Scott,

Did you get the engine booklet that came with the boat? If so, its got annual maintenance
instructions in it. If not, I'd suggest going to a dealer and buying a manual, because it will be
well worth the $30 investment over the time you own the boat. The basics a

0) Charge or replace the battery! Its likely to be flat after sitting over the winter.

1) Change engine oil and oil filter
2) Check belts and hoses (My 1996 has the originals, and they are still going strong)
3) Change fuel filters (my rig has two--A spin on, and a small filter in the carburetor)
4) Check battery water level (if possible)
5) Check and clean battery terminals
6) Check the propellor for nicks, dings, corrosion

If it is an I/O instead of a true inboard, add the following:

7) Drain and replace lower unit lube oil. Note--The main reason to do this every year is to check
for a water leak in the lower unit. If you bump something with your prop, its not uncommon to put a
small bend in the prop shaft, which quickly destroys the prop shaft seal. Water then leaks into
your lower unit, and the gears and bearings rust eventually destroying the lower unit. This is a =
$1K repair. If the lower unit oil is a grey-whiteish (milky) color, you've got water in the lower unit.

8) Check and refill the tilt/trim pump hydraulic oil as needed
9) Grease the outdrive swivel points.

Also note that your gas tank probably has stale gas in it from sitting over the winter. Its a good
idea to add as much fresh gas as your tank will allow, to dilute the stale gas.

Good luck with it,

Don W.

Scott Shirley wrote:

I am new to boating and purchased a 1996 model with an 5.7L inboard last
spring. What maintenance do I need to perform after de-winterizing the boat?

Oil Change ( I have no idea if/when the previous owner had it changed)
Belts?
Hoses?
Any other fluids, filters, or things that need to be changed/adjusted?