Re: Getting boat ready after winterization
Don S: I knew I'd get some feedback on my post. I'm very well versed on Mercruisers, as I've owned two of them since 1969 and still own one. I bought one of the first new Yamaha 115 hp 2 strokes--27 years ago, and it still runs great. And my original SeaDoo is a 1990 model and runs better than it looks. I also have a new Waverunner 4 stroke and a 2012 Yamaha F150 on a Bennington Tritoon.
My point is that I/O's just don't require much engine maintenance because the car based engines, and they simply don't wear out in fresh water use. And they are better if kept on a trailer or boat lift.
On I/O's, the main thing is making sure all the water is drained out of the engine blocks. I've never known air to freeze and crack a block. And change the lower unit lube yearly--a quick, cheap job task.
My main maintenance gripe with Mercruisers is aging rubber bellows, and how hard they are to get sealed up. I/O's run great and get good fuel mileage, but maintenance can be such a pain to deal with after the first 6-8 years.
My winterization of the new Yamaha 150 was to change the oil and lower unit lube. The Waverunner requires lifting the nose 3', and starting it up for 20 seconds four times with 2 minutes between starts. I have 100% gasoline with a stablizer in both. Fortunately, the Mid South Winters are short and not that harsh. Other than that, just keep a Battery Tender on the batteries, and we'll be ready to go in March.