Boating Basics - How to Determine the True Running Hours

[@johngregor6133]

Another thing that was great when they did my ECM check is they also let me know how many hours were at idle, and rpm range all the way to wide-open throttle… I bought my boat with 440 hours on it… And it showed me on the read out how many hours were between zero and 1000 RPM… 1000 RPM and 2000 RPM… And so on… It was nice to see that there wasn’t a lot of hours on the boat at wide-open throttle…

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

But it's always good for any engine to be run hard to clear out the cobwebs ;-)

[@ampegor]

My Boat is an 87 and still has carbs and no electronics. When I bought it two years ago both gauges were around 1600 hours. many people were scared of the hours but the PO had great documentation from her and previous owners of the boat showing maintenance records and hour meter readings through the years. SO i knew the readings were correct. I didn't have to hire a mechanic for the inspection because I am one lol. The engines were clean and well looked after, great compression and oil pressure and started instantly when cold. So far in the last two seasons we have put about 110 hours on them flawlessly. AS you have mentioned before maintenance is so important. Most engines die early from abuse and lack of maintenance. Sorry for the ramble but just wanted to point out that maintenance records especially on an older boat can make a big difference in weather it sells or not.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Sounds like you are right on top of those engines - even though they have really high hours ;-) Just kidding! When we sold our last boat, it was ticking over the 1,500 hour mark (both engines), but they ran great. Of course, I had done my fair share of overdue maintenance, but many folks were also afraid of those 'high' hours. In my humble opinion, the 454 engines should be good for 3,000 hours before needing any serious wrenching on them, and probably no more than popping off the heads and having them rebuilt. But then again, I'm not a mechanic, nor do I play one on TV ;-))

[@ericbender481]

Paul, Fox Marine makes a gateway for the ECMs on these engines, which allows you to display the engine hours on your GPS. I have them installed on mine. Makes a huge difference

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thanks for the heads upon those Eric, but sounds like a lot more work for me 😂 For my needs, I'm okay with the analogue gauges to keep track of everything.

[@ericbender481]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo This could be the subject of a great how to video. The actual install is very easy. The gateways can be remote mounted and come with an adapter to plug into the diagnostics port on the ECM. They also will connect with the right cable onto any NMEA 2000 network. The install only takes about an hour for both engines. Your Garmin MFD should be able to display the data without any custom software

[@gregbrigman543]

Paul, I've always wanted to ask you about why someone who wants so much "cool stuff" for your boat doesn't have the Fox Marine Gateways. They're really easy to install and not that expensive. I love mine. I probably get more replies about my video on the Fax Marines Gateways than any. I'll leave you the link if you want to watch. I made the video because I got tired of hearing how my 40 DA with gas was so underpowered. Check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX-Tp4KZrNR2sJY

[@fogblog723]

All good points! 👍🏻 our Meridian has keys in the interior so when we drop anchor we try to remember to turn off the keys, i believe even though the engines aren’t running, the clock is. Our gauges say some crazy hour time around 2000. But the ECU shows only 450 on each motor. 👍🏻 i have a buddy that uses only one motor to puts his way past the no wake zone, it takes easily 15 min every-time he goes out so im sure that would make engine hour differ. 😃

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Right on with your engine hours. Sounds to me like you should be out on the water more ;-) Take a look at one the other comments to see my reply, in regards to hour meters, stuck switches, etc.. 5,600 hours on our last genny :-0

[@fogblog723]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo will do👍🏻

[@mandih1114]

Love your videos. Thanks for tip. Happy and safe Boating.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thanks for watching! Lots more to come 😁

[@airman6822]

Not 100% sure but I think the new Smartcraft digital gauges by Merc actually read the ECM hours. Either way, I think it is still a good idea to have a scan of the engine to pull all the info. Such as run RPM and so forth as someone else stated.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I actually never realized that they could pull RPM ranges out for the ECM's.

[@TySutherland]

Very insightful!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@waynemerry8976]

Hey Cannuck I am in FL but lived in St Catharines

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Cool

[@johnperreault116]

My '98 400 Sedan Bridge engine gauges are about 90 hours different. They work but I use the ECM to track hours when I change the oil or do major maintenance

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Always good to be able to keep track of the running hours for maintenance intervals.

[@SeaRay380DA]

I would add, the engine blocks will typically not fail if they're taken care of with regular oil changes and such, but things attached to the engine, like manifolds, risers, belts, plugs, wires, alternators and such will eventually fail and need to be replaced.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Replacing manifolds and risers. Spoken like a true saltwater boater ;-)

[@fogblog723]

Ya know what pisses me off is when a raw water pump starts to leak and it sprays the salt water everywhere, it’ll actually clog a flame arrester on-top of making everything els start to rust and seize.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

@fogblog723 I've got an instant and long term solution for that; Boating on fresh water 😁

[@fogblog723]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo i know hahaha it sure does make a world of a difference. 👍🏻

[@kevineich5029]

The engine hours shown by a scan tool are incremented whenever the ignition circuit is energized - the engine running. The hour meter will increment if the engine is off but the key is in the run position. That would account for ECM hour readings being less than the reading on the engine hour meter. I realize that was not the case with your boat it's what I discovered on my Sea Ray 240 Sundacer which is the same vintage as your boat.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

That's why I like the push button engine start setup on our boat. As I believe I've mentioned in the past, the ignition keys stay on all throughout the season, only turning them off if working directly on the engines, or after winter layup. The push buttons on the helm is what 'ignites' the engines to start, so that key left on isn't an issue for me. That said, our last boat was equipped with a built in generator. When we bought that boat, it was explained to me that the genny had some 'custom' alterations, including a standalone ignition switch and fuel pump. That had been installed by someone who was frankly too cheap to replace the main circuit board ($300) and bypassed it with the add on items. Problem - apart from being a highly dangerous setup - was that the 'new' ignition switch was nothing more than a small toggle switch located under a seat cushion - I kid you not. That switch had a tendency to be 'turned on' by folks who were unaware that they were doing it when sitting in that seat, so the hour meter kept running and running and running, even without the actual engine running. The total accumulated hours showing was OVER 5,600 hours when we bought the boat ;-) And yes, everything was put back in order, including that $300 circuit board, and deleted the auxiliary fuel pump, to make it start and run correctly and safely.

[@thomasellwood9699]

Hey Paul, if there is nothing broken on your boat just give a few minutes. Get out your tools. Does Anchor girl spray you down with grease so you can get in behind that engine?

[@christopherozolins4724]

yup I've got same year 370 as Paul's just 8.1s i do not fit nicely nor have been astern of engines need to clean and add Bennet TT fluid !

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I've come close to getting stuck in awkward spots down in the bilge of our old 330 Dancer. So nice to have the extra room on the 370!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yup, there's still some tight spots on the 370, but a heck of a lot better than the 330 Dancer!

[@spydernutz]

hello Paul. You're videos have been extremely helpful for us. Thank you. We're currently looking to perhaps purchasing a Sundancer 380 2005. There is a "SeaRay systems check" Monitor that is mounted on the dash. However it appears that is doesn't work. No display, readout etc. Seller is telling me that it's nothing to be concerned with and they aren't even available to replace. True? thanks Paul

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yes, from what I've learned, those monitors are no longer available. If it were me, I wouldn't sweat it, as most of the pertinent information (oil pressure, engine temp, etc.) are still available through the regular analog gauges.

[@spydernutz]

Thanks very much Paul!!@@BoatingWithBoogaboo

[@AlexAlex-ic5wd]

2022 boat with 7 hours is that possible bayliner vr5

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Sure, why not

[@jetlag4754]

My tachs show about 3 hours difference.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

That sounds about average.

[@eternitysshore]

30 something engine hours in a season! Wow, that's low for you guys. I know you had other commitments this summer and your plan is to blow by that number in 2024. Here's to a strong rebound next summer!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yes, this year has been really full for us, but looking forward to getting back into the groove for '24. Here's to a great season for everyone!

[@jcuslidge]

Hello Paul. Do you base any of your maintenance (oil changes, sparkplug replacement, etc.) on engine hours?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I generally change the oil once a season (in a regular year). As for plug replacement, I'll be producing a video on that (tune up stuff) in the future. You may be surprised to learn what I discovered when I did that project last summer :-/

[@eternitysshore]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo I'm glad you're going to do a video on tune up stuff as I think it's time for us to replace our plugs, wires, etc.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

It won't be a how to, more of a review of what I discovered along the way 😉

[@eternitysshore]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo ok that works too.

[@georgeolt1015]

Paul I've followed your video on re-sealing a leaking hatch I have a 2000 sundancer 310 I removed the large hatch over the bed and re-sealed with Pettit Hybrid sealer. The hatch still has a small leak and I want to remove again and try over. I did replace the rubber gasket as well. I'm not sure what the problem is but I did have some trouble putting back the hatch. I think that maybe the sealer did not cover and thats the reason for the small leak. My question is any suggestions as to how to remove now that I used the sealer to re-install. As always I appreciate your help. Safe boating Thanks George

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Hi George, I'm not sure why you would have had trouble reinstalling the hatch after removing it, as it should have fit easily in the cutout on the deck. Perhaps you had it orientated incorrectly?? Whatever the reason, it's gonna be a bit of a struggle to remove it now, but not impossible. What I would do is to gently get a small razor knife under the frame (from the top side) and even more gently, slowly pry it up, working in small increments around the frame. Like I said, it's gonna be a struggle, but if one takes the time, it can be done. Don't be surprised to have to spend an hour or more to successfully remove it without damaging anything. If you're lucky, there wasn't enough sealant used which would make the removal job a little easier. As for why it is still leaking, my only guess is that you didn't use enough sealant. Watch my video again, as well as my 'Portlight Resealing Leak Repair' ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGjWnZSJjryCjsU ) to see that I always use TONS of caulking on those types of jobs. It's a lot easier to clean up excess caulking when doing the job than it is having to re and re everything to do it again ;-)

[@georgeolt1015]

Paul thanks do you think a heat gun would help loosen the sealer. Either way I'm going to try over the winter and will let you know. Thanks for the help George

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

@georgeolt1015 Yes, I think that should help, just be careful not too much heat on any of the surfaces.

[@georgeolt1015]

I'll let you know Thanks @@BoatingWithBoogaboo

[@mikemurphy3887]

One thing more important than engine hours… compression!!!!!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yes. Good compression reading on our boat's engines when we were purchasing it.

[@mikezaverin]

Only fuel injected boats

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Only fuel injected boats. . . ?

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

A boat, is a hole in the water, which your pour money into

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Hallelujah to that ;-)