"T FORGET THE PLUG

Oil in the fuel along with Stabil
Lifejacket for each occupant and a throw devise
Fire extinguisher
Autable devise like a horn or whistle
Owners card (as mentioned)
bailer plug (as mentioned) and a spare plug
Batteries charged
Test fire engine at house
Check lower unit oil
check prop shaft and prop
Turn steering (we get a lot of frozen steering at this time)
Check wheel bearings
Check trailer lights
Check trailer tag
Check boat lights
Check boat bilge pump
Check for loose ropes and unsecured objects like Bimini tops
Add a pair of jumper cables to items in boat
Small repair tools,
Spare prop nut, washer, cotter pin, and thrust washer
Spare prop
Couple of wire tyes, electrical tape, couple pieces of wire.
PAIR OF VISE GRIPS
Trailer Jack, bottle or sissor, Just make sure it will go under the axel when the tire is flat.
Spare Tire, Can use 8" as a spare, 4bolt or 5 bolt pattern is same on most trailers no matter what size wheel you have, so an 8" will get the spring hangers off the ground and you can limp into the next town.

wow Mike I am now going to go and check some of these things myself THANKS for the info.....

thank you mike!!

If I just bought it and was going to run for the first time i would consider lower unit lube, water pump thermostat compresion test, but I dont know what all you have done since you got it or when it was done last either.

Also like stated above put it on the muffs and test start at home.

matt

Red Chevy- sorry for the delayed response, been a long week...

I'm working on getting some info of what was tested on the Mercury last summer. I believe the motor is in good working order, but the home test start is on my list... although the boat is in covered storage pretty much right on Ray Roberts.

Thanks for your suggestions, I do appreciate it.