Bought a used boat - SX230HO - The adventures of a newbie

[atldude]

Hello fellow members!

Back in October I bought my very first boat (2006 Yamaha SX230 HO)and will use this thread to document my experience as a newb into the world of boating. Mostly this thread is intended to be about mechanical adventures with that generation boats 10 years after the making. The point is to pass along any of my experience and I just hope to help the next guy with cost, replacement parts, and if I have time a few howtos if they haven't yet been covered.

I love the boat! Fell in love with it the moment I first got behind the steering wheel. Tons of fun! Prior to the boat my only on-water experience had been with PWC and I definitely wanted something that can pickup fast and handle great and I am pretty sure I nailed it.

Needless to say at this point I am eagerly looking forward to the season but have a number of things to address.

So here it goes ...

 

[Bruce]

Welcome Aboard and great choice of boat. Do you know if it has HO engines?

 

[atldude]

My adventures started the day I bought it. Though I feel I'm not a newb when it comes to mechanical matters, I was very surprised to see the cleanout plugs have issues immediately after driving off on my own During the examination of the boat, I removed one of the seals to inspect it then put it back in and both myself and previous owner forgot to push it back in. The other plug just wouldn't budge so I figured as along as it's in there it's good till I get to it.

As soon as I gave it a bit more gas, coming out of thr marina, the stuck plug popped out together with the one which wasn't seated properly.

OEM plugs were days away from being available so PO and I got to pushing and greasing the seals. At some point I thought ok enough of these seals let's cut them. Looked thoroughly where the swelling is and cut pretty much the entire rubber skirt of the plug. So it looked more like a ring really. And...

It friggin worked!!!!

I was going to swap them but needed to get to my marina. Took it easy ..for the most part but they were in there good and no leaks no issues handled like a champ.

 

[atldude]

Welcome Aboard and great choice of boat. Do you know if it has HO engines?

Yes it has HOs. Wife said "I don't want snything slower than this boat!"

 

[atldude]

Second day of ownership I decided to see what's the oil situation after reading up the night before.

The pic I attached is how much extra oil there was than what was needed almost a friggin gallon! (Pic taken in the middle of it)

Mind you this boat had been maintained by a mechanic at the marina where the PO kept it. No tricks, I verified.

I do not trust mechanics, I do not buy warranty, I maintain everything I own myself so this just reassured my lack of trust in repair shops, dealerships etc and extended it to boat related stuff

Examined air filter, intake, looks good. Perhaps it was a rather recent development. In any case I knew the boat ran great so I wasn't too worried about it.

Going to change the oil next weekend together with plugs, air filters, oil filters and I'll rev up while spraying some carb cleaner in it. It should take care of any residue if it was spitting bit of oil.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Second day of ownership I decided to see what's the oil situation after reading up the night before.

The pic I attached is how much extra oil there was than what was needed almost a friggin gallon! (Pic taken in the middle of it)

Mind you this boat had been maintained by a mechanic at the marina where the PO kept it. No tricks, I verified.

I do not trust mechanics, I do not buy warranty, I maintain everything I own myself so this just reassured my lack of trust in repair shops, dealerships etc and extended it to boat related stuff

Examined air filter, intake, looks good. Perhaps it was a rather recent development. In any case I knew the boat ran great so I wasn't too worried about it.

Going to change the oil next weekend together with plugs, air filters, oil filters and I'll rev up while spraying some carb cleaner in it. It should take care of any residue if it was spitting bit of oil.

What marina serviced it?

 

[atldude]

Next though I had was cleaning up.

I keep my toys clean, period.

And this boat was not clean. Attached are pics of what some of the seats looked like. I spent an entire day undoing the sheer negligence and lack of maintenance for who know how long. Simple Green 30% concentrate water mix worked miracles! Nice and gentle with an old bath towel to avoid scuffing up the vinyl, rinse with hose, and after drying for a few hours followed by a generous amount of 303 Aerospace protectant. Scrubbed the heck out of the gray blacktip mats in the cabin looked much better but still not quite there.

 

[atldude]

What marina serviced it?

Honestly, rather not say. Not here to bash on anyone...

 

[atldude]

So at some point in my first month of boat ownership, I decided I better get some detailing pros involved. My thought was to get a nice clean start and then maintain the cosmetics myself, allowing for some time to learn a few things about gelcoat and marine detailing in general. That plus wife wanted to go on vacation so I was out of town for 2 weeks. Called a great place nearby and they gave me a great price after seeing I had done some of the work myself.

Attached is what the boat looked like the day I got it.

Several issues that became obvious after I now had the boat for a week or two-

1. Did not like the flames.
2. Flames and decals were scuffed up
3. Gelcoat damage on keel, transom, and the sides
4. Oxidation mostly in the back
5. Scummy stickyness ..dirt..in the upper sides mostly could see it on the white part
6. Foam mat still has stains (it's like they came back more so after it dried)

So I got the boat to the detailer and got his buddy the gelcoat guy to adress all majot issues.

Picked it up last friday and it's night and day difference! Cost was $1150 for all of it.

 

[atldude]

A few items I added/replaced this weekend-

This is a perfect direct fit, just need to remove the heat wraps from the new light to expose the terminals.
Attwood Corporation Light, Navi Red/Green 7-Inch Chrome Lead White Skin Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001O0DIPE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_sYPJybW4QBEXQ

Another direct fit and no trickery involved.
AFI White ASA Screw-In Grill for Drop-In Hidden Horns 11079 & 11098 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EA8SPHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_-ZPJybX6K7MPW

Though I also found and ordered this one. I figured that I'll swap it if I like the schrome one better and keep the other one as spare later on.
AFI Marine 11226 Screw-In Chrome Plated ASA Grill for 10082, 11079, 11081, and 11095 Marine Drop in Below Deck Horns https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NUYXQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_SfRJybSW94T5T

Speakers are also direct fit, no redrilling or cable work. Just had to squeeze the female terminals a bit with needlenose pliers and they are on there tight now.
Polk Audio DB651 6.5"/6.75" 2-Way Marine Certified db Series Car Speakers with Liquid Cooled Silk Tweeters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P0PF9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_x3PJybXJT0N15

I got this installed, was easy. Did not drill a hole, rather used the existing hole in the glovebox where the braker for the 12v outlet was temporarily. Need to replace the braker and will drill a hole at that time. The radio had available aux input so it was a 5 min thing mostly cable management.
iSimple IS335 Dash Mountable Auxiliary Input Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003B01AHS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_54PJybHEVYZT7

Replaced the transome light socket with an OEM since it was cracked and yellow.

Removed all the desintegrated foam insulation from the engine compartment and gave that general area a good clean with some simple green 20% solution and followed by a rinse. Still need to scrape up some residue foam but it'll have to wait another week or two.

Got new cup holders. These are a drop in. Not much to install. The old ones were scuffed dirty and beyond being able to look nice again. They are a hair smaller diameter and I am waiting on a tube of sealant to arrive to fix that. Much nicer looking than OEM!
Amarine-made 4pcs Stainless Steel Cup Drink Holder with Drain Marine Boat Rv Camper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0097MF4DU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_bbQJyb7W8AKNV

 

[atldude]

Trailer....

This was definitely something I underestimated at first.

Initially thought, It was a decent trailer. And it is I guess just had couple of issues
The carpet on the bunk boards was no good and was dirty and kept outside for 5 years. The power wash solved the looks and I was pleased.

Bought 2 rolls of carpet -
CE Smith Trailer Roll Carpet, Black, 18" x 18'- Replacement Parts and Accessories for your Ski Boat, Fishing Boat or Sailboat Trailer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038ZWMY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ziQJybK8MWG3D

Strap for the winch -
Dutton-Lainson 6249 20-ft Winch Strap with Hook 4000 lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AZ6WB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_hjQJyb23TK5Y0

New bow roller -
SeaSense Super Polymer Bow Roller, 4-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000ATZ25/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_fkQJyb8DGSDM1

I attempted to reuse the bunk boards at first till I realized they had termites then got some treated wood (2x6 I believe) cut it to length drilled and put the new carpet on. In heindsight I wish I would have doubled up the carpet on the top side but I guess I'll do that next time.

Also realized late in the game that the tires are cracked and pretty much shot, so ended up getting new ones for around $300 I believe, from the local tire shop. One of the hub studs broke off while removing the lug nut. Found good used replacement in the local trailer shop for free.

 

[atldude]

Accessories...

At some point last year I realized I was missing some safety and other items the boat didn't come with so here's what I got so far -

Waterproof First Aid Kit - 175 Pieces - Durable Vinyl Roll Top Dry Bag - Packed with hospital grade medical supplies for emergency and survival situations. Ideal for Boating, Camping, Sports, Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018VD52GE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_yNQJyb9M1S28A

Hopefully won't have to use this one because it is a bit flimsy looking but I might put the hook on the back to use every now and then:
JET LOGIC P-3 Telescoping Paddle With Boat Hook (25-Inches - 72-Inches) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OF406G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_YNQJybV1TFFCZ

I will get something bigger to augment this eventually but for now it works just fine:
Dorcy 41-2510 Floating Waterproof LED Flashlight with Carabineer Clip, 55-Lumens, Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039PV1QK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_aPQJyb45XAJ9H

TAC-FORCE Spring Assisted Opening EMT EMS ORANGE Rescue Folding Pocket Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RXGGZ3K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_LQQJybSV5MZ9R

Falcon Safety Super Sound Horn https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AXTVF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_QRQJyb5EZXPKY

Should have gotten longer manual pump but I'll play with it and see it it does the trick. If it's too short I'll just use it on my jetski instead and get a bigger one for the boat:
SeaSense Hand Bilge Pump Hose, 24 X 36-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FZ346W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ySQJybQAE2WC3

OxGord Deluxe Trunk Cargo Organizer Heavy Duty Folding Caddy Storage Collapse Bag Bin for Auto Car Truck SUV | 15"x21"x10" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DZ03PP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_9TQJybW7V710P

Flambeau Tackle Marine Storage Box (Orange, 15.125x7.875x10.125-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008GCYAU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_xUQJyb1A2ZM8P

This trashcan hooks prefectly to the hook in the rear hatch storage compartment:
Car Trash Can by DropTrash Leak Proof Trash Container for Car, Boat, And Strollers! Car Storage, Weighted Bottom, 3 Sides Full Width Pockets Hanging Auto Garbage Can Fits Any Seat Back! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AIKXET0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_RUQJyb3X80QZH

Noticed small amounts of water residue collects in some spaces such as the ski locker so I decided to get this to keep things dry:
Harmony Sponge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047H0LII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_hWQJybK3M2XR6

This phone mount has held up exceptionally well offroading so I thought I give it a shot with he boat:
iOttie Easy One Touch Windshield Dashboard Car Mount Holder for iPhone 7/6s/6, Galaxy S7/S6- Retail Packaging- Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007FHX9OK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_fYQJybJQ18J3M

 

[atldude]

Dash ...

This stuff did really well on the faded and stained meter plastics this weekend -
Meguiar's MC20506 Motorcycle Plastic Cleaner/Polish - 6 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7ON2G6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_SiRJyb9WTYJHM

Did 3 passes of applying by hand with a pad then followed by microfiber cloth. Looks awesome now!

 

[swatski]

This phone mount has held up exceptionally well offroading so I thought I give it a shot with he boat:
iOttie Easy One Touch Windshield Dashboard Car Mount Holder for iPhone 7/6s/6, Galaxy S7/S6- Retail Packaging- Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007FHX9OK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_fYQJybJQ18J3M

I will be curious to hear how well does this one work!

--

 

[atldude]

I will be curious to hear how well does this one work!

--

Will be sure to keep you posted sir!

 

[buckbuck]

Wow. Jumping right in. I am sure that boat will give your family many years of happiness.
I suggest you consider purchasing some EZ-Locks for the clean out plugs. Also switch to 10w-40 oil if you have not done so already.
Please keep posting on your adventure.

 

[atldude]

Wow. Jumping right in. I am sure that boat will give your family many years of happiness.
I suggest you consider purchasing some EZ-Locks for the clean out plugs. Also switch to 10w-40 oil if you have not done so already.
Please keep posting on your adventure.

Thanks for the tips buck! The boat has to be ready for beginning of March, when the dry stack contract at the nearby marina starts. The detailing set me back as far as time goes so now I'm in a hurry to have it all complete in a month.

The boat came with something called Tru-Locks I believe. I think JBP used to sell them. I talked to them about those since they no longer sell them. I figure I'd see how they do over time and decide if I need to move towards the EZ-Locks.

I also bought the Yamaha oil change kit from the local dealership which came with 10w-40.

 

[Roadapple]

Great ideas and I really appreciate the links to products used. Look forward to following your progress.

 

[FloJet]

Next though I had was cleaning up.

I keep my toys clean, period.

And this boat was not clean. Attached are pics of what some of the seats looked like. I spent an entire day undoing the sheer negligence and lack of maintenance for who know how long. Simple Green 30% concentrate water mix worked miracles! Nice and gentle with an old bath towel to avoid scuffing up the vinyl, rinse with hose, and after drying for a few hours followed by a generous amount of 303 Aerospace protectant. Scrubbed the heck out of the gray blacktip mats in the cabin looked much better but still not quite there.

Love using simple green. Best cleaner I have ever used. Works great!

 

[atldude]

Great ideas and I really appreciate the links to products used. Look forward to following your progress.

Glad to hear sir!