C180 First Outing - Questions

[seadoomichael]

So I spent about 45 minutes out on the boat tonight with the family at a local lake. We had a great time. Our first time together on the new boat. I noticed a few things in this first outing after the sea trial that I wanted to make sure was normal:

1. It was pretty damn warm in the engine compartment afterwards. Borderline hot. It's still slightly warm in there 3 hours later. Is this normal?

2. I noticed that when I had the throttle set at say 6500 rpms - and didn't touch it, that it would jump around a bit (say +- 80-90 rpms 6420, 6460, 6520, 6480). Is this just because it's digital and not analog and so you notice it more? The engine didn't *sound* like it was jumping around - except at low throttle. Normal?

3. The back swim deck swims to "creak" a bit in certain spots when you walk on it. I don't see any cracks or anything but I think I'll have to keep an eye on it. I'm thinking/hoping this is normal "settling" at this point.

All in all it was great fun. Even dumped the family on the shore for a bit and had some REAL fun! Great boat!

 

[Craigmri]

Mike,

1) Yes the engine compartment stays pretty warm as its closed in pretty tight in there. Verry little ventilation. Goes to show why you should run your bilge fan before you start.

2) I noticed the say RPM jog on mine this past weekend. I've heard this several times from other posters. I'm going to inquire about it when I bring my boat in to have some issues looked at.

3) While my swim platform doesnt creak I have noticed several areas throughout the boat that flex when you walk on them. I also noticed in the engine compartment way back under the swim platform is a foam covered block of something that is loose on mine. I was able to push it way back under the swim platform. I'm not certain what this is for. Maybe yours needs to be secured under the swim platform too?? tale a look at it.

Craig

 

[06challenger]

yup!

Craig is right bud.... its going to get real hot in there! Not much ventilation! on mine i did a little mod and cut out some of the vents on the side! :rofl: what i did was i took off the chrome part and the plastic piece is riveted in behind it! i drilled it out and then i cut the front part out! it already has a hole in it but i made another bigger one nest too it! it def seems to help pass more air! (and nope! nooo water gets in!

Also with the rpms im not sure i have a 06 and its not digital! mines stays right were it supposed to be the whole time! no bouncing!

And with the creaking i def don’t have any of that! you may wanna check under it and see how thick the glass is... when they spray the fiber glass some areas maybe thinner than others! if that’s the case you going to have to get that fixed before it cracks!
Good luck brother!

 

[seadoomichael]

Yeah - it sure looks to me like it should get pretty hot in there, I was just suprised how hot. I have had inboards before but I don't remember them getting that hot. Of course they weren't 3 bangers running at 8000 rpms!

I think a bit of "flexing" does describe the swim deck. I'll keep an eye on it and have them take a look at the 10 hour. Same with the RPM hunting - I'll keep an eye on it as well. Thanks guys...