First Post, First Boat, 32' Sedan
Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2018 5:41 pm
Hello Everyone,
I have been looking for a 32' Marinette Sedan for about a year and we just put down the deposit on a '76 Sedan. I am new to boating but have been reading up on Big M's for a few months and would love some advice from everyone here. To start off, I will fill you in on my observations and what I have learned today.
First things first, this boat is clean. New gauges on the bottom side, new floor, new bathroom, and composting toilet. Aesthetics cannot be beat but there is the smell of mildew that would not go away now matter how much the owner tried to air out the boat. Is this common? What are your experiences with this?
The engine looked good. I spent 20 minutes going over every hose and seal. No leaking from the engine but the port side stuff box leaked 1 drop every 3 seconds when the engine was not running, though except for that one spot the hull was dry.
The generator starts but when a load is put on it, like running the air conditioner, the motor starts bogging and quits. I haven't looked into these generators but I have a few ideas on how to approach this. If you have experienced this before, let me know how you trouble shot and fixed the issue.
I intended to go over the electrical system but I got side tracked. There was one quirk with the ignition. According to the owner you have to turn the ignition to the off position twice to stop power from flowing to the starter. Apparently the starters were recently rebuilt but this is the first time I have heard of an ignition switch acting like this. Has anyone else seen this before?
I did get the owner to take the boat out in the water but he would not go over 2k rpm. I am pretty sure I felt the port engine vibrating and I wonder if there may be a bent shaft or prop which would go along with the stuff box issue. Any thoughts about this from you experienced boaters?
The capac was not setup at the helm but I may have found the wire and gauge in the hull. Is this worth the trouble of hooking up? I am only using this in fresh water (Kentucky) for the foreseeable future.
The port side rail also seemed a bit loose. Is this common? Should I address this right away?
What I learned my first day on a boat:
1) Turn on the blower before you start your engine. This apparently is to clear out any fumes.
2) Turn off the main power before switching from shore power to generator.
3) There is a depth gauge so use it (though I don't know what depth is deep enough...).
4) There is a handle by the stairs to send the rudder controls to the flybridge
5) When you have two engines you almost never use the rudder. Set it straight and drive with the props.
6) Don't forget to have fun...
Boat maintenance:
If you drop something into the hull (especially something metal) go get it.
Only use stainless steel screws.
Thanks in advance for everyone's advice and I look forward to this new adventure!!
David
'76, 32' Sedan
Kentucky
I have been looking for a 32' Marinette Sedan for about a year and we just put down the deposit on a '76 Sedan. I am new to boating but have been reading up on Big M's for a few months and would love some advice from everyone here. To start off, I will fill you in on my observations and what I have learned today.
First things first, this boat is clean. New gauges on the bottom side, new floor, new bathroom, and composting toilet. Aesthetics cannot be beat but there is the smell of mildew that would not go away now matter how much the owner tried to air out the boat. Is this common? What are your experiences with this?
The engine looked good. I spent 20 minutes going over every hose and seal. No leaking from the engine but the port side stuff box leaked 1 drop every 3 seconds when the engine was not running, though except for that one spot the hull was dry.
The generator starts but when a load is put on it, like running the air conditioner, the motor starts bogging and quits. I haven't looked into these generators but I have a few ideas on how to approach this. If you have experienced this before, let me know how you trouble shot and fixed the issue.
I intended to go over the electrical system but I got side tracked. There was one quirk with the ignition. According to the owner you have to turn the ignition to the off position twice to stop power from flowing to the starter. Apparently the starters were recently rebuilt but this is the first time I have heard of an ignition switch acting like this. Has anyone else seen this before?
I did get the owner to take the boat out in the water but he would not go over 2k rpm. I am pretty sure I felt the port engine vibrating and I wonder if there may be a bent shaft or prop which would go along with the stuff box issue. Any thoughts about this from you experienced boaters?
The capac was not setup at the helm but I may have found the wire and gauge in the hull. Is this worth the trouble of hooking up? I am only using this in fresh water (Kentucky) for the foreseeable future.
The port side rail also seemed a bit loose. Is this common? Should I address this right away?
What I learned my first day on a boat:
1) Turn on the blower before you start your engine. This apparently is to clear out any fumes.
2) Turn off the main power before switching from shore power to generator.
3) There is a depth gauge so use it (though I don't know what depth is deep enough...).
4) There is a handle by the stairs to send the rudder controls to the flybridge
5) When you have two engines you almost never use the rudder. Set it straight and drive with the props.
6) Don't forget to have fun...
Boat maintenance:
If you drop something into the hull (especially something metal) go get it.
Only use stainless steel screws.
Thanks in advance for everyone's advice and I look forward to this new adventure!!
David
'76, 32' Sedan
Kentucky