Long Period of Storage

[jmarty10]

I have a 24 foot deckboat that has been shrink wrapped and stored since September 2018.
Boat has a 350 mag Merc and Alpha 1 that was winterized then. I plan on recommissioning it in April. What should I expect to do as far as getting it started, what to check for, interior condition of the boat? Thanks

 

[alldodge]

I would be concerned with the gas
Hope there isn't any mold which has happened from the shrink wrap

 

[JimS123]

There is a sticky in the Outboard FAQs re. re-commissioning that should be of some help. Obviously, that won't address gimble bearings and U-joints, but it has some of the basics.

Assuming you are in a "Winter" climate, the outdrive should have been "down" when the shrinkwrap was applied. If not, check the lower unit for a crack.

Get lots of Boat Nine and bleach. I wouldn't even want to look at the inside if any water at all had been left in the bilge. Removing mildew is a chore and personally its not possible to restore mildewed vinyl. (but that's just my anal opinion)

If the gas was stabilized correctly, give her a try. If not pay to have it drained.

I have seen successful 2 year layups, but 3 years is a stretch.

 

[Scott Danforth]

clean and flush fuel system
check battery(s), replace as needed

If you have enough moisture for large amounts of mold, plan on new interior and soft surfaces.

 

[BRICH1260]

I`d change the engine oil, even if you did it before your put her in storage. Change the impeller and drive and shift bellows.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Viking burial. Viking burial!!

I am with others. I would probably syphon out the gas, use it to start a massive bonfire, and then fill it with fresh. Start her up and see where it hurts. I would change the oil too, but maybe after the first run so that some of the nastiness is carried away in the old oil. I suppose if you were really gung ho, you would change the oil now and then again after the first couple runs.

 

[crazy charlie]

If you did a full winterizing correctly including changing out all lubricants and greasing all grease and lube points,there shouldnt be much to surprise you.One of my concerns would be impeller unless as I stated you did a "full and complete" winterization.If you have not already changed the fuel/water seperator,dont do it immediately.Idle the motor at least a few times as there has to be some condensation in the fuel tank.Getting the condensation out of your tank and in the old seperator before changing it out will benefit you in the long run and will extend the life of the new seperator..Charlie