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Pre-trip Maintenance


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I'm getting ready for my annual week-long trip to Lake Powell. Last year I dragged the boat 600 miles only to have it die on me the second day and out of commision for the whole trip. Needless to say, I was less than pleased. Turned out the main problem was a clogged fuel filter...20 minute fix (even more aggravating).

I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm not an expert in boat repairs, so I thought I'd turn to my Malibu amigos for recommendations: what are some of the crucial / problemmatic parts of the boat I should check out? The boat has been running OK lately (only a few random hickups), but I'm still paranoid of a repeat of last year. I have a 2004 Wakesetter XTi.

Also, anyone else headed to Powell for Memorial Day?

Thanks,

Drew in San Diego

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Are you by chance going with David C? I was just talking to him in the office....and I know he goes on a XTI out at san v sometimes.

What kind of hiccups are you seeing? When is the last time you had it serviced?

I would suggest taking at least a new impeller along with you.

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Drew,

The replacement parts (and necessary tools) I carry on my boat include impeller, t-stat and fuel filter. Make sure you have a spare prop and puller. Check your hoses ... you should be good to go. Some times things go wrong mechanically that you can't plan for.

Have fun and be safe.

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Yeah, I'm rolling with Dave. Tell him I said his beard looks stupid compared to my awesome mustache.

I've done most of the standard service (impeller 3 months ago, thermostat 2 months ago, fuel filter 8 months ago), was just wondering if there's something i've overlooked. Boat is running great while I drive...I was told that the engine "stumbled" a couple times while I've been riding, but possibly operator error (inexperienced drivers while I drive).

Hopefully everything will work out this year.

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At the very least I always start my boat at home and let it run up to normal operating temp, usually about 10 min or so. I don't want to be that guy at the ramp with a dead battery or a clogged fuel pump :)

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I would replace the spark plugs, cap and rotor, and the fuel filter.

I would bet your cap and rotor is really nasty on the inside causing your hesitation.

-Chris

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At the very least I always start my boat at home and let it run up to normal operating temp, usually about 10 min or so. I don't want to be that guy at the ramp with a dead battery or a clogged fuel pump :)

I went out 2 weeks ago and started the boat in the morning in the driveway. Got to the ramp with dead battery. New boat to me with new battery but needed to put a switch in the boat due to draw while sitting. I've been that guy and never again.

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At the very least I always start my boat at home and let it run up to normal operating temp, usually about 10 min or so. I don't want to be that guy at the ramp with a dead battery or a clogged fuel pump :)

I went out 2 weeks ago and started the boat in the morning in the driveway. Got to the ramp with dead battery. New boat to me with new battery but needed to put a switch in the boat due to draw while sitting. I've been that guy and never again.

Do you not carry a jump box Dontknow.gif For just $60 (for a good one) it can be the best piece of mind I've ever known Thumbup.gif Even if not for my Bu (I've only used it myself twice), but someone always needs a jump :Doh:

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At the very least I always start my boat at home and let it run up to normal operating temp, usually about 10 min or so. I don't want to be that guy at the ramp with a dead battery or a clogged fuel pump :)

I went out 2 weeks ago and started the boat in the morning in the driveway. Got to the ramp with dead battery. New boat to me with new battery but needed to put a switch in the boat due to draw while sitting. I've been that guy and never again.

Do you not carry a jump box Dontknow.gif For just $60 (for a good one) it can be the best piece of mind I've ever known Thumbup.gif Even if not for my Bu (I've only used it myself twice), but someone always needs a jump :Doh:

I do now. This is my first boat (always been with the parents on there boat). I assumed being a newer boat with new battery and starting it 2 hours prior in the driveway that I would be alright. I thought wrong.

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I saved EVERYONES day at a public ramp a few years ago with my portable jump start kit. A landscaper, pulling a trailer fully loaded with mulch and sod, stopped while blocking the entire ramp. Truck wouldn't start back up and 10 people couldn't push it out of the way. I produced the jump start kit and got him going and received a thunderous round of applause from the boats waiting in line to launch.

I got a pretty good one from West Marine. It was pricey, but it comes in it's own water tight case, which is nice on the boat.

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At the very least I always start my boat at home and let it run up to normal operating temp, usually about 10 min or so. I don't want to be that guy at the ramp with a dead battery or a clogged fuel pump :)

I went out 2 weeks ago and started the boat in the morning in the driveway. Got to the ramp with dead battery. New boat to me with new battery but needed to put a switch in the boat due to draw while sitting. I've been that guy and never again.

Do you not carry a jump box Dontknow.gif For just $60 (for a good one) it can be the best piece of mind I've ever known Thumbup.gif Even if not for my Bu (I've only used it myself twice), but someone always needs a jump :Doh:

I have one of those too. I've loaned it out a few times at the lake and used it once on my truck after playing tunes for too long while on the beach.

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