First photo might tell a bit about my questions, rest are just eye candy to get clicks
Had a fun first time out with the new/used boat today. Ran very well, VDO instruments were intermittent, have to look into that ground problem to start with I suppose. Temp never much off the peg, then after sitting for a period of time swimming turning key on shows temp just below half, Suspect thermostats stuck open. What are any other signs of engine running too cold? (risers were hot but not burning hot to touch by hand) Power steering belt squeeled a bit while turning for a second then for the last 20 minutes pretty much all the time, assume just needs a new belt? just dressing? (seems like a cop-out) or possibly something worse (power steering pump on its way out?) otherwise it really ran well, started every time, no fumes at shutdown, shifted and turned well.
Now to the biggest hassle of the day, most likely a rookie mistake but thats why I am here taking advice, had a lot of problems getting boat OFF the trailer, took three of us pushing to get off, I should have known it would be just as hard to get it back out, but I chalked it up to dry carpets or something. So fast forward three hours and time to take it out of the water, I was expecting it to be a PITA but assumed I could muscle it on with the winch. Wasnt gonna happen, got it about 3/4 on and couldn't budge. Brought the car as deep as comfortable into water (front wheels touching, rears above the axel and up to the bumper) and it helped a tiny bit, but ended up pulling it out of water and having a merciful person help me pull it on with a rope and his truck.
My first thought is the combination of a poor tow vehicle (Volvo XC90 SUV glorified car) and a ramp not very steep. There is another ramp that is supposed to have a steeper grade, but its another 20 minute drive, going to try it there next time either way. Probably didnt help at all filling up fuel tank on the way to the lake.
Overall it was a great few hours, pretty bummed it was such a pain to get it on the trailer, well over an hour of cursing, pulling and embarrassment, it was so difficult I was worried about the winch strap failing.
Thoughts opinions and words of encouragment welcome. Its times like this when forums like this are invaluable, hope to be able to return the favor sometime. If anyone wants to know about flying airplanes I'm your guy.
boat first time 2012-550 by millerjont, on Flickr
boat first time 2012-549 by millerjont, on Flickr
boat first time 2012-508 by millerjont, on Flickr
