Maiden Voyage

[RWilson2526]

So we got the boat out for the first time today. After rewiring the trailer and some general scrubbing and waxing there was nothing left to do but to see how she runs.

Launching.....
First thing I noticed right off was that I need a decent amount of water to make it float!!!. Although the lake is probably 2' lower than it was the last time we were out with our 180 classic, I could not get the boat to float off or slide down the trailer. Man is it heavy. After trying to drive it off (not to aggessively because it was literally the first time I put the boat in gear) the ramp attendant finally came down and held the ropes as I backed it down and hit the breaks to slide it off. Still took a couple of tries. I'm sure the level of the lake had a lot to do with it. I'm curious to see how other ramps with different angles will do.

Running....boat ran great all things considered. I have sone of investigating to do as I dont know what pitch prop I have yet. There is an aluminum prop on it now but the PO gave me a ss prop in a plastic bag thats a 17P. I suspect I may have a 19 on it now...RPM maxed out at 4500 and although I did not have a gps I'm guessing about 40-42 mph.
The only problem was it did not like to idle in neutral to well. I could idol in gear forever it seemed, but did not like to idol in neutral. It would kind of quite with a "pooooof." Also seemed like I needed to choke it to restart a few times even though the engine was warm.

Also appears two of the through hull fittings are leaking pretty good...should be able to take care of that.

Attached are some pics....unfortunately the photo documentation is sparse as I was preoccupied hoping the boat would start and run. most pics are from retrieving after I had a chance to relex.


Man that cuddy sure is nice!!!