New to Yamaha

[Mike42198]

Hi everyone! New to the forum and Yamaha Boats, coming from a Formula 280SS on Lake Michigan (Chicago) and just picked up a Yamaha 252SE down here in Old Hickory (Nashville Area).

Taking delivery when it warms up, just wondering if you would have any regular maintenance/ownership tips that might be different coming from a traditional cuddy cabin. I know this is a different type of boat all together but this is the one I am going raise my son on and my purchase motives were different. Looking to a great summer on the water and if your in the area don't hesitate to say hey!

 

[tkeru408]

Congrats! I've got the same one, picked it up in mid-September and got to use it for a couple months before putting it away for the winter. So far, my only maintenance has been the 10 hour service (oil change, checking a bunch of connections, etc.). I had the dealership do it, but I'll probably start doing the maintenance myself next year. It seems pretty straightforward, mostly just changing oil and spark plugs once a year or so. Others on the site are much more experienced on it than I and can provide some good tips.

 

[Sonic Blue]

Nice. Welcome. I’ve got the SD waiting for me at the dealership once the Great White North warms up. I just received my license today. Can’t wait!!! Excellent choice. ?

 

[blamphere]

Beautiful boat. We just closed on the same one Saturday. Won't warm up enough here to get it in the water for the season until May. Low maintenance was my key motivator moving from an already low maintenance Etec outboard driven craft. I have had my share of straight inboard, and I/O's as well and living where I do, minimal winterization maintenance is key to extending my season. So its outboard, or Yamaha for me.

 

[WildCatFan54]

Congrats ! Beautiful boat (and son). It's going to seem like an eternity until spring gets here for you. You are going to love it.

 

[WildCatFan54]

The first thing I and others on the forum will recommend is get rid of that crappy , hard plastic bow roller that comes on the trailer. It will scratch that beautiful gelcoat if not on the drive home then certainly the first time you launch and retrieve. Get yourself a Stoltz bow roller. Much softer gel type material that will not scratch / scuff the hull. There is some difference in opinion between members as to which of two different Stoltz roller / bell combination works best. Lots of threads you can read. I much prefer the 3.5" version specifically advertised as for Yamaha / Shorelander trailers.

Stoltz 3.5 " RP-355 RP-355 1/2" Hole Fits Shoreland'r trailers - Drewcraft LLC

Stoltz 3.5 " RP-355 RP-355 1/2" Hole Fits Shoreland'r trailers Comes with RP-325 end caps, bolt, nut and washers

drewcraft.com

 

[tdonoughue]

Congrats and welcome!

First thing (now that the bow roller advice has been taken): go check out the FAQ. Lots of good info there. It is basically the best of the best, curated lovingly for you.

I did the same thing with having the dealer do my oil change and plugs the first time. Cost me nearly $500 for that. For $70 I was set up with a sucker and all ready to do all of it myself. Wish I had figured that out first... Besides, it is a great set of skills to teach a son. I have pictures of working on the car with my 3 year old (at the time). He would hand me lug nuts and so-forth. Had a great time.

Now he never touches a car other than to drive it. <sigh> But I digress.

Anyway, lots and lots of advice we can give to new folks. I think having had a boat before you are way ahead. But check out that FAQ and let us know where we can help.

P.S. Update your location in your profile. That will help folks know what advice to give you and helps us locate people near each other.

 

[Mike42198]

Congrats! I've got the same one, picked it up in mid-September and got to use it for a couple months before putting it away for the winter. So far, my only maintenance has been the 10 hour service (oil change, checking a bunch of connections, etc.). I had the dealership do it, but I'll probably start doing the maintenance myself next year. It seems pretty straightforward, mostly just changing oil and spark plugs once a year or so. Others on the site are much more experienced on it than I and can provide some good tips.

Thank you for the heads up! First one I will try to get to the dealer just to make sure it's properly documented by Yamaha!

 

[Mike42198]

Congrats ! Beautiful boat (and son). It's going to seem like an eternity until spring gets here for you. You are going to love it.

Hoping Spring will come in March and not in May!!

 

[Mike42198]

The first thing I and others on the forum will recommend is get rid of that crappy , hard plastic bow roller that comes on the trailer. It will scratch that beautiful gelcoat if not on the drive home then certainly the first time you launch and retrieve. Get yourself a Stoltz bow roller. Much softer gel type material that will not scratch / scuff the hull. There is some difference in opinion between members as to which of two different Stoltz roller / bell combination works best. Lots of threads you can read. I much prefer the 3.5" version specifically advertised as for Yamaha / Shorelander trailers.

Stoltz 3.5 " RP-355 RP-355 1/2" Hole Fits Shoreland'r trailers - Drewcraft LLC

Stoltz 3.5 " RP-355 RP-355 1/2" Hole Fits Shoreland'r trailers Comes with RP-325 end caps, bolt, nut and washers

drewcraft.com

Good lookin' out! I plan on having it in the water on a lift and only transporting it for storage but don't want to damage the gel coat for sure!

 

[WildCatFan54]

Where do you plan to slip your boat ?

 

[TexAg2010]

Hoping Spring will come in March and not in May!!

Amen to that! I pick mine up next Friday and I’m already eager to get on the water ASAP!

 

[Mike42198]

Where do you plan to slip your boat ?

I live on Blue Turtle Bay so assuming all the docs don't fall I am lined up for a slip there! Fingers crossed it goes according to plan!