And assuming I/O, every 2-3 years, pull the outdrive (or better still have
your trusty mechanic do it) to grease the universal etc, "break it"
(assuming mercruiser) to replace the impeller. And I recommend picking up a
Seloc repair manual ... www.selocmarine.com ... (it's not a shop manual,
but imo good enough) for your particular engine/outdrive combo.

And then there's the hull buffing and waxing, etc.

And if you trailer, give it a looksee ... e.g., grease the wheel bearings
(those bearing buddy's (sp?) are an excellent investment), touch up the rust
spots.



"Don W" wrote in message
m...
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?