Spring startup is coming

[Bkopsick]

Ill be coming into my first full season with this boat(2003 Utopia 205 Merc 240, SN#OE413629) soon. I have a few questions. I did service the drive(change the oils), I fogged the engine, changed the 2 fuel filters and I have new spark plugs to replace the ones that are in there, after I run my first tank of fuel through.

1. Oil. The previous owner was using West Marine Premium 2-stroke oil so I used that for the remainder of the season last year. I was thinking about switching to the recommended Mercury/Quicksilver premium oil. Is that a good idea?? I know when switching oils there should be a clean out, what is involved in doing that?

2. Battery. Towards the end of the season I had to jump the battery to get the boat started. Between that and not knowing the age/condition of the battery, I was going to start this season with a new battery. I will still have this one tested and if it is not "dead", keep it as a backup. What battery should I get? I assune a group 24 dual purpose but is there a certain brand that is better? I know these boats are sensitive to voltage so I want to get this right for piece of mind. The dimensions of my battery tray are:10-1/2x6-3/4, but I can modify or replace it if needed. Also, I may add a second battery with a 1,2, both switch. If I do that, should I get the same battery?


Is there anything else that I should do when starting up this spring?

Thanks!

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

You have a lot of options concerning batteries. Generally the heavier the better IMO (more lead). Marine batteries are a happy medium between a cranking and a deep cycle, I personally don't like paying extra and if cannot accept the going price will go with a cranking battery. I've have noticed lately marine batteries have been reasonably priced (off-season price) in comparison.

I prefer the type of battery that doesn't have lead posts next to the screw terminal posts, screw terminal posts are a better connection type. I don't think those are very common anymore though.

Largest one that can fit your space, highest reserve capacity (RC). This doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive b/c often the most expensive one isn't the best built or highest capacity.

You don't need identical batteries unless they will be connected in parallel while the boat is not in use. If dual batteries, many times a true deep cycle type is chosen for the 2nd battery, they are better for recovering from deep discharges such as playing a stereo and running electrical accessories all day.

If the 2-stroke oil is rated TCW3 then it should be compatible. Generally I prefer not to mix and cleaning out the tank and filter where applicable is not a bad idea IMO. You can use a small hand pump connected to a piece of tubing to reach the bottom of tank to pump it out or remove tank and give it a thorough cleansing using some solvent (I use gasoline then pour the waste into my lawnmower fuel tank).

There are probably 100 ways of skinning a cat and sure as I post this someone comes along with an opposing opinion.

 

[Bkopsick]

Thanks for the information.. The battery that is in there now is a West Marine Deep Cycle. Should I be looking at deep cycle batteries or dual purpose? Or am I over thinking this altogether?

On the oil, my oil tank is easily accessible/removable. Is cleaning the tank and replacing the filter all that would be required/recommended when changing oil?

 

[Tomfrmnh]

Thanks for the information.. The battery that is in there now is a West Marine Deep Cycle. Should I be looking at deep cycle batteries or dual purpose? Or am I over thinking this altogether?

On the oil, my oil tank is easily accessible/removable. Is cleaning the tank and replacing the filter all that would be required/recommended when changing oil?

I switched from Mercury/Quicksilver to Penzoil XLF. Half the cost and recommended by some knowledgeable folks. I'll let "him" expand. It does seem to smoke a little less. Especially after its warmed up. I took the engine reservoir off and the oil tank out of the boat and emptied them and cleaned them. Some say it is okay to mix but the labor involved in emptying and cleaning the tanks I figured was cheap insurance.

 

[quick_8]

I am using the quicksilver oil, and doesn't smoke as much as other oils I have used my 02. I have a DEKA battery, 4 years of use and still starts up every summer. No battery maintainer or anything.