Break in on a boat?

I currently have a 2011 RZR on order due in in about 4 weeks, i was wandering is there going to be a restricted break in period on the boat? I sell cars for a living and the manufacturer doesnt recommend any break in on cars anymore, just wandering on boats?

I'm not sure about Tige, but many of the manufacturers recommend not maintaining the same RPM for approximately the first 10 hrs. That is the only break in period that I can recall.

refer to the owners manual, but usually 20-25 hours and you need to bring it to the dealer for an oil change and some other stuff. definitely just cruise and keep the speed varied. use this time to make sure everything works like bilges, stereo, lights, cruise, etc. also, get to know the boat and look for any possible warranty issues that accidentally come on some boats once and while. your dealer more than likely already has a set 1st service price you can ask him about.

Someone had a link to what peformance engine guys do for break in a few months ago. I think the basic thought is go out for the first few hours without extra weight in the boat. Instead of taking it easy it almost seemed like you do the opposite. Basically you run it through its full rpm range. This gets the most HP out of the engine and seals everything like it should be. I bet you don't need to do this for more then the first 3-5 hours though.

Here you go. I would trust these guys more then boat manufacturers.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

ENGINE BREAK-IN PERIOD - 7
The break-in period of your engine is the fi rst 25 hours
of operation. Proper engine break-in is essential to
achieve maximum performance, longevity and minimum
oil consumption. During the break-in period, the
following operation guidelines must be adhered to:
• After the engine is thoroughly warmed up, and
the boat is underway, open the throttle to wide
open throttle until maximum RPM is reached. DO
NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM RPM. (RPM should
cease climbing after 10 to 20 seconds).
The engine oil level should be checked often and oil
added when necessary. It must be understood that
every internal combustion engine will use a certain
amount of oil during operation to act as a lubricating
and cooling agent, especially during the break-in period.
Oil consumption should decrease and become stabilized
after approximately 100 hours of operation.
At the end of your 25-hour break-in period, contact your
dealer and have the recommended 25-hour inspection
done.
NOTICE: PCM Engines assumes no responsibility for
the costs related to the 25-hour inspection. This is the
owner’s responsibility.
WARNING
Use this procedure ONLY when conditions are such
that it can be done in complete safety.
CAUTION
DO NOT operate at full throttle in neutral at any time,
or at sustained full throttle during the fi rst 5 hours
of operation. Thereafter, use sustained wide open
throttle in the event of an emergency.
CAUTION
DO NOT attempt to break in any engine by prolong
idling, or running at the dock.
• Reduce the throttle to 2800 - 3000 RPM, and
cruise at or below this speed for 1/2 hour.
Reduce the speed to idle. Go to wide open
throttle until maximum RPM is reached and
operate for approximately 1 minute. Reduce
throttle to 2800-3000 RPM and operate for a few
minutes. (Bringing the engine speed from idle to
wide open throttle will load the engine and assist
in seating the piston rings). This cycle should be
repeated from time to time during the fi rst 5 hours
of operation, but wide open throttle should not be
sustained for more than 1 minute.
• During the remaining 20 hours of break in period,
the engines can be run at cruise speeds that are
approximately 75-80% of the wide open throttle
RPM, occasionally varying the cruise speed by
100 RPM.
• During the early part of the break in period, the
correct propeller selection can be confi rmed.
(With a normal load aboard, the engine’s RPM
should reach, but not exceed, the maximum RPM
as listed in the specifi cations section).
• During the break in, all gauges should be
watched carefully, and the speed should be
reduced if abnormal readings become evident.

After the fi rst 25 hours of operation, it is recommended
that the engine be given an inspection. Your boat dealer
or a PCM Premier servicing dealer should be contacted
to perform the necessary checks and adjustments to
ensure the proper engine performance. The following
maintenance should be performed:
• Change the engine oil and fi lter.
• Replace the primary fuel fi lter
• Check the engine alignment.
• Inspect the accessory drive belt(s) and check the
tension.
• Check all the fl uid levels.
• Check the throttle and the shift cable adjustments
and check for freedom of movement.
• Cooling System - Inspect all the hoses for leaks,
damage and deterioration. Check all the hose
clamps for adequate tightness.
• Exhaust System - Inspect the entire exhaust
system for leaks, damage and deterioration.
Check all the hose clamps for adequate
tightness.
• Battery - Check the electrolyte level and specifi c
gravity. Inspect the case for damage. Check the
battery cables and connections.
• Engine Assembly - Check for loose, missing
or damaged parts. Pay close attention to
engine mounts, starter and alternator mounting
fasteners.
NOTICE: PCM Engines assumes no responsibility for
the costs related to the 25-hour inspection. This is the
owner’s responsibility.

Thanks for the responsees and i can see that there are many diffrent opinions on this topic.

I drove mine like I would drive mine, no issues

Spend an hour at different rpm's, no full throttle or idling for more than a few seconds and do a couple dozen acceleration runs to 30mph then back to idle, this seats the rings and that's it, change the oil and then drive it how you're going to drive it.

The main thing is varying RPMs after the engine is warmed up and the oil change after 25 hours. Pulling tubes may be the easiest way to work through a lot of different RPMs. Enjoy your new ride!

Our owners manual had very specific break in guidelines. Mostly it was varying the RPMs and not going above certain RPMs until certain hours were reached. We had it completely broken in, the first weekend.

There aren't different ways to do it. Follow your PCM manual like I posted(2010 manual) and you'll be gravy. It seems to be 5 hours of break in, then you can ride. At 25 hrs go to dealer.

My dealer had me break mine in for the first ten hours. The first two were supposed to be basic cruising around with no towing of any kind and making sure not to keep same RPM longer than 30secs. I was told I could use the perfect pass bc it is constantly changing RPMs on its own. At 20 hours I got my oil changed and was told I was good to go. Haven't had any problems whatsoever. Basically I would recommend asking your dealer and getting them to do a full walk through with you. That way if anything messes up you can at least fall back on them to fix anything that went wrong.

Know ur dealer too. Just bc they sell a brand doesnt mean the techs have been around them a lot. Tell them what u want done according to manual and ask for a checklist on pickup signed by whoever did the work.