Noob with new (used) boat - Is fake a lake unsafe?

[1150A]

Hi There,

I'm a new owner of a late 80s Malibu Skier. This is our first boat and we are having a great time learning. I am beginner/intermediate with my mechanical skills but hope to do everything I can to learn about the boat. We've had several runs out to lake now and they've all gone relatively well.

My huge fear is my boat not starting after I get all prepped up and go to the lake.  Is it worthwhile to use a fake-a-lake and start the boat in the driveway before heading out to the lake? Is it ever un-safe to use a fake-a-lake? I've read mixed things about it and curious to hear what you guys think of it. I'm not sure if it makes any difference if I'm on  an older boat. I'm not terribly far from a lake.. ~ 30 min.

Also - this is unrelated to my topic title, but what is the proper starting procedure to start the boat. Boat in neutral, turn key on/start? The last few times I had to start the boat and give it a little rev until it would turn on. Is that normal?

Edited July 7, 2020 by 1150A

[solorex]

There is nothing wrong with using a fake-a-lake.  I always run mine on one at the start of the season and winterizing to change oil etc.. and confirm all is good to avoid anything unexpected at the launch.  I guess the only thing about a fake-a-lake that could be problematic is if you forget to turn the hose on!

Carb'd boat.  Pull the pin to disengage the transmission.  2-3 pumps of the throttle to get fuel in the carb.  Should fire right up.

[JasonK]

And they can fall over under the boat.

That's normal for old carbd boats.

[oldjeep]

If you are afraid that your boat won't start at the lake, fix the boat.  There is no reason to be test starting a properly maintained boat in the driveway before each outing.  Do you go out and try starting your car an hour before you plan to leave for the day?

[braindamage]

9 hours ago, 1150A said:

Also - this is unrelated to my topic title, but what is the proper starting procedure to start the boat. Boat in neutral, turn key on/start? The last few times I had to start the boat and give it a little rev until it would turn on. Is that normal?

Make sure you run the blower, especially with older carb’d boats.

i had a mid-80’s carb boat. I always put in neutral so I could rev engine, put throttle all the way down once, then started to crank. Sometimes I had to juggle the throttle a bit. You’ll figure it out.

Edited July 8, 2020 by braindamage

[braindamage]

 BTW...Welcome to the ‘crew!

post pics of your boat! We like pics! Especially of old skiers. 😎