Page 1 of 1

newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:18 pm
by jbirdbuc
Hello all,

Most know I just got my bennie this week. I have owned boats in the past but this is my first pontoon. I am already up to 8 hours on my break-in and have some questions. Sorry if some are dumb, I will just list them here to keep it in one topic:

1) When going high speed 4200rpm or WOT (briefly), just to the left of console is a water spot. Is this normal? I know the water is hitting, but is it enough to saturate the wood? Please advise.

2) SEATS...love my seats and want to keep them that way. The boat has been docked all week (monday night) uncovered. We have had gorgeous weather here and have been taking it out as much as possible. I plan to pickup 303 tomorrow and treat the seats. Is it awful to leave the seats uncovered? The dock is not covered. MAIN question: How long to attach playpen cover/detach. (tips/tricks to cover while docked) The weather should continue to be spectacular thru this weekend and next week.

3)20 hour service, dealer or do it yourself? I have a honda 4stroke on another boat that I service myself. How important are the inspections/changes that are listed in the manual? If dealer preferred, what should I expect for a FAIR price? I do plan to do the service myself every 100hours as listed.

4)Anyone ever adjust the throttle tension? She seems a little sensitive. Is this difficult?

At this rate, my 20 hours will be after next weekend.

All for now, thanks in advance for the advice. this is a great forum.

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:35 pm
by trott46
question #1 If your are certain the water spot is from running the boat not anything else then not its normal take it to the dealer before the wood is shot.

question #2 My playpen cover only takes around ten min to put on and 5 to take off i just roll it to the front then then fold it in half and stow it away then to put it on i reverse

not sure bout the rest

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:47 pm
by jbirdbuc
trott46 wrote:question #1 If your are certain the water spot is from running the boat not anything else then not its normal take it to the dealer before the wood is shot.

question #2 My playpen cover only takes around ten min to put on and 5 to take off i just roll it to the front then then fold it in half and stow it away then to put it on i reverse

not sure bout the rest

Yes, I am certain it is from running the boat fast. It happened yesterday, was not sure. Had her out today, tested the area (dry) and yes it gets wet. I will get to dealer, this sucks..., gotta take my boat out of the water!!! (any idea what would cause this?)

Thanks for the PP response.

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:50 pm
by trott46
could be a number of things is this a tri toon also does it have aluminum on the underside? does it have strakes?

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 9:10 pm
by dockholiday
When you say just left of the console, is that just left of the helm. Think it would be easier if you could get under it too see what is going on. If you don't know if it has underskinning, hate to say this but it will sound like water hitting plywood. My new toon has underskinning and I have not heard any water hitting the floor. Even with the old toon not being underskinned, and having water hit the bottom it never showed any wet spots.
Be aware that not only rain but the sun can take years off the furniture. Not so much now but when it gets in the 90's. A few days won't hurt it but wouldn't want to go much over 3 or 4 days. If you end up taking it back to the dealer, might be a good time to get an idea of cost on the 20hr service. About 10 to 15 mins on the cover but as you become accustom to it, should be able to get it down to 8 to 10 minute with some help with the snaps.

doc

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:49 pm
by FloterBoter
hmmm, i wonder if...

Image


nah, never mind.

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 12:34 pm
by WaltF
oh god....

:lol: :lol:

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 8:52 pm
by jimrs
You say a wet spot to the left of the Helm? That would be right about the middle of the boat, right? Do you have a speedo? Or any other item that could be leaking in the area?

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:46 am
by jbirdbuc
Tough crowd. I did mention my question(s) might be dumb.

Decided to take for 20hour service at dealer (next week), then do the 100 hours service and after myself.

Have used 303 on all the seats, have the boat covered with playpen cover. Cover is not that difficult to put on.

Boat rides really well and I am pleased w/speed and fuel consumption.

T :biggrin2

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 8:16 am
by WaltF
Not really a tough crowd, just a little nuts...
Pretty harmless though. :rofl :leghump :rofl

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 8:25 am
by jbirdbuc
WaltF wrote:Not really a tough crowd, just a little nuts...
Pretty harmless though. :rofl :leghump :rofl

Got it, understand the T.A.P. fins joke now.

All is well. :biggrin2

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 7:09 pm
by PeteF
Is this water issue anywhere near where you may have a table or chair mount ? I had the same problem and that is what it was. A little sealer and it has been just fine.

Re: newbie pontoon owner w/questions

Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 2:20 pm
by Budman
Water does not seem normal. That could be a real bad thing eventually. Also, I would keep covered most of the time especially when the real summer hits. Your seats will be shot is a couple years if not.