Motor/boat Care

[Vinny Chase]

My new 2004 Stratos 295 Pro XL w/ a 200 HP Merc. EFI

As some of you already know, I picked up my first boat over the weekend. Now that I have it, I want to do everything I can do protect my investement. I obviously have very little knowledge with high performance boats, so any help will be much appreciated.

The salesman I worked with gave me a few options for oil: Mercury Premium Plus and Pennzoil 100% Synthetic

What do you prefer and why?

Also, I was given a bottle of Mercury Quickcleen "deep clean". Besides adding some to my tank when I fill up, what other products do you use in place or with quickclean to elimintate carbon build up?

What gas should I use? Will regular unleaded be alright?

My last question is where can I check my oil levels?

[Nice_Bass]

You should use the recommended mercury oil every time. I use 87 octane gas and i do use stabil every time i fill up an never had an issue. Your model merc i am not sure how you check the oil, either there should be a seperate stand alone cover or you may have to take your cover off- i am sure someone knows. You may also want to change your lower unit oil so you know it is done, and clean/free of water. I would also grease your bearings so you also know that was done recently. Very nice boat.

[Vinny Chase]

You should use the recommended mercury oil every time. I use 87 octane gas and i do use stabil every time i fill up an never had an issue. Your model merc i am not sure how you check the oil, either there should be a seperate stand alone cover or you may have to take your cover off- i am sure someone knows. You may also want to change your lower unit oil so you know it is done, and clean/free of water. I would also grease your bearings so you also know that was done recently. Very nice boat.

Correct me if I am wrong, but is this product is used to keep gas from gumming up the carbs in between usage?

[Kevinator1]

Stabil helps stop the gasoline from degrading. The Marine formula helps reduce the damage caused by the ethanol found in almost all gasoline.

[ww2farmer]

I had issues with ethanol even when using the blue marine Formula Sta-bil. Since I switched to Star-tron, with a sea foam treatment about three times a year I have had no trouble, and that cocktail actually cleaned up the mess Sta-bil was supposed to prevent with out me having to make any repairs to my fuel system/carbs.

[Nice_Bass]

i keep hearing good things about this star tron with sea foam. I have never had any issues, but if it is what i hear it is i would also listen to them...I think i will give it a shot this year as well. Not to thread jack, but should i run the tank dry and put it in or can i add it to the tank next time i top it off...20 gal tank.

[ww2farmer]

i keep hearing good things about this star tron with sea foam. I have never had any issues, but if it is what i hear it is i would also listen to them...I think i will give it a shot this year as well. Not to thread jack, but should i run the tank dry and put it in or can i add it to the tank next time i top it off...20 gal tank.

I emptied the tank that the motor was running crappy on, started over with the star-tron/seafoam mix, and within a 1/2 day of running that through the system I was good to go.

[Nice_Bass]

I emptied the tank that the motor was running crappy on, started over with the star-tron/seafoam mix, and within a 1/2 day of running that through the system I was good to go.

got it, thanks.

Vinny- I would start with this as from what i have heard and read is is preventative as well as helps to fix issues. Since it is a used boat, most likely should start with that from the get go. Also, i would also get your trailer bearings greased, grease all your points on your motor, and change the lower unit oil so you have all your dates in line from when it was last done. Again, great looking boat.

[Nice_Bass]

oh yeah, dont see one and may be simple, but do you have a motor bracket on there for on the road? dont see one.

[BassHunter954]

NIICCCEEEE BOAT!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!

[Sfritr]

Great suggestions everyone

Here is my .02. Get a 32oz bottle of BTS for that great looking boat. You will NOT be disappointed and it will keep it looking new for a long time.

BTW if you don't mind my asking, what did you pay for that rig?

[ww2farmer]

I also forgot to mention, nice rig!!!

[Vinny Chase]

Great suggestions everyone

Here is my .02. Get a 32oz bottle of BTS for that great looking boat. You will NOT be disappointed and it will keep it looking new for a long time.

BTW if you don't mind my asking, what did you pay for that rig?

Thanks everyone for the kind words and suggestions.

Sfritr, is BTS just som type of cleaner? I am fine with letting you know what I paid - $13,500.

Thanks,

VC

[Vinny Chase]

Where can I find the star-tron products? Also, does this take the place of Mercury quickclean?

Thanks!

[Sfritr]

Bts is a protectant. Here is a link to the website:

http://bowtosternprotectant.com/

Many of the forum members, including myself, use it exclusively on their rigs.

[uabasspro]

Where can I find the star-tron products? Also, does this take the place of Mercury quickclean?

Thanks!

You can find it at Walmart.

[MN_SONNEN_ANGLER]

I have the same motor on my boat and it runs alot better with non oxygenated premium. its kind of hard to find and about the same price as regular premium but doesnt contain ethonol. honstly night and day difference between it and regular unleaded.

[slonezp]

Get your battery issue fixed? Nice looking rig.

[Vinny Chase]

Get your battery issue fixed? Nice looking rig.

Thanks man! Yeah, I could tell the battery wasn't holding juice, but the marina met us and swapped out the battery with a new one and she growled the rest of the day.

Congrats again on your tourny! the chatter must have been exactly what they wanted...too bad I didn't have any on me! I do wish I had more time to dissect that bridge though...got there at 2:30 and had to be in at 3pm

[NBR]

While this may not be an issue when I see where you parked it could cause a problem if someone parked behind you. When I park in a lot I park so pretty much regardless of what other cars, rftruck,rigs do I can get out.