Maintenance

[Waterski-Rebel]

Well, I bought my boat 2 years ago (with 70 hours on it), and did an oil change and an impeller at the same time. End of last year, the only thing I requested was winterizing. I just made a reservation to have the boat winterized, and was wondering if I should do anything else this year.

The boat now has 125 hours on it, and we hope to get it out once (maybe twice) before the season is up.

How often should I change the oil? It could probably use a new impeller (2 years old, but only 55 hours on it).

What should I do this year? What should I ask the dealer to do?

I also ask them to put the plugs back in, so it's ready to go in the spring time. Does anyone see a problem with this?

thanks for your feedback!

[da.bell]

If you can access the impeller, you can change it out. That change will depend upon if you have the right tools for the job. Two screwdrivers work or an impeller puller works better. Should only take you about 15 minutes to change

Oil changes should happen often. During the winterization from the dealer, I am sure they will change the oil and drain the water out of the engine.

I usually do a waxing of the outside of the boat and when it's done and sitting for the season to start again, I lift all the cushions up so there is air going in and out of the storage areas.

[chpthril]

Oil change is typically every 50 hrs or at end of season. I'm a huge advocate of changing oil before storing for winter, even if it means going a little over the 50 hr mark. Used oil is caustic, and will etch the soft metals in the engine such as bearings and pistons.

Fuel treatment, trans and V-drive fluid, lube steering and rudder box.

Impeller - 2 year max and inspect the housing as the boat ages.

We ran our boat year round, so I always drained the block and then put the plugs back in so it's ready for the next trip.

[ajholt7]

what kind of grease do you use on the rudder box?

[chpthril]

Marine wheel bearing grease from a grease gun.

[Waterski-Rebel]

Thanks guys!

What about a water/fuel separator, or anything like that?

I've been adding fuel treatment the past few outings, so I'm good there. Are you recommending that I change the trans and v-drive fluids, or just make sure they are topped off?

dabell - Surprisingly non of the local dealers include an oil change.

[chpthril]

Thanks guys!

What about a water/fuel separator, or anything like that?

I've been adding fuel treatment the past few outings, so I'm good there. Are you recommending that I change the trans and v-drive fluids, or just make sure they are topped off?

dabell - Surprisingly non of the local dealers include an oil change.

Fuel/water filter: 2 yrs or 200 hrs is about right.

Just make sure that when she is put away for winter, you have a good ratio of stabilizer to gas in the tank.

Yes, change the trans and V-drive once a year. This can be changed at either winterization or summerization as it's not a critical as the oil change, but I say do it at winterization since you are changing the oil and already have the sucker out, etc.

Although the oil change is not included in the dealer's "Winterization" service, they should be recommending it.