Boating Get a boat they said, It'll be fun they said. Troubleshoot my boat w/ me.

[Rebel]

Bought a 2005 Centurion Avalanche in July. Only had 350 hrs on it. I bought it without testing it because it was still winterized at the time. Owner had some service stuff and the guy that winterized it, vouched that it was a great running boat w/o issues. Well... Took it out on the water and the first day, the impeller went out. Had to get it fixed. After it was replaced, took it out again and a hose got loose and dumped water all over the engine. Fixed the hose but it was having starting issues. Took it to a different shop. They replaced the starter, did some minor maintence stuff (spark plugs etc..) Said it ran great. I took it out but didn't really get to test it because the water was too choppy and I didn't feel comfortable with the size of the waves. Took it out this weekend. Ran good for a bit. It did die a couple times but started up without issue. On the 3rd time, I had someone on a wakeboard behind and as I started to accelerate quickly it died, and wouldn't start. Not sure if I accelerated too quickly or what. Trying to diagnose this starting issue. It has a carburetor engine & one thought is that I flooded the engine with fuel but even after letting the boat sit for a while, it still wouldn't start. I'm going to look into cleaning the carbs this weekend.

The starting issue has been a problem since day 1. First time I thought it was a safety feature or something when the engine overheated. Second time, I thought it was because the engine flooded with water. That's when the shop replaced the starter. This last time, no idea. I've had a max of maybe an hour on this thing without issues. The other issue is that it runs perfectly fine on land, but the only real way to test it is in the water. I'd love to get one really good boat day before end of October & I need to put it away.

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[Mook]

Bought a 2005 Centurion Avalanche in July. Only had 350 hrs on it. I bought it without testing it because it was still winterized at the time. Owner had some service stuff and the guy that winterized it, vouched that it was a great running boat w/o issues. Well... Took it out on the water and the first day, the impeller went out. Had to get it fixed. After it was replaced, took it out again and a hose got loose and dumped water all over the engine. Fixed the hose but it was having starting issues. Took it to a different shop. They replaced the starter, did some minor maintence stuff (spark plugs etc..) Said it ran great. I took it out but didn't really get to test it because the water was too choppy and I didn't feel comfortable with the size of the waves. Took it out this weekend. Ran good for a bit. It did die a couple times but started up without issue. On the 3rd time, I had someone on a wakeboard behind and as I started to accelerate quickly it died, and wouldn't start. Not sure if I accelerated too quickly or what. Trying to diagnose this starting issue. It has a carburetor engine & one thought is that I flooded the engine with fuel but even after letting the boat sit for a while, it still wouldn't start. I'm going to look into cleaning the carbs this weekend.

The starting issue has been a problem since day 1. First time I thought it was a safety feature or something when the engine overheated. Second time, I thought it was because the engine flooded with water. That's when the shop replaced the starter. This last time, no idea. I've had a max of maybe an hour on this thing without issues. The other issue is that it runs perfectly fine on land, but the only real way to test it is in the water.

It sounds like you've been through quite a bit with your new boat already! It's frustrating when issues keep popping up, especially when you're trying to enjoy your time on the water. Since the starting issue has been persistent, cleaning the carburetors is a good next step. If the engine is flooding with fuel, it could definitely cause starting problems. Make sure to check for any clogs or debris that could be affecting the carburetors.

Since the boat runs fine on land but has issues in the water, it could be related to how the engine is handling under load. It's possible that there could be an issue with the fuel delivery system or even the ignition system that's causing the engine to cut out when accelerating quickly. It might be worth checking the fuel lines, filters, and the ignition components to ensure everything is in good working order.

If cleaning the carburetors doesn't solve the issue, it might be best to consult with a marine mechanic who can perform a more thorough diagnostic check on your boat. They'll have the expertise and tools to pinpoint the exact cause of the starting problem and get you back on the water enjoying your boat trouble-free. Good luck with the troubleshooting, and I hope you can get everything sorted out soon!

 

[Rebel]

Mook did you get replaced by a robot?

 

[Mook]

I have a button I can press that offers help.

 

[Dan00Hawk]

I have a button I can press that offers help.

 

[Mook]

Most of you weiners don't even offer help. AT LEAST IM DOING SOMETHING.

 

[Eugene Stoner]

Sell it to some other shmuck and buy something else with less issues.

There, I fixed it.

 

[Mook]

Lead Pipe Yaj Yak 1quick

 

[Lead Pipe]

I was chashing issues with my boat for a year. It was repowered with a reman motor last July. A month ago I bolted on a brand new Edlebrock carb for $450. Best decision I have ever made.

That being said, I assume you have electronic ignition. Could be an ignition box issue. It is so fucking hard to find good, reliable mechanics for boats. I'd start with a full tune up (plugs, cap, rotor, wires) and go from there. I also had to replace my fuel pump so that could be a culprit. It sucks just throwing money at parts but unless you find a good marine mechanic that's about all you can do and hope you get lucky like I did.

 

[OffshoreDrilling]

First thing id do on any boat is get a new impeller (you already did), plugs, wires, replace or rebuild the carb and change out the fuel filter(s).

 

[1quick]

What motor is it? What brand? What ignition system is it running on? What carb is on it? If it runs good on land but once it’s warm and under load in the water it starts to run like shit I’d look towards the ignition system they tend to brake down with heat, I chased an issue with my boat breaking up on the top end for a season and a half, it ended up being the ignition control module being mounted with aluminum washers instead of phenolic and it was transferring too much heat to the module, once it was warm it would start missing higher up in the rpm, coils can be intermittent as well but usually just die and stay dead, the starting issue could be the choke not working if it’s only a cold start issue

 

[Rebel]

I was chashing issues with my boat for a year. It was repowered with a reman motor last July. A month ago I bolted on a brand new Edlebrock carb for $450. Best decision I have ever made.

That being said, I assume you have electronic ignition. Could be an ignition box issue. It is so fucking hard to find good, reliable mechanics for boats. I'd start with a full tune up (plugs, cap, rotor, wires) and go from there. I also had to replace my fuel pump so that could be a culprit. It sucks just throwing money at parts but unless you find a good marine mechanic that's about all you can do and hope you get lucky like I did.

The annoying part is that I've had it looked at 3x and all 3 times after I'm told it's fixed, I take it out on the water and need to be towed back to shore.

What motor is it? What brand? What ignition system is it running on? What carb is on it? If it runs good on land but once it’s warm and under load in the water it starts to run like shit I’d look towards the ignition system they tend to brake down with heat, I chased an issue with my boat breaking up on the top end for a season and a half, it ended up being the ignition control module being mounted with aluminum washers instead of phenolic and it was transferring too much heat to the module, once it was warm it would start missing higher up in the rpm, coils can be intermittent as well but usually just die and stay dead, the starting issue could be the choke not working if it’s only a cold start issue

I believe it's a mercruiser engine.

 

[Lead Pipe]

The annoying part is that I've had it looked at 3x and all 3 times after I'm told it's fixed, I take it out on the water and need to be towed back to shore.

Yeah it's super annoying. I spent over $7k on the repower and told the shop I want it back in a turn key state. It had sat for a couple of years and I wanted them to water test it and give it back to me ready to go, I was ok with paying more for this. Got it back, they said they water tested it, took it out for the first time and it wouldn't stay on plane or go above 2500 rpm. Idled perfect and ran smooth but had no power. Towed it right back and told them the same thing, give it back to me in perfect working order. $700 later they put a new fuel pump in, sent me a video of the water test and said it's good to go. Got it back and it idled really rough but would get on plane. Called back and the shop said it probably needs a carb for another $1000 so I didn't take it back. Sure the shop did good work on the engine swap and figured out the fuel pump, they also did a little extra work at no charge too, but they never did what I asked. If the bill was $9K and the carb and fuel pump were replaced I would have been happy. The $2k up front would have been fine to not have to dick with it for a full year and even now I want someone to give it once over next Spring.

Where are you located? I have gotten a couple decent recommendations on the chain. One guy didn't do work for me but was straight forward and told me it was too much for him to take on so I respect that. The other I haven't tried yet but can share the info.

 

[1quick]

The annoying part is that I've had it looked at 3x and all 3 times after I'm told it's fixed, I take it out on the water and need to be towed back to shore.


I believe it's a mercruiser engine.

Get pictures of the serial numbers from the motor and drive, I could probably get you pointed in the right direction but need more information than just the year of the boat, I work on boats on the side all the time

 

[Yaj Yak]

I'm kinda amazed it's carb'd.

 

[Yaj Yak]

Bought a 2005 Centurion Avalanche in July. Only had 350 hrs on it. I bought it without testing it because it was still winterized at the time. Owner had some service stuff and the guy that winterized it, vouched that it was a great running boat w/o issues. Well... Took it out on the water and the first day, the impeller went out. Had to get it fixed. After it was replaced, took it out again and a hose got loose and dumped water all over the engine. Fixed the hose but it was having starting issues. Took it to a different shop. They replaced the starter, did some minor maintence stuff (spark plugs etc..) Said it ran great. I took it out but didn't really get to test it because the water was too choppy and I didn't feel comfortable with the size of the waves. Took it out this weekend. Ran good for a bit. It did die a couple times but started up without issue. On the 3rd time, I had someone on a wakeboard behind and as I started to accelerate quickly it died, and wouldn't start. Not sure if I accelerated too quickly or what. Trying to diagnose this starting issue. It has a carburetor engine & one thought is that I flooded the engine with fuel but even after letting the boat sit for a while, it still wouldn't start. I'm going to look into cleaning the carbs this weekend.

The starting issue has been a problem since day 1. First time I thought it was a safety feature or something when the engine overheated. Second time, I thought it was because the engine flooded with water. That's when the shop replaced the starter. This last time, no idea. I've had a max of maybe an hour on this thing without issues. The other issue is that it runs perfectly fine on land, but the only real way to test it is in the water. I'd love to get one really good boat day before end of October & I need to put it away.

inboards love impellers- i'd almost do them yearly or every 100 hours like no matter what because it's simple peace of mind.

the hose coming off was likely just a mistake after the impeller was replaced

honestly im wondering how old/bad the fuel is....
past that, id be really amazed if it's carb'd.

 

[Rebel]

inboards love impellers- i'd almost do them yearly or every 100 hours like no matter what because it's simple peace of mind.

the hose coming off was likely just a mistake after the impeller was replaced

honestly im wondering how old/bad the fuel is....
past that, id be really amazed if it's carb'd.

No carbs. It's direct injection. Fuel is new. I put a full tank in earlier this summer & topped it off a few times after each unsuccessful trip. I took it to a mechanic a couple weeks ago. He said that he acknowledges there's an issue, but couldn't figure it out. Also said that I may be flooding the engine with too much fuel when I try to restart it & showed me how to air it out. I haven't been able to take it to the water to test it though.

 

[Yaj Yak]

No carbs. It's direct injection. Fuel is new. I put a full tank in earlier this summer & topped it off a few times after each unsuccessful trip. I took it to a mechanic a couple weeks ago. He said that he acknowledges there's an issue, but couldn't figure it out. Also said that I may be flooding the engine with too much fuel when I try to restart it & showed me how to air it out. I haven't been able to take it to the water to test it though.

direct injection doesn't seem to me what it'd have... maybe multiport fuel injection? is it a black scorpion?

silly question but fuel filter?