1986 Sea Ray 300 Weekender Manual

The 1986 Sea Ray 300 Weekender is a classic 30-foot cabin cruiser featuring a fiberglass hull, twin inboard engines, sleeping accommodations for 6, galley with sink and stove, enclosed head compartment, helm station with full instrumentation, swim platform, and comprehensive marine systems. Below are key sections for safety, specifications, systems operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Specifications 3. Pre-Launch Checklist 4. Systems Operation 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Electrical System 7. Engine Operation 8. Safety Equipment 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Fiberglass hull and deck, twin Mercruiser 260hp inboard engines, helm station, cabin with V-berth and convertible dinette, galley, head compartment, swim platform.

Feature	Description
Hull Material	Fiberglass reinforced plastic
Engines	Twin Mercruiser 5.7L V8, 260hp each
Fuel Capacity	150 gallons
Water Capacity	30 gallons
Sleeping Capacity	6 persons
Head	Enclosed marine toilet with holding tank
Galley	Alcohol/electric stove, sink, icebox
Electrical	12V DC and 110V AC systems
Navigation	Compass, depth finder, VHF radio
Swim Platform	Integrated fiberglass with ladder

Specifications

Length Overall: 30 feet 2 inches
Beam: 11 feet
Draft: 2 feet 10 inches
Weight: 8,500 lbs (dry)
Maximum Capacity: 12 persons or 2,200 lbs
Hull Type: Deep-V with modified aft sections
Propellers: 14x19 three-blade bronze
Battery: Two 12V marine batteries (main and house)
Construction: Hand-laid fiberglass with wood stringers

Pre-Launch Checklist

Complete these checks before each departure:

Check engine oil levels (both engines)
Inspect fuel system for leaks
Verify bilge pump operation
Test navigation lights
Check battery charge and connections
Ensure safety equipment is onboard and accessible
Verify sufficient fuel for planned trip
Test VHF radio and horn

WARNING! Never operate without proper safety equipment. Check weather conditions before departure.

Systems Operation

Understanding your boat's systems is essential for safe operation.

Electrical: Main battery switch controls power distribution. 110V system requires shore power connection.

Plumbing: Fresh water system with electric pump. Manual pump for head overboard discharge.

Fuel: Dual fuel tanks with selector valves. Monitor fuel gauges regularly.

Ventilation: Cabin has natural ventilation ports; run blower for 4 minutes before engine start.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures reliability and longevity.

Interval	Maintenance Items
Every Use	Flush engines with fresh water, check bilge
50 Hours	Change engine oil and filters
100 Hours	Inspect propellers, check alignment
Annual	Bottom paint, zinc replacement, hull inspection
Seasonal	Winterize/de-winterize systems

Electrical System

Dual electrical systems: 12V DC for marine systems, 110V AC for shore power.

Battery Switch: Select OFF, 1, 2, or BOTH positions
Circuit Breakers: Main panel located at helm
Charging: Engine alternators charge batteries when running
Shore Power: Connect only to proper marine power outlets

CAUTION! Always turn off battery switch when not in use. Never operate AC and DC systems simultaneously without proper grounding.

Engine Operation

Twin Mercruiser 5.7L gasoline inboard engines with stern drives.

Pre-start: Check oil, fuel, turn on blower for 4 minutes
Starting: Turn key while pressing neutral safety switch
Warm-up: Allow engines to reach operating temperature
Operation: Monitor gauges (temp, oil pressure, voltage)
Shutdown: Allow engines to idle briefly before turning off
Post-operation: Flush with fresh water if used in saltwater

WARNING! Gasoline fumes are explosive. Always run blower before starting and during low-speed operation.

Safety Equipment

Required and recommended safety equipment for coastal operation.

USCG-approved life jackets for all passengers
Throwable flotation device
Visual distress signals (day and night)
Sound-producing device (horn)
Fire extinguishers (minimum 2 B-I type)
First aid kit
Anchor with sufficient rode
VHF marine radio
Navigation lights

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage procedures for seasonal layup.

Engines: Change oil, fog cylinders, drain block
Fuel: Fill tanks to prevent condensation
Water Systems: Drain completely, add antifreeze
Batteries: Remove and store on maintenance charger
Exterior: Clean and wax hull, cover boat
Interior: Clean thoroughly, leave cushions upright

CAUTION! Failure to properly winterize can cause severe damage from freezing.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue	Check battery charge, verify fuel flow, check safety lanyard
Overheating	Clamped water intake, impeller failure	Check raw water strainer, inspect impeller, verify thermostat
Electrical failure	Tripped breaker, corroded connections	Reset breakers, clean battery terminals, check grounds
Fuel smell	Leaking fuel line or tank	Inspect all fuel connections, check tank integrity
Poor performance	Fouled props, dirty bottom	Inspect props for damage, clean hull bottom

Emergency: Sea Ray Customer Service: 1-800-SRBOATS

Parts: Contact authorized Sea Ray dealer for genuine parts