Aging Mercruiser

[Gunner123]

What are the major problems that a 30 year old Mercruiser Engine and Stern Drive with very low hours on it and used exclusiverly on a fresh water lake will develop due to age? Are there rubber seals that dry out, etc? Is it risky running a boat this old in terms of maintenance costs?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

Hi. More important than the age of the boat is its maintenance history! For example, 30 year old bellows would be useless but if they were replaced recently then no problem.
Do you know its history?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

What engine? Basically the engine rubber stuff. Check all of the hoses on the engine, and a new set of OEM plug wires is probably in order. Check all of the bellows, and if they have not been changed in the last 5 years, plan on changing them. Change the impeller.

 

[Failproof]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

Mostly corrosion issues, and boat rot. If everything is that old then yes, things will fail here and there. If it was well cared for, then it could be better than a 5 year old abused package.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

Mine will be 30 years old next year with about 550 hours. I keep up on the maintenance and so did the previous owner. The maintenance costs are similar on newer boats because most of the mechanical parts are still the same. At times it can be cheaper than the new stuff with all the electronic and complicated systems. If you know how to check it out first and DIY it go for it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

What are the major problems that a 30 year old Mercruiser Engine and Stern Drive with very low hours on it and used exclusiverly on a fresh water lake will develop due to age? Are there rubber seals that dry out, etc? Is it risky running a boat this old in terms of maintenance costs?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Which motor,..?? Which drive,..??

 

[vincechig1975]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

Welcome to IBoats, and to be honest ....it's like a car the more it's maintained and kept up the better it will run and longer it will last, especially if the person knows what he or she is dong or has records from a reputable shop that did the work.

 

[Gunner123]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

I've owned the boat since 1983. Searay 195XL with a 350cu, 260 HP Mercruiser and Alpha Drive

 

[Bondo]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

I've owned the boat since 1983. Searay 195XL with a 350cu, 260 HP Mercruiser and Alpha Drive

Ayuh,.... Then what sorta Maintenance plan have you been runnin',..??

Oils changed,..??

The Impeller,..??

Bellows, 'n lower shift cable,..??

Anything,..?? nothin,..??

 

[Gunner123]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

Oil and gear fluid changes every year.

Impeller every 5 years or so.

Bellows were changed out about 7 years ago and still look like new

Lower shift cable done same time as bellows.

Grease every other year


The boat is only used in a fresh water lake for a few hours every summer so maintenance is more an issue of aging than wear.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

I'll side with the CW here...If it's been properly maintained, cared for etc...calendar age is mitigated. I equate boats more closely with private aircraft. The calendar age may be high(I know a certain C-177RG comes to mind), but if the owner is meticulous with proper upkeep/preventative maintenance/proper storage...there's no reason to fret about the age for practical purposes, as the mechanical age itself(usually in hours running) is low as compared to it's automotive counterpart.

Specifically though, I'd pay attention to the "little things" like corrosion on electrical contacts around the trim area, starter, battery etc...Clean and grease them. Seems that there's quite a few gremlins in that arena. If it's been awhile since a complete tune-up I'd start there in the off season. NEW wires/plugs/cap/rotor/fuel filter(s)and belt(s).

 

[Bondo]

Re: Aging Mercruiser

I'll side with the CW here...If it's been properly maintained, cared for etc...calendar age is mitigated. I equate boats more closely with private aircraft. The calendar age may be high(I know a certain C-177RG comes to mind), but if the owner is meticulous with proper upkeep/preventative maintenance/proper storage...there's no reason to fret about the age for practical purposes, as the mechanical age itself(usually in hours running) is low as compared to it's automotive counterpart.

Specifically though, I'd pay attention to the "little things" like corrosion on electrical contacts around the trim area, starter, battery etc...Clean and grease them. Seems that there's quite a few gremlins in that arena. If it's been awhile since a complete tune-up I'd start there in the off season. NEW wires/plugs/cap/rotor/fuel filter(s)and belt(s).

Ayuh,..... Excellent post,.... I agree completely......

50, 60, even 70 year old airplanes are still flown, everyday...