"How to Boat" with SeaRay Express Cruiser 215 Express Cruiser

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[@kevinjoyce4497]

I watched a young guy drag his volvo out drive for about 10 feet at the Tullytown marina. He was pissed, but he learned a valuable lesson. Thank You for a great video.

[@MichaelMcAlexander]

I am always amazed at the amount of knowledge you possess and what I glean from you. Not only did I learn about proper boating techniques, but I just learned how to slow down and accelerate a KZbin video! What a legend.

[@johnsn10]

Jen is the star of the show

[@runbmc35]

Your video is by far the best I've seen on here if you ever wanted to know what you need to know for a day on the water

[@paulc3719]

I’ve been boating for over 50 years. Your video should be required viewing for every new boater. They would have a better experience boating as would everyone they share the water with.

[@runbmc35]

Dude u made my day when u rolled her on and let her rip and got a solid 43 out of it. That's what my 19' would do

[@southernshooter]

Funny thing about roller trailers. Whenever you release all of the straps and chains, it pretty much launches right there. Highway, driveway, wherever.

[@garyseaton4619]

As always, it is a thoughtful and informative video. When I got my first boat, I suffered through all the rookie mistakes - drain plug, not raising the drive, not careful docking in an unfamiliar spot and chewing a prop on rocks... You always learn through experience. Luckily my mistakes weren't very costly (had a way better prop in box to replace the shredded one) and nobody ever got hurt. Just pride and ego. A boat is a wonderful thing to experience and enjoy for being "a hole in the water you throw money into."... Till the next video...

[@DougAlesUSA]

Okay, this is the best new boater education video I’ve ever seen, and you just made it without a big production crew. Not only is the content spot-on in my opinion, but it feels like a freind is sharing their experience and tips, not like a self-proclaimed expert know-it-all talking down to the viewers. Hope its okay with you that I share this video with a few people. Well done.

[@NNKH2]

Thanks Doug I really appreciate your feedback and kind words. Glad to hear the video was useful to you and would be awesome if you share it. Been meeting to record a boat tutorial video for a long time, but never did it because it always felt so overwhelming since there's really a lot to cover. So I just kind of winged it in this video and I'm sure there are odds and ends that I forgot to mention. This covers the base pretty good though.

[@teebee5323]

16 volts isn't gonna hurt that battery friendo, but dam straight get that 'nator fixed. Just me but I'd fix the trim indicator too, aughta give you a few years of set it and forget comfort.

[@hotdude655]

that first mate though, wouldn't mind getting stranded 😁

[@edadan]

I had a SeaRay 225 Weekender that I bought brand new in the early 2000's. It was a great boat and I had a lot of fun on Lake Lanier with my kids.

[@born_again_torinos]

What a great teacher you are. Thoughtful too. About the guys who take up both lanes. It bugs the heck out of me while I'm driving in town and I pull up to a stop light or sign. I hug the center line so people can turn right at the light while I'm stopped. Nobody ever does that for me sadly. They pull up right in the middle while I sit through the light cycle when I could have turned if they cared about their fellow man. Selfish.

[@pruebaprueba6108]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊

[@arkadandfortuna1582]

Wow can’t believe I haven’t seen this vid yet. This is great! Straight fwd in plain layman’s terms and no dancing around the point. U make me wanna buy your boat now.

[@robertsurprenant1205]

Finally got our 97 EC out there. The Sea Ray operated and ran flawlessly, it was fantastic. My personal operating skills will require practice but we got it all done and I'm proud of my wife and myself. Most helpful was the prep advice pertaining to boat essentials and trailering. And the driving while towing precautions also. Most crucial was the big old gnarly rubber chocks I used to stabilize my 95 K2500 5-speed and 4WD Low made the launch and retrieval too easy. Note: I had to get both rear tires of my truck a couple feet into the water to assure the backend was floating and also when I retrieved the boat to winch it in properly(took me two tries)Those tips helped a ton. Going back out there this weekend. Goid stuff. My docking however, dud NOT work like a glove....but practice leads to improvement.

[@slimriddim4145]

Thank you for the single most informative boat video I've seen on KZbin... so many quality bullet points in 23 minutes. Subscribed Sir! 👍🏾👌🏾

[@grngs1]

Your spot on on your tips! I've boated for 40 plus years, and do most thing like you, your a safe boater!! Jen is sweet also for a first mate.

[@billyaitken7461]

I wish I’d found this video two years sooner, I’ve really enjoyed all your boat restoration vids 🎥👏👏👏

[@BuggysTowJam]

Great step by step tutorial for beginners. I can only assume the dock hogs that take the center on a double ramp dock, aren't confident in their backing up skills. I wander what they do on a busy dock day? I just can't imagine throwing the line to your mate when off loading 15 to 20 feet away from the dock here hold these and bring it way over here when I pull out 😂😂😂😂 when we had a place at Indian acres people would gather around the dock on Sunday to watch the entertainment of guys getting their boats out after a weekend of fun on the water. It was endless entertainment.

[@darenleeper1644]

Curtains is usually packed. Good day to dock. Miss boating the deleware.

[@wyldbill100]

VERY WELL DONE! Thoroughly enjoyed this and the narration was excellent. Get your First-mate another beer. She did great!

[@mikehotchkiss8975]

Fast paced yet comprehensive. Nice work

[@barsforlife8948]

Great video! Thank you for sharing this knowledge.

[@NNKH2]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful! I did forget to talk about the blower fan though so don't forget to turn that on before starting the engine

[@mattbmatt]

Great video mate, excellent for newbies 😊

[@1000monograms]

As a guy who doesn't have too much experience with motor boats but quite a lot with sailing ones - I must admit I love your videos. Thank you for them!

[@pruebaprueba6108]

Wfaazkx

[@richardstamper5630]

Great tutorial and a good reminder for us seasoned boaters

[@michaelgriffin1179]

Great video, I’m not new to boating but you had some good tips! Thanks and keep up the good work

[@robertsurprenant1205]

Hey Chris we're finally going to get our 97 EC 215 out on the water tomorrow. Long overdue. I appreciate this video you provided us. I'll have to bungee my swim ladder on ,it flops around. I drive a stick too so 4WD low and yes I bought rubber wheel chocks. Should be ready. This is a huge deal for my wife and me to finally launch. We picked a Monday hoping traffic won't be too busy at the docks. Been doing a !ot of work on the 97 to make sure she's ready. So tomorrow is the big day. I'm stoked as hell. Again,thanks so much for the valuable tips.

[@NNKH2]

Awesome to hear that and hope everything goes smooth! Great to hear that the video was helpful too. Don't forget to turn your blower fan on before starting. Or open the engine cover. Forgot to mention it in this video. An explosion would be a terrible first day out on the boat. LOL. Have a blast! The express cruiser is a wonderful boat.

[@levergun]

Well done Chris. A lot of good information here for those that care to learn it. I've always thought some of the best entertinment there is, is found at the boat ramp. Bring a folding chair and a cooler of refreshments and observe. 😆😆😆

[@benbirkigt493]

Great video alot or very useful information

[@markduncan6690]

A Plus for your Seamanship Chris!

[@kennethmillar8173]

Hi Chris you are a great teacher. I've never been on a boat but I would love to go on a speed boat

[@adventuresonthewater-we9pk]

Late to the party here too. Awesome video especially for first timers and old timers as reminders. I would say that generally recommend leaving your boat on as you dock versus shutting it off right away. Just in case you need to do a quick maneuver with the wind or current

[@taavivalter4974]

Thanks mate! Videos like these can save a lot of money, stress and nerves :) Thousand thank you's !!!😊

[@kevinaldrichFL]

Fantastic boating video. You did such a great job explaining everything.

[@aztekwarrior518]

Thanks man! Learned a lot and I'm a little more eager now... Really informative 👍👍

[@robertsurprenant1205]

Damn helpful video. Very helpful. I just purchased my 1st 97 Sea Ray 215 EC. Its a huge step up from my old 79 Tri Hull. Thanks!

[@pugs9278]

Brought me back to my boating days. Love the video!! Miss my 21’ Wellcraft. BTW, cute first mate!!

[@Spacesprocketz]

I bought my Sundancer end of the year last year, we only went out a few times so I'm watching refresher videos. This was great! Ironically my trim gauge is broke too LOL

[@Bierdaddy1]

Wonderful info for those first time owners and good reminders for rusty old salts. I get your obvious skills with years of experience, however new boaters might want to leave the boat running in neutral while Capt or mate ties off at the dock. Saw a small wake from a passer-by knock someone tying up at the dock. Capt was scrambling to grab the wheel while cranking up the motor. Bumped the pyle then the boat on the other side of the slip before he had powered control. Oops. Might need a little power on windy days too. .. Thanks again for the great vid!

[@ackack612]

That's my only issue....would definitely NOT shut down the engine until the boat was properly secured at the dock. Otherwise, well done, lots of useful info, thumbs up!

[@kencrouch668]

I'm a little late to the party but - you forgot an important step! You have a inboard outboard I do not recall that you turned the blower on before you started the motor! It is even better to lift the motor cover up and then start the motor. If you don't the gas fumes could ignite and blow the boat up! It is especially recommended if you fuel up at a marina or a gas station. Also - what about boat insurance? also- towing insurance if available in your area! Boat US or Sea Tow - if you break down in the middle of a river or the ocean then you will need someone to tow you home!

[@Djdj-kd8ue]

I just now viewed this & I noticed the samething & was going to comment on this,i've seen a boat blow up because they didn't turn on blower for a few min.

[@integr8er66]

If you lived in the Midwest you wouldn't need tow insurance, I boat the Mississippi and I have towed people home and been towed home before and would always help a fellow boater out, I guess it's just midwestern decency.

[@kaydesign]

Hey mentions this point at the end (21:45m)

[@FL.AirBoater]

@@integr8er66 same here in Florida

[@robertsurprenant1205]

True!

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Hello to you today, Great video, my first boat was a 215 and I learned plenty with that stern drive. Awesome Be well

[@mikeratcliff1446]

Great video. I’ve boated many times and I actually learned some things.

[@erlinavicente7411]

I’m thinking about getting my family a boat 🚤 Ty for putting this video together, sure wish you live near SF, I could use some advice.

[@stephen1Oace]

Great idea for this rundown. Good for me who has not boated in quite awhile. ;-) Thanks!!

[@My_Op]

After that video, I would not buy it neither: I've never been boating and I understand thanks to your video that it's absolutely not something I'd like to do. Too much things to think about, too much stress, not much reward and costly too. Thanks a lot!

[@herrnietschke]

Thanks for the take away. Very interesting.

[@runbmc35]

I had a sea ray seville 19'. It was a 1987 with a cuddy cabin and a 165hp mercruiser AlphaOne. It would produce top speed of roughly 44-45mph. I want to point out that in your video when you mentioned the trim/tilt and avoiding trimming too high, you said that you do not have over-trim protection. I notice on your throttle lever that there is both the up/down rocker switch for trimming in the water and that there is a "trailer" button below that. This is supposed to be the bypass switch that brings the outdrive to full upward position for safe towing of the boat. Your "trim" up should only bring the outdrive so far up and away from the transom to avoid cavitation and throwing the propeller or damaging the trim cylinder and outdrive. Very helpful video. Everyone needs to learn these basics before getting a boat. I also like the boat you have as a choice for the video as many of the common components in most boats are featured in this tutorial. Thank you for uploading this excellent video. So helpful

[@jerrywilliams9190]

Good stuff, Chris and I enjoy watching your vid's. Have to agree with Jen - you look VERY handsome with your hair cut shorter.

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Outstanding video, and one of the sea rays I really like!

[@dougrannells]

the greatest overall video for "how to" I have seen!! Thanks

[@NNKH2]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks man

[@championplayerdo7604]

i used to Love boating. great vid

[@phillipmatthews8341]

Great talk on boating.

[@MrAluntus]

I love the fact that Jen is sipping on a Miller Lite.. LOL

[@bxbmbr766]

Great video very informative and easy to follow

[@andrewspirk6502]

More boaters need to watch this

[@kuujo50]

should do a video on trailer and boat after care , .washing of salt and preventing rust ect, so many peeps dont know how to look after there boats and trailers. wheel bearings especially here in Aus see so many boats on the side of the road cos a wheel bearing has gone !

[@markthomas2436]

You're an interesting guy. Not only do you have really good knowledge about all kinds of motors, cars and trucks, boats and motorcycles, you also have a very good vocabulary and could make a good instructor or teacher. I have an idea for you and Jen-- buy an old RV or an old camper and fix it up. That would make a cool video. Love the channel, and I have seen a ton of your videos.

[@josephwalder8868]

Hey, great videos. I keep my boat Westville NJ, a little south of where you are. Curtins looks like an awesome spot, are there any other places like that on the river?

[@andrewbarber904]

Excellent video, very well done and very informative Great job man

[@NNKH2]

Thanks Andrew

[@walkingman9171]

Good informative video, I would run the blower when cold as well.

[@mrbluesky9891]

Good safety advice...things can go bad real quick with boats/water. One thing not mentioned...never drop your trailer into the water when the wheel bearings are hot (especially salt water) as the temperature cools rapidly water will be sucked in through the seals.

[@CPthetooladdict]

Great video great advice and great for new boaters excellent tips nailed it! I always forget one thing no matter what I do lol

[@NNKH2]

Thanks man!

[@PAKDAMKAR]

Nice

[@brucewatts2022]

Great video. My only thing I disagree with is shutting off the engine before your lines are secure to the dock. Good job!

[@adn9122]

Great info! Greetings from Holland

[@nathanmcolton]

Bummer the guy backed out of the deal but it's probably for the best. This is a pretty big boat for a first timer. Glad you were finally able to sell it.

[@ariskoskinas]

Which mobile phone mount is this man ? Awesome footage ….

[@sailboy1212]

not a bad overview However Cardinal Rule always use Blower to clear confined engine compartment of Gas Fumes before engaging the ignition. I do like 1 minute while i check boat over. Thank you

[@tracyanderson5715]

So glad I found this video. We got a 2000 EC late season 2021 and I need to learn to be a great 1st mate as well as a 2nd pair of eyes and ears for my husband. I have watched your video several times now, and will be putting my new knowledge to use this weekend! Did you find a buyer? I hope you did, and onto your next boat! Thanks again!

[@NNKH2]

Hey Tracy. Happy to hear that the video was useful to you and I appreciate you dropping a comment. No I decided to keep the boat for now and I'm excited to use it some this season! Enjoy and happy boating.

[@gm1937]

Great video. In New York the inconsiderate dudes who drive by fast and real close we wait for them back at the dock later in the day. After we get done with them they don’t do it again.

[@chonasimpson6487]

Bayliner VR 5 Cuddy Cabin pull the drain plug also. Sorry you mentioned that at the end also a set of trailer guides helps big time in a strong current.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy new r 5 batrryvoiwr 32 kw 30 mole rang trksa cel 34 Mike appec36 Nile BMW bateris 39 mile rang

[@waynehall3142]

Great tips much apprecited

[@cgschow1971]

There are trim cylinder trailering clips available so you don't have to tie up your outdrive while trailering.

[@SpiritandTruth72]

Dude makes it look easy. I'm in PA as well I'd like for you to take a look at my boat if you could.

[@godsangryhands4499]

Great info! Thanks!!

[@jackkil1508]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@madmusicman5921]

Blower fan? Not sure I heard you mention its usage.......very very important.

[@mefca]

Nice video. Great information!

[@mmonte60]

Awesome video, I just got my hands on a 1997 Express Cruiser. Its in pretty good condition but my Navigation lights keep going out, wondering if you had that issue as well. Also, did you use the blower before starting the engine up? Thanks!

[@user-be8mb7pu1b]

Great job!

[@eddiegerena6600]

Very nice video I Appreciate it. I'm taking of buying one 1st timer.

[@jblende]

Nice video, I would add to check your engine temp before giving it throttle. Depending on your boat anywhere from 140 to 170.

[@33fivers]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@MarkoMarcello]

Great advice.

[@JamesDavis-qi4zy]

If I could add one thing to your very well done video, when docking, always leave the motor running in case something goes wrong and you need to manoeuvre quickly, motor may not fire right up. Then when dock lines are tied then turn motor of.

[@NNKH2]

I've gotten in the habit of turning mine off when I come in because sometimes it gets stuck in forward if you go to neutral. That boat is sold now though. But the Habit has carried over to my current vote since it's a airboat. You kind of have to shut it off well before you get to the dock otherwise you're coming in 🔥

[@nilsonc93]

Great tutorial sir.. I want to buy the same exact boat. So this was definitely helpful.

[@jamesrichardson476]

Great little boats. I owned one for about ten years, same as this one but a little newer (2001) and with the Mercruiser 5 litre efi. We used her on the UK south coast and although, as suggested, things go wrong from time to time, we never regretted buying her. We eventually sold her because we weren't using her enough and with gas in the UK now about $12.00 per gallon (UK gallon - a bit more than the US equivalent) I'm glad we sold her when we did, although they're always in demand and easy to sell. Go for it!

[@nilsonc93]

@@jamesrichardson476 I'll get one soon .

[@Luigi-pk8mk]

Great explanation to which I'll add, for gas inboard engines: open engine hatch, sniff for gas fumes. if you smell gas DO NOT START. if no gas smell run blower for 4 min then start up.... and....always know...how much water is under the boat lol....

[@ericstonge3285]

Love your videos

[@bradduczek6981]

good show.... i need to learn.....tks

[@fishyducky]

Miller light on deck 🤙🏻

[@halllzfamily1562]

Great video!! Super awesome

[@keithjefferies9862]

Really helpful

[@dgb56bgd]

NICE BOAT. Blessings

[@flyship]

Great Video !!!

[@carlessendra3082]

Thank you so much

[@timothyblaze4556]

I have a question. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me? I would greatly appreciate it. I have a 4.3 omc engine that slowly adds fuel to the oil... now I changed the fuel pump, thinking it was the diaphragm leaking. But of course, it's still doing it. Every now and then, when I check the oil dipstick, the oil keeps rising. Could you please give me an idea of what could be causing this? And i know it's fuel, and not water! Thank you very much, and I love the videos!

[@beeffcritter2107]

Safety and all that is Kewl. But when you Sunk Your Truck, That was Fuckn Awesome Bro Love Yas.

[@jeyahash25]

Thanks

[@MrChristianbass2170]

Hey how comes Jens always drinking lol😂

[@DerAnstreicher]

Alles sehr gut erklärt. Das Boot ein wenig pflegen wäre auch nicht schlecht

[@FifiRX]

Greetings from Poland.

[@NNKH2]

Hello there!