4 replies to this topic

[BetaMaXX]

Hey all,

My name's Lee and I live on the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama bordering Florida so there's plenty of water here of all types.

A few days ago I was given a nice looking 2001 Utopia 185 with the trailer which is in great shape. Due to a nasty divorce the boat has been sitting for 4 or 5 years covered with a custom cover which eventually got a couple of small holes in it. As a result there is a little water inside the boat and some mold but all in all the boat is in good shape. The upholstery doesn't have any holes or tears, the Bimini Top is in perfect condition etc. and it should look great after a good cleaning.

Lucky me if it will run. However, it's been sitting so long though... it's doubtful.

Anyway...

I haven't had much time since getting it home to do much other than taking the cover off to look inside so I'm not sure which engine it has yet but I'm going to start investigating tomorrow.

I found and downloaded some of the manuals available in the download section which will be very helpful. It's a shame Mercury made you remove the manuals for the motors. :/

Does anyone have a copy of the M2 Jet Drive Manuals? Those would be very helpful in trying to get this thing running again. I might not have to take it to a dealer to have it checked or get it up and running for that matter if I can get all the manuals because I have a very good firend who's retired from the Coast Guard and he's an expert on boats and boat motors of any kind. What he did for 22 years was to keep ships and boats of all sizes and with all types of motors running so I seriously doubt there would be anything he didn't understand if he had the proper documentation.

Nevertheless...

I've never had a boat like this before so does anyone have any advice on how to proceed or where to start? Also any advice or suggestions on what to use to clean the interior.

regards,

Lee

[rookie101]

I wish someone would give me a boat for free.

My first bit of advice would be to pick up the manual as soon as possible. Have a look at Ebay, there are usually CD copies for sale on there.

For starters on the boat, try and drain all the fuel from the tank, and if it is the fuel injected engine also drain the vapor separator. Replace the fuel/water separator spin on filter and change the oil in both the stator, and the gear case. Put a new battery and spark plugs in it and hope for the best.

With sitting as long as it has, if it is the fuel injected engine there is the possibility that the needle is stuck in the vapor separator. The fuel level in this small fuel/oil mixing tank is controlled by a float and needle valve just like a carburetor. I have seen more than one case where they stick after sitting, and you get no fuel.


For the interior I always use Mr Clean Magic Erasers, and follow it up with wiping everything down with 303. Once you are done cleaning it up and getting it running, order yourself a new top from Poppys to keep it in good shape.

http://poppycompany....a_185_Cover.htm


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[ssmedt]

welcome to the site; hope everything works out for you

[BetaMaXX]

Thanks for the information and advice rookie101. It's greatly appreciated!

regards,

Lee

I wish someone would give me a boat for free.

My first bit of advice would be to pick up the manual as soon as possible. Have a look at Ebay, there are usually CD copies for sale on there.

[BetaMaXX]

Hey ssmedt... thanks for the welcome. I appreciate it!

regards,

Lee

welcome to the site; hope everything works out for you