What to do before dropping a new boat in the water

[mraz72]

So I purchased a 242 x off of a lot, the yamaha dealer was more of a motorcycle dealer so I am not sure how much they know about the boats.

Anyway, the boat has NEVER seen water.

Before I launch for the first time, here is what I was thinking, am I missing anything?

1. fill gas, run the hose and start both engines. The batteries have been charging all winter, yes run each engine individually as I only have one hose
2. get all fenders and rope in place
3. ensure my coast guard kit is not expired
4. ensure plugs in the rear are CLOSED
5. anything else? Other than lifejackets etc. IS that it?
6. is the ballest good to go, even if the dealer doesn't know what they are doing? The middle bag is sort of folder onto itself, I am guessing that will unfold during expansion.
7. Is there anything they could have missed that I need to be aware of?

 

[Scuba_ref]

Check the oil.
Make sure the drain plug is in.

 

[bumpy]

Quick check on the bilge pump.

 

[SeanPC]

You don't want run the hose until after you have started the engine. Process is start engine, turn water on. Turn water off, turn engine off. Risk flooding an engine running water through it without it on.

Flushing procedure is on page 150 of my manual

 

[Scottintexas]

make sure your anchor locker drain fitting is acceptable,

I might put some water in the bilge to make sure the pump is actually working instead of just listening for it to cycle or if you have room you should be able to disconnect the pump from the floor fitting and put it in a bucket,

I would probably watch the ballast bags fill the first time just to make sure they're functioning correctly.

 

[jpass]

Do you have your throw-able flotation device? I know in FL, any boat larger than 16' must have a throw-able in addition to the normal life vests. Check every electronic on the boat as well.

 

[Chillypilot]

Maybe someone in your area wouldn't mind helping you out and showing a few things.

 

[mraz72]

I have an sx192 and I am very comfortable with it. My only concern here is the lack of knowledge on the dealers part.

Is there some prep that have to do that could have a negative impact if not done correctly.

 

[captras]

You might pump some grease in your trailer wheels to make sure it has some and;

Some states also require you to have an oar on board

 

[swatski]

So I purchased a 242 x off of a lot, the yamaha dealer was more of a motorcycle dealer so I am not sure how much they know about the boats.

Anyway, the boat has NEVER seen water.

Before I launch for the first time, here is what I was thinking, am I missing anything?

1. fill gas, run the hose and start both engines. The batteries have been charging all winter, yes run each engine individually as I only have one hose
2. get all fenders and rope in place
3. ensure my coast guard kit is not expired
4. ensure plugs in the rear are CLOSED
5. anything else? Other than lifejackets etc. IS that it?
6. is the ballest good to go, even if the dealer doesn't know what they are doing? The middle bag is sort of folder onto itself, I am guessing that will unfold during expansion.
7. Is there anything they could have missed that I need to be aware of?

One thing I feel strongly about a new Yamaha hull - is to spend some time waxing the hull BEFORE deployment in water. Makes a big difference -- you will be surprised how "dry" the gelcoat feels and how much wax/polish it will soak in.
Would use a premium liquid "cleaner" wax, best I know is Klasse all-in-one.
Some people here like Collinite, or Flagship, choices are endless. But you will be surprised when you do this.

--

 

[RiverRat]

I wish I would have done what @swatski suggests before putting mine in for the first time. I'm paying for it now, having to remove hard water spots from my black and blue hull.

 

[RightStuff]

Everyone else has you on the right track for things. Only thing I didn't see mentioned was follow the break-in recommendations in the manual.

 

[Nick Hughes]

Depends on the state and body of water. I forgot my anchor the first time i went out and was so nervous since i was on a river with a dam about 2 miles away. My state requires flares, flag, horn, fire extinguishers and if you go to Lake Erie you have to have a UHF radio, or maybe thats just really smart on large bodies.

 

[MrMoose]

@Michael Rasmussen, if I were you, in addition to all of the great advice that you've already received, before putting the boat in the water, make sure that the bilge is dry. I know that this is going to sound anal, but trust me, you want to know if your boat has a leak and you want to get it fixed asap, before you get into prime boating season. Tilt your boat as much as possible on the trailer so that all the water flows to the stern. Open up the bilge plug and allow any water to drain out. Then open up the access hatch located between the two clean-out ports and use a flash light to see if there's any water/debris in the lowest part of your bilge, just forward of the drain plug. Flush out any debris, or use a shop vac to suck it up, as this may impede the seal of your plug. Get a good eye on whether there is any residual moisture down there, and compare this to how it looks after your first outing. I think that the bilge holds about 2 gallons before the water level reaches the bilge pump.
In addition to all of the advice that you've received, I get the sense that you feel that your dealership, being a bike shop, likely did not perform all of the required prep steps. If I were you, I'd email them and ask them to list what they did on your boat. You can double-check some items of concern/risk, and you can ask another dealership or Mother Yamaha what needs to be done, and compare.
Is this your first Yamaha jet boat?

 

[Hannibal]

Remember to put the clean out plug(s) in before you launch. Man that was embarrassing.