2012 H210--Getting it Monday

Pedropup · **Joined:** Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:51 am **Posts:** 104

So after much debate, searching, digging, and family choice, we decided to forgo the traditional Ski Boat with a more friendly family H210. Really excited, as it will be OUR first boat for the family, instead of climbing aboard everyone else's vessels each Summer.

Any suggestions of must have's for the boat from fellow FourWinns owners? I am sure I will be asked about warranties and protections and all that stuff, so I am curious as to their values and folks opinions.

I shall be posting fairly often, as we get out into our new boat over the next few weeks with our Blunder's and Success. I have grown to really appreciate Forum's for info over the years, and after reading some posts, it seems as though this is a good group of folks to get advice from and share stories with.

Oh...one question....we have two to choose from, one with Blue trim interior and one with Black...I like the look of theblack better, hwoever, am concerned of heat.....anyone with black that could shed me of my fear?

Any immediate, before I put her in the water things I should do to the boat for protection?

ric · **Posted:** Sat Jun 30, 2012 4:56 pm

Blue black makes no difference. just get the biggest engine and duo prop

Welcome to the family!

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

Congratulations!

ardy · **Posted:** Sat Jun 30, 2012 11:23 pm

Pedropup wrote:

Any immediate, before I put her in the water things I should do to the boat for protection?

Make sure the plug is in first

Welcome to the forum enjoy the new boat.
There is one main rule on this forum...... Post some pics or it didn't happen
regards from downunder

Pedropup · **Joined:** Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:51 am **Posts:** 104

Plug? I am buying a gas boat. :lol:

Xavid · **Posted:** Sun Jul 01, 2012 4:32 pm

Welcome, and congrats on the new boat. I bought used so I don't have much knowledge about breaking in the engine, etc. Certainly read your manual, learn about and do the recommended maintenance, keep trailer tires at maximum psi, make sure your tow vehicle is adequate for towing the true weight of your boat and trailer, get a good jack as standard jacks in cars and trucks are usually inadequate for a big boat trailer, keep your bearings lubed, sharpen your trailer driving especially in regards to launching/reversing. Plenty of life jackets, a first Aid kit, fire e tinguisher and a portable VHS radio as well as maps and a gps are important to have. Make a junk box for your tow vehicle to keep things like fuses, grease, oil, tools, rags, extra bearings, extra plug, extra trailer wire adapter, locking lug nut socket, some cleaner/Protectants like 303, etc. I also have a battery charger/jumper; and a bag with wipe down towels to use after taking out of the water. A set of fold down chocks can come in handy.

Ask questions on this forum. I have found it very helpful. Learn how to post pictures here.

If you have dual batteries, run on 1 or the other, not both usually. And remember to turn the selector to OFF when you are done for the day.

Try to learn where everything is and how things work on your boat.

Trailer at 60-65 at the maximum. It is much safer, and much less stressful, and will likely save your tires and your covers from early damage.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Oh yeah....get some colored dock line to match your Bimini cover color...10 feet is enough and a few bucks at academy....wrap the Bimini cover at around 1 foot intervals in a spiral. I didn't and afraid my cover during the maiden drive home, which was a four hour trek. My Bimini gets trailered in raised position and faces forward in front of arch

Other thing is to check oil frequently during break in....which is around 70 hours according to Volvo Penta reps.....you will swap oil and filters after first 20 hrs though. Have a blast!

Pedropup · **Joined:** Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:51 am **Posts:** 104

All great stuff. Really appreciate it!! Never would have thought of the rope for the top!
I will be sure to post pics as soon as it is in water! AFLOAT

Flying Sushi · **Posted:** Wed Jul 04, 2012 9:36 am

Congratulations on new boat…. You gona love it…
Just keep fillips screw driver and some wrenches handy…. A few items will loosen up and could come a part…. And need to tighten up until they all settles… The new boats are not like automobile and cannot expect everything will be flawless… even for Cobalt or Formula…..

Jafo4U · **Joined:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:33 am **Posts:** 1026

Congrats on the new boat! Have fun and welcome to the boat club
DId you get the boat?

h210Trev · **Joined:** Mon Mar 19, 2012 12:05 pm **Posts:** 37

Have had my 2012 h210 out a bunch this year already and loving it. I have 35hrs the 350 bravo 1 merc. pulled up a slalom skier out of the water with 6 in the boat no problem. many compliments on the boat. mines all black and havn't had any issues with heat. not a fan of blue....

I do have a couple warranty issues though that i'm trying to get figured out. the swim platform is cracked where a mounting bolts goes through and the trailer has a short in it no running lights.

Pedropup · **Joined:** Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:51 am **Posts:** 104

Now had the boat out three time in 1 week since getting it. No issues with much of anything at all.

Someone screwed the screws to the hydrolic shock to the ski locker to far, so they strippe dout the plastic. Just moved it over a tad and re-attached.

I too had a problem with the trailer lights, but found one of the wires were exposed, so I wrapped it up with eletrical tape and have had no issues since.

Launch ramp has been flawless and the whole family is already into a rythm like we have been doing it for years. VERY happy with the boat thus far.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 7:45 pm

Few things I learned over 10 years of boating:
Make sure you have good insurance and towing on the water insurance if available
Learn how to check fluid levels and do it frequently
Learn how to change props carry spares and tools to change them, and for those with Volvo DPs grease the prop shaft energy year
Never take short cuts on maintenance
With an inboard engine, lift the engine hatch and check for fuel fumes every time, running the blower is not a substitute for this
Expect repairs to cost something, IOs can be tough to work on and they are the highest maintenance propulsion system on the water.

Pedropup · **Joined:** Sat Jun 30, 2012 10:51 am **Posts:** 104

I was already thinking about the prop stuff....came from reading all the horror stories around this forum!!! :lol:

the one thing I have GOT to get better at, is checking for fumes and running the blower out on the water after swim stops! I am good at remembering before launch and the beginning of the day, but keep forgetting the other, which is probably the most dangerous time!

Paul I. · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 8:07 pm

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

It might be too late, go with the Bravo 3 drive or the Volvo Duo. Better performance, MPG, and most of all , no prop walk or pulling to one side. It makes it much easier to dock!

New boater things to do or carry, some we have all learned the hard way......

A. Tie/hook your plug to steering wheel when its out. You will never forget to put it in once you grab the wheel.
B. Add a dual battery setup, for many reasons.
C. Carry extra oil for the drive & engine.
D. Install a 2nd bilge pump.
E. Use the next size anchor and a little more chain. Ask the boaters in your area what they use. Myself, I like the Fortress.
F. VHF, fishfinder & GPS. To me, the VHF is a must have. The fishfinder & GPS are great, but it depend where you do your boating. The fishfinder will show you the contour of the bottom, good to know.
G. Carry at least 4 fenders, the larger the better.
H. Carry at least 4 1/2" dock lines 25' long and at least 1 50' line. Good for towing or anything else.
I. Tools. Basic tools, you will learn as you go. Wire ties and silcone sealent too. There are many sealents out there, you will learn which are use for what.
J. Carry a chart of were your boating!!
K. Take a boating class, the U.S.C.G. offers classes. Know your bouys, you don't want to end up on the rocks.
L. Join a yacht club if you can! Much cheaper than a marina & more exparenced boaters to learn from!

I am sure there are many opinons on this, but I think its a good start.

www.iFourWinns.com

2012 H210--Getting it Monday

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