Bowgus wrote:
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

Agreed... just didn't want to scare him before he even got the boat in the
water. Personally, with a "new to me" used boat, I'd do the following:

1) Pull the prop and regrease the splines (use the proper grease)
2) Pull the lower unit, and inspect/replace the impeller
3) Pull the outdrive downhousing and grease the u-joints and splines (proper grease
again).

Of course, someone who is not mechanically inclined should take the boat to a
mechanic to have the above done. Even though fairly easy, there are some things
you can muck up--the shift linkage for example

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.

Right on! I strongly second the suggestion of repacking the trailer bearings,
and putting on "Bearing Buddys". I've had them on our trailer since new (1997)
and the original bearings look like new. I pulled and repacked them last year,
but they didn't need it.

If you are trailering a new-to-you boat, pull those wheel bearings and inspect/
repack them. Replace the grease seals while your at it. You'll save yourself
a lot of grief

Now all of this sounds like a lot, but it really isn't that bad, and after you've
taken care of it you won't need to worry about it for a few years again.

Don W.