Maiden Voyage - Kinda disappointing....

[Pro300x24LD]

Well the short story goes like this.

Flooded the motor, took it home, put in new plugs, went back to launch, dropped the boat in and went for a ride.

Fuel guage is still not working, Temp guage is also not working. Warning Buzzer goes off randomly between 5500 and 6000 RPMS. :mad:

I need some help in figuring out the Warning buzzer. Previous owner had problems with the smartcraft, he had it disconnected per his mechanics suggestion. I need to talk to him and/or the mechanic to determine what was actually done. I am assuming this is why the temp guage and the fuel guage did not want to work. (fuel guage was disconnected when the boat arrived so that's a no brainer):(

I didn't run it real long due to this stuff, but did get 70mph out of it. Was otherwise fun, spent a lot of time just cruising at 40-50 mph getting a hold of the trim tabs, jack plate, engine trim, etc. :D

Any suggestions and help in fixing the smart craft, temp guage, fuel guage, and warning buzzer would be great.....:( :mad: :(

[1BadAction]

IMO a DDT is one of the best investments (along with a merc FACTORY service manual) you can make for these engines. If you think about it, one good labor bill from a repair shop could be more $ than a used ddt can be had for.

Don't be disappointed though, if you didnt blow the motor or end up stranded 20 miles from the ramp you're doing pretty well.

[The Big Al]

Sounds like a great shakedown run.

Just accessory problems.

AL

[mr.clean]

As far as maiden voyages go it sounds about normal. Anytime you come in on your own power it's a good day ;)

[Pro300x24LD]

Yeah I was just bummed I couldn't plant my foot to the floor :D

We had a great time, other then cutting out at high RPM I was happy with the boat, even added 10mph during the day. At first I couldn't get past 60, then worked it to 70 as the day went on :D

1Bad, you are so right, I don't know alot about the big outboards yet, but do all my own work on my car, and I buy a Haynes for each of them. I will pick up a DDT and a service manual.

[crazy horse]

If you didn't bust or sink it I'd say your doing ok also. Where did you run at? There was some guys on the north end of Lobdell this afternoon. I worked on my buddies jet boat for a while but the damn thing wouldn't hit at all. It was pretty windy all day musta been fun out there.:D

[Pro300x24LD]

My folks house, Tipsico Lake. It was windy, but nothing big enough to rough the boat up much. We did get some air off our own wakes though :D

[DoktorC]

Don't be disappointed though, if you didnt blow the motor or end up stranded 20 miles from the ramp you're doing pretty well.

You Merc guys have WAY different definitions of "doing pretty well"!!!

Sorry...I couldn't resist...:)

Seriously, things will get better. Every used boat has acouple issues to iron out I'm glad your's sound minor. Good luck!! Boating's better when it's warm out anyways lol.

[merctech5591]

Any suggestions and help in fixing the smart craft, temp guage, fuel guage, and warning buzzer would be great.....:( :mad: :(

acouple question's before i try to help.. what motor are you runnin, are you using smartcraft to read fuel level and oil level? let me know.. rick

[Pro300x24LD]

Merctech, sent you a PM, the msartcraft was disabled by previous owner. Engine is a 300x.

[Pro300x24LD]

Last night went much better. Took the boat out, still no fuel gauge. Talked with teh previous owner and he had never hooked the analog temp gauge up, he used the smartcrat. So that can be figured out easily. The smartcraft was disabled due to a wiring issue, which can be figured out in time.

The engine was not cutting out on me last night and I got 6,000 RPMS out of it, but couldn't seem to get more. The PCM was replaced before I got the boat. I am wondering if it is forcing me to re-break in the motor?

Also got 72mph before I coudln't control the chine walking at a comfortable level anymore. Probably could have got a hair more if I could have more RPM's

I am going to try and track down a DDT and see if that can help pinpoint some probs.

[Dutch]

i just bought a 300x as well. i spent the money (list is 73 and change)and
bought the factory manual. it is about four inches thick, much bigger
than one for a 2.5. it is real nice as it describes different situations that
make the guardian system work. anything from a bad sensor to the oil
pump not working, will cut it down 5 to 90% of its power. it also tells what
different horns mean.. ie,,, continuous, or four beeps,etc. it is well worth
the money.

[beer30]

What is the part number for that manual? Thanks, Chuck

[cm21]

Glad to hear it's getting better. You'll get the hang of the chine walk with the Progression after a few more runs. I couldn't control mine over 65 mph the first few times out. I thought something was wrong with the boat! Then a few other Progression owners told me that they had the same experience.
Good luck with it. I miss mine :-(

[Dutch]

the one i got is part number 90-840514r01

[Pro300x24LD]

Glad to hear it's getting better. You'll get the hang of the chine walk with the Progression after a few more runs. I couldn't control mine over 65 mph the first few times out. I thought something was wrong with the boat! Then a few other Progression owners told me that they had the same experience.
Good luck with it. I miss mine :-(
Luckily I read enough about the boat before purchasing to expect the chine!

I had one pass last night where the stars seemed to align, I timed the steering corrections well and the boat acted like it was on a rail, the bow floated up real nice, hit 72 and ran out of lake....

[Riverratt]

the one i got is part number 90-840514r01
Dutch you should have bought the Mercury for Dummies book.

[Pro300x24LD]

Well I have gotten some more seat time in the boat and it is going MUCH better. 77mph on a solo pass thus far. Starting to learn to blanace on the pad a lot better also.