SoCal Jet Boats

Discussion => Topock / Laughlin => Topic started by: hondostrong on April 08, 2011, 11:32:39 AM

Title: hello from Bagdad
Post by: hondostrong on April 08, 2011, 11:32:39 AM: so last summer i traded a 75 cj5 rock crawler for a 1978 Hondo Mini Day, BBC,dominator 12-s pump, place diverter, sounds good sitting on my driveway(with pump disconnected thanks guys :thumbup:) so i am wondering since i have never taken it out on the water what things should i do to it before the maiden voyage? i am having a hell of a time sucking the oil out of the pan, so change oil and greese pump u-joints and the seal and wheel berrings to start. so what greese are people using? the wife and i are going to laughlin 15-17 of april to try her out any info would be great!
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: 74hondo on April 08, 2011, 03:04:42 PM: I know this isn't mechanical related but still important, make sure you have the required safety equipment, i.e. life-vests for everyone, fire extinguisher, oar etc... I also bring a spare plug. Some other guys one here would be better at telling you mechanical stuff to check. Good luck man and have fun out there.
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: crewchief22 on April 08, 2011, 07:51:31 PM: Welcome to SCJB ;D

If it has been setting for some time inspect the fuel tanks and replace the fuel filters.

Inspect/replace cables (throttle/steering)

Inspect all hoses and hose clamps (water and fuel).

Lube everything that can be lubed. >:D

Once at the water run it on the trailer for a couple minutes and inspect for leaks before taking off and having to make a beach landing to keep it from sinking. :thumbdown:

And lastly be sure to come out to one of the unofficial SCJB gatherings :thumbup:
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: IRRebel on April 08, 2011, 08:18:33 PM: Quote from: crewchief22 on April 08, 2011, 07:51:31 PM

Inspect all hoses and hose clamps (water and fuel).

Once at the water run it on the trailer for a couple minutes and inspect for leaks before taking off and having to make a beach landing to keep it from sinking. :thumbdown:

Who are you referring to Keith? :sly:

Welcome! And X2 on everything he said........and tighten all yer hose clamps.......don't ask how I know that.......twice....... :screwy:

Sounds like you already did, but check your trailer tires, springs, hitch, that sort of stuff. 'Bout to get to 115+ degrees out on the freeways here in the Desert, and I'd keep a spare in the truck if the trailer doesn't carry one, as well as about a 10" piece of 4x4 (PM me and I'll tell you how to use it to jack the trailer up if its a tandem....)

I would also recommend putting together maybe a shoebox or bigger sized plastic container with basic tools in it, (Vise Grips, Adjustable wrench, basic hand wrench set and screwdrivers) plus a spare coil, ballast resister, some wire, connectors and fuses (If your boat is equipped with any of that stuff), tow rope and jumper cables.

Worse come to worse, you never get into the box, boat runs flawlessly, you have fun, and the 'ole Lady doesn't rub it in what an idiot you were to buy a boat..........c'mon, I'm not the only one that heard this.........

C-ya on the water :thumbup:

Ray
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: hondostrong on April 13, 2011, 03:05:59 PM: thanks guys for all the info but now another delema while sucking the oil out of the dip stick we ended up getting the suck line caught in the windage tray and with some tuggs i have about 4'' of plastic hose in the bottom end of the motor :banghead: so i am pulling the motor dropping the pan and putting a permenent drain system in it and checking out whats in the pan.

switching gears
has anyone done a spring over axle swap on their trailer? i have a tandom axle trailer and with a big truck the A$$ end of the boat sits to low for comfort any ideas? does anyone make a kit? is there any market?

thanks for all of your time and info you all give :beer:

WE WILL SEE YA OUT AT THE RIVER!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: IRRebel on April 13, 2011, 03:21:33 PM: The higher your trailer sits, the further you're gonna need to back into the water with your tow vehicle...... O0

Be careful. Lower is better, although it can be a problem sometimes getting out of the driveway, let alone out of a gas station......Broken more than one berk Rudder doing this........

Ray
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: 76NORDIC on April 13, 2011, 05:02:41 PM: What about a drop hitch :screwy:
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: hondostrong on April 14, 2011, 11:04:17 AM: HA thanks for the info. i have a drop hitch and with the boat level the rudder still sits like 5'' off the ground and i really dont want to cheif the one i have up so i guess i will leave it for now!
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: Nordie on April 14, 2011, 11:16:04 AM: I would invest in an alumistinger hitch thats adjustible...they have em up to a 10" drop...they are great but pricey...i use their 6" fixed one and its a really nice piece!
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: hondostrong on April 14, 2011, 12:41:35 PM: hey thanks alot i will look them up :thumbup:
Title: Re: hello from Bagdad
Post by: wizard612 on April 14, 2011, 02:44:20 PM: I'd unbolt the rudder when towing. But it's another thing to remember before launch ramp and more stuff for your tool kit.