Noobie here with boat questions.

Centrider · Outlaw Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Posts: 232

I just bought my first v-drive boat well a boat period (a Centurion Elite V-drive C4) and am just starting (well, ive been out a few times and LOVE IT!) to wakeboard. My question is this, what kinda stuff should i do to take care of the boat, what kinda safetly issues should u look out for? I know like about having a boat. I know you have to turn on the blower to blow out the engine compartment. But what about the others things, like the plugs in the back of the boat? Sorry if this to somewhat confusing. TIA

P.S Leave the hater remarks at home kids, i already went through this about being new and getting a boat like this.

luketx04 · Outlaw Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 145 City: Houston

Nice boat man. About the plug, dont forget it. Take it out to drain the boat after use but put it back in so you dont forget it next time. Most people reccomend to run your blower a few minuites before you fire it up the first time and then for 30 sec. or so before you start it after that. With a V-drive be careful in shallow water, it's not hard to bend that shaft if you dont pay attention. Good luck and dont hit anybody else!

Zack_Attack · Posted: Mar 29, 2005 6:22 pm Post subject:

If you are comletely new to boating I would have to reccomend that you take your boat out on a slow day in a secluded area and practice your docking/trailering skills. There is nothing more aggravating and embarassing than having to watch somebody run their boat up the trailer fifteen times before getting it right or when they ram through the dock at ten miles an hour not paying any attention. Also if you have to ass through no-wake zones and are around a marina with houseboats and such always be careful to look for kids/people. At my lake there are always these grandkids that are from out of town that are absolutely wild and they will do stuff intentionally, just mischevious I guess but its very important to pay close attention. Other than that its all common sense basically and you will of course learn by process of elimination once you are out on the water enough. Keep it Safe and have a blast with your new boat

cwaker4 · Soul Rider Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 465 City: Gilroy

Zack Attack- pretty much covered it but you also have to learn the unwritten rules of your lake. dont powerturn to pick up your rider, dont mess up someone elses cove... the basics. also learn how to put your boat on the trailer right, there is nothing more irritating than the people with brand new nice wakeboard boats who dont have the slightes clue how to use them, or know the rules of the waterway. the maintence is pretty standard, be sure to follow the break in period guidlines. and check you tranny fluid often if you plan on loading it up with a lkot of weight.

dirtysparks · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 2428

Trailering is one of the best things to learn about boating. Other than that make sure you know your lake well. Your dealer should be more than willing to help you out with maintenance, operation, and care instructions. I'd hit the dealer up with any questions. Also check out the boat forum, there's usually a lot of good information coming through there.

Centrider · Outlaw Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Posts: 232

Thanx guys, i have driven boats before so i know how to drive it on the trailer and stuff, I also now how to drive with a trailer. The docking is a bit harder then most i/o's, but i think i can have that down quick, I also now the rules on the lake. Since this is my first boat that i own i want to take really good care of it. Also, why should the plug be taken out after every day? I know it to drain the water, but does water really got down there?

Liquid*Force*Rider · Posted: Mar 29, 2005 7:22 pm Post subject:

I would take a little chain and make the plug always back there, take it out and it just hangs there. That is what we do with our boat.

luketx04 · Outlaw Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 145 City: Houston

Yes water really does get in there...you would be surprised

luketx04 · Outlaw Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 145 City: Houston

Yes water really does get in there...you would be surprised

Zack_Attack · Posted: Mar 29, 2005 10:08 pm Post subject:

yes, it absolutely does. And it can pretty yucky in there too. I would suggest what Liquid wrote. I have had many boats and the bass boat I had was very bad for taking in water. Also if you are on the water all day I would flip my Bilge pump on before I start up to go back to the dock. That always helps. Basicly just keep people from OVERUSING your boat, make sure they show you and your boat respect while on it. And keep a constant check on your fluids, I always check mine before I go out, at least once every couple of days (I am on the water everyday in the summer) it helps prevent problems.

wesgardner · Posted: Mar 30, 2005 5:40 am Post subject:

Hey Centrider,

Keep 'er covered when not in use. Wax the hull, use 303 on the vinyl...have fun

In our state (MD) they offer a boating safety course, in fact, my daughters both HAD to take it so they could drive....

Don't know if you're interested in doing your own engine maintenance, but spend some time looking and understanding what you're looking at so when things go wrong, you're not totally lost....

Wes

Enzoborder230 · Posted: Mar 30, 2005 3:53 pm Post subject:

if you weight it down, watch for nig rollers, u dont wanna flood the boat

wake_quake · Posted: Mar 30, 2005 5:15 pm Post subject:

ow if u dont really want 2 get fat sacs when u put the boat in the water take out those plugs at the back 4 a while it weighs the boat down pretty good!

matt1808 · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 05 Feb 2004 Posts: 1981

deffinitly read this article. http://wakeworld.com/articles/2003/thatboat.asp

andrewmasi1234 · Newbie Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 13 City: Deerfield Beach

ya washing always helps man.ummm u shuld get sacks for the boat. ooo ya empty the bilge.

Centrider · Outlaw Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Posts: 232

Thanx again everyone!

cwaker4 · Soul Rider Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 465 City: Gilroy

we wipe the boat down every time we take it out of the water, you dont need to go crazy, but wiping down the hull, seats, etc. regularly will keep you from having to do major washing and scrubbing. we mix viniger with water in a spray bottle and spray and wipe the hull and tower to prevent water spots and keep it clean.

Centrider · Outlaw Joined: 21 Mar 2005 Posts: 232

I heard about the viniger and water, what mixture do you use? Also, whats the best spray cleaner for the hull and interior?

chipsevila · Posted: Mar 31, 2005 8:02 am Post subject:

Hey, What do you guys use to remove bugs from the tower. Every time I go to NC the bugs are horrible. Other than elbow grease, what do you suggest?

Thanks

The best thing you'll like about your new Centurion, Centrider, is the snap out carpet. I take mine out after just about every use. Hang it over night, and it's dry by morning. Then you can wipe down the floor if it gets funky. Also useful if you use your boat to go pick up a bushel of crabs and don't want the stinky on the carpet. We do that about every weekend when in NC. Got a hot little spot on the Pamilco that we hit up. Nothing better after a long day of riding than a bushel of crabs and cold, ice cold, beer. Very Happy

cwaker4 · Soul Rider Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 465 City: Gilroy

we fill the spray bottle with about 1/3 viniger and 2/3 water.

Enzoborder230 · Posted: Mar 31, 2005 4:31 pm Post subject:

with the vinegar thing, wont it leave a smell

blairpoelman · Addict Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 595

the smell evaporates.
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