Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I bought a 98 C250 wk. Thanks for those that gave advice on earlier post. The transporter will have it in Denver this weekend just in time for great weather ;)
The boat was properly winterized and I would appreciate advice on what I need to do to launch - getting the motor ready and any other helpful tips. I have read the manual and seems like stepping the spar should be relatively easy.
My surveyor said the sails are still crisp but the main is a little dirty and there is mold on the headsail. I would appreciate DIY tips to clean. I'm incredibly psyched.
Congratulations! My recent acquisition is also a '98 WK. They made some nice upgrades vs. the earlier models (LP gas, boarding steps on the gunwales, storage of the dinette under the V-berth). So far I'm happy with mine.
As far as pre-launch goes, the main things are to service the outboard and do any bottom painting that is required. I also like to give the hull a good washing and then I polish it with this:
Congratulations on your new toy and welcome to the forum.
Starbrite's great but buy the West Marine version. Made by the same manufacturer and its cheaper.
As far as the motor, I'd start with changing the spark plugs, engine oil, lower unit oil and water impeller. Make sure you have a pair of "earmuffs" to attach to a garden hose to provide water for a backyard run-up of the motor. You should get it up to temperature (after you've changed everything above) and make sure that water is circulating. You'll know it is if it is "peeing" out the back of the motor. If water isn't circulating, stop the motor immediately and figure out why.
Can't help you with the sails, I sent my to the cleaners.
Flush out the potable water tank. You can do this by sticking a hose down the water inlet (located in the anchor locker) and stuffing a rag around it to seal the opening. It'll fill the tank and create enough pressure to run the water --and antifreeze-- out of the system. Let it run for a while. If you feel the need, you might put a little household bleach in the tank after you've emptied the antifreeze, let it sit, then flush it again.
Clean the porta potti with a little bleach. Then, make sure you get a bottle of deodorant and follow the dilution instructions on the bottle. Walmart has it cheap in their Camping/RV section.
Good luck. Don't be in too big a hurry to go sailing. Be sure everything is "shipshape" before launch. It makes for a happier season.
Randy, I bought my boat new in 2003, have used nothing but the Starbrite with PTEF(teflon) and the hull and topsides look like it did when it was delivered! Willy
Randy's tip is a good one. Where are you going to go sailing? Was once a resident of Boulder and remember the chandlery in Lyons. Never quite figured out where people would sail. Anyway, this was before I was a sailor.
By the way, after having my engine winterized year before, and having her dropped in the water in the start of my first true season I couldn't seem to get the engine started. I opened her up and found that the spark plug was not connected. Make sure you take the time to inspect everything carefully before you start. Though for people like me... this sometimes just isn't possible.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by willy</i> <br />Randy, I bought my boat new in 2003, have used nothing but the Starbrite with PTEF(teflon) and the hull and topsides look like it did when it was delivered! Willy <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I am a big fan of Star-Brite products. Their non-skid cleaner with PTEF is also a terrific product as is their hull cleaner. I've completely switched to their product line for all boat maintenance items.
Thanks for the tips. Cyana launched the day after she got here and is floating comforatably in her in Chatfield reservoir slip. Unbeknownst to me and the former owner, she is wired for a 2nd battery up front. I will wait and see if adding a second bank is something I need. There aren't any electronics on the boat beyond lights and pumps. There is a hose receptacle on the stern that I assume can fill the tank. Since there is also one in the anchor locker I wonder why it's there or if it is for some other purpose. There is also an extra hose fitting under the galley sing and a y valve. 3 potential places to put in water?
Sir, If the boat came from Nebraska, and has the name on the side in real big letters, I can put you in touch with the Org. owner. He can tell you all about the pipes, and bat. Dave B. #411
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.