Engine survey and compression test- advise?

[Firebee]

Hello,
Im in process of getting my first big boat, 2001 Maxum 2900 SCR, twin 4.3 Mercruisers with Bravo III’s. Im movng to Cape Charles Va for chesapeake bay cruising. 3 years until I fully retire so why wait!

Glad I found this homepage as I have been reviewing threads and see you all offer up great advise.

*. Next week Im having an Engine Survey and compression checked. Anything I should check on based on below history

Background
10 days ago yacht broker and I did a pierside survey. Everything onboard works great. However, stbd engine took some coaxing to start. 6 or so tries, but started and we ran both engines about 20 min while we did survey,

This week owner took boat out one last time. As a check he killed the engines at sea. Stbd was again hard to start. But finally did. Boat in maintained in floating dock, salt water marina last 5 years. Always maintained by mechanics.

Appreciate all thoughts.

[MoonRiver]

Welcome to the site Mike,
You picked a great boat for your first one. The Maxum line is very nice. Twin engines is a great choice for Chesapeake Bay cruising. While I was in the Navy stationed at Little Creek I operated small riverine and off shore boats (24' to 82') and I can tell you a backup engine is always reassuring to have.
The engine survey should help determine the issues with stbd engine, but don’t be too surprised if it doesn’t.
How long has the boat been in the water? Salt water boats need a considerable amount of maintenance.
Will the boat be lifted during any part of the survey? I would request it be lifted or trailered out of the water for visual inspection.
Does the boat come with a trailer?
Is the hull bottom painted or smooth fiberglass?
When was the last time the bellows and saltwater impellers where replaced?
And, be ready to fork over a couple of "Boat Bucks" to get everything done your way.

[Firebee]

Thanks MoonRiver and thanks for your service. Had some experinced boaters help me on recommendation for Ches Bay cruising boat sizes.

Engine survey and compression test is 20 Nov. yacht broker and I take a 15 NM trip to Hampton marina, pull the boat out to check hull and do engine survey and compression test Then cruise back to Norfolk.

Last week owner had diver clean the hull and check seal. Pier survey confirmed good manifolds and risers. I will ask aboutvthe bellows and impellors.
Engines have 630 hrs,

I did meet another boater, 42ft yacht, who I spoke with about my boat and owner. He said he took the boat out regularly and always used a mechanic and knowing him, would likely have evry receipt in his books. I wil get those soon. Point is she did not just sit at the dock and has been properly maintained.

New 2 axel trailer being purchased i had planned to trailor in my driveway for 3 months to go over inside and out and cleanup etc. however Cape Charle s Marina “in season” is 1 Apr-1 Nov.

Q- so is trailering her more like 5 months a year ok? Or should I continue wih year round in the water docked?
Local harbor master will help me discuss my options. I move in Late Nov.

[mmwjr]

When you say hard to start do you mean it won’t crank unless turning the key several times or cranks but take awhile to start? The first could be one of the following slave soleniod, starter soleniod, loose dirty battery cables, ignition switch issue, neutral safety switch. The second could be a carb issue that bleeds fuel when shut off.

[Phillbo]

Keeping the boat on the trailer all the time will not hurt it.

[MoonRiver]

Mike,
I know the Cape Charles area (Northern Neck) is pretty flat, but just keep in mind that Tundra is only a 1/2 ton so trailing every weekend will put extra wear and tear on the rig. I have air-bags on Tundra and run 50psi while towing my 2700scr at +/- 8,500lb. Your 2900 twin engine is probably closer to 10,000lb.

[Firebee]

Mmwjr- Not sure yet. What I posted is what broker told me as owner took her out. When pier side 2 weeks ago, it cranked fine with key/starter but would not come to life. He moved throttle full, idle a few times and started on about 5th try. Thanks for the great info. I will know a lot more after the 20 Nov engine survey.

Phillbo- thanks. That gives me peace of mind!

MoonRiver: Thanks for info. Was just checking. My planned trailer use first couple years will be from Marina to my new house for winter layup. . About 2 miles!, all paved roads. Boat weight is 7300. Tundra rated at 10,000 towing capacity but not sure of weight of the new trailer as dealer still looking.

Q: So for trailer storage, I assume Trailer/boat will need to be parked on a concrete slab ir us grass ok? I may have to build this on my property. Or I may park it first year at the marina trailer area..

Thanks guys!

[mmwjr]

First you can call me Mike.

7300 is the dry weight of the boat and does not include fuel, water and any gear. Fuel is about 6lbs per gallon, water 8 lbs per gallon. Can easily add up to another 1000 lbs.

Trailer for this boat will be 2000 - 3000 lbs

The boat/trailer can sit on grass but if the area is soggy the tires will settle in some.

[MoonRiver]

I would just make sure your parking spot is solid and level. If your area is prone to flooding I would consider elevating to parking pad.

Some people, myself included lift their trailers a couple of inches to take the weight off the tires over the winter. I use 5 big scrap glu-lam beams placed under the trailer frame. I visually check my boat once a month through the winter and spin the wheels.

[Phillbo]

Towing a 2900 with a Tundra es no bueno.

[MoonRiver]

The Tundra with air-bags and electric brake controller on level terrain and only traveling 2 miles might be OK. It is right on the edge of maxed out.

[Firebee]

Thanks again for all the info and advise.

You guys Rock!

[Firebee]

So Tundra has built in electric brake controller. Will double check. Thanks will see where to get air-bags.

Another gent said “TRD shock package or billistein shocks 5100.”

[Firebee]

Moonriver. Is that 5 beams going across the trailer?
I assume 2 behind axels 3 in front?

Good news on stbd engine rough start. It was a loose wire to the safety lantards. Both lanyards checked and engines roar to life now.

[mmwjr]

Great news on the engine.

[Firebee]

Mike, you are right not good news but great!

[MoonRiver]

It is always "great" when boat problems turn out to be simple fixes. Loose wires, burnt fuses, and saltwater corrosion are all killers for boats. Boating on saltwater is a constant maintenance process.

Correct on the beam placement. Ill post a picture if I remember next time im out there.

[shrew]

There is no way that a 2900 is 7,300 lbs, even at a dry weight. You will have fuel, food, gear, oil and water on the boat. I believe the dry weight is closer to 9,000 lbs. Wet with gear and provisions, that boat is going to tip the scales well over 10,000lbs.

What is the true towing capacity of the Tundra? The two issues you're going to have are going to be hauling the boat out up a wet ramp and slowing/stopping at any speed.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by shrew

There is no way that a 2900 is 7,300 lbs, even at a dry weight. You will have fuel, food, gear, oil and water on the boat. I believe the dry weight is closer to 9,000 lbs. Wet with gear and provisions, that boat is going to tip the scales well over 10,000lbs.

What is the true towing capacity of the Tundra? The two issues you're going to have are going to be hauling the boat out up a wet ramp and slowing/stopping at any speed.

Good point shrew my 2400SCR is 5000lbs dry with a single 5.7, that extra engine/drive package is easily another 1000 lbs.

[Firebee]

Calculations
Don’t exceed your GCWR. Add Curb weight (truck+ people) and Gross Trailer weight (GTW). if less than GCWR, Your are good.
* 5480+220+ 10200= 15900. Good

* GTW is 7500 Boat, fuel,water 350, trailer 2450=10200

For GVWR, add together the GVW (truck + people) and Tongue weight.
if less than GVWR, Your are good.
* 5480+220+245= 5945. Good


So agree concern is ramp slope, algea etc. based on above what say you?
Id really like to keep this boat year round in the slip. Im seeing Harbor Master 30 Nov for ideas and advice