What to check / replace on a boat ?

[Kubaat3lover]

Hello again,
Ive got Mercruiser 4.3 carbed from 2005, i have this boat since 2017.
I’m wondering what more maintenance action, checks I should do
Since that time I’ve replaced impeller, thermostat, starter solenoid, new spark plugs every year, rotor, alignment checked and stem new ujoints, gimball is fine and greased, carb rebuilt and adjusted thank to You guys, timing checked,
What else? Should I checkmthe risers? they are original I suppose, but the boat runs just fine

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Hello again,
Ive got Mercruiser 4.3 carbed from 2005, i have this boat since 2017.
I’m wondering what more maintenance action, checks I should do
Since that time I’ve replaced impeller, thermostat, starter solenoid, new spark plugs every year, rotor, alignment checked and stem new ujoints, gimball is fine and greased, carb rebuilt and adjusted thank to You guys, timing checked,
What else? Should I checkmthe risers? they are original I suppose, but the boat runs just fine

You ever wash out your flame arrestor on the carb. They get pretty dirty between the plates..

 

[Kubaat3lover]

Yes, cleaned every post season

 

[poconojoe]

You did a lot!
Did you replace the bellows too?
If not, then give them a good inspection with the drive in all different positions. If the rubber looks dry rotted or cracked, it's well past it's lifespan.
A torn bellows can sink your boat.

Happy boating!

 

[dingbat]

Your about 5 years past do to replace all the fuel lines on the boat.

 

[zellerj]

My Larson 4.3 L is a 1988. Original plugs. Runs great. Why do you replace them every year?

 

[Paintman1960]

33 yrs old plugs? That's crazy, Have you looked at them lately?
Seems very strange to me !

 

[dingbat]

33 yrs old plugs?

Hours of use, not date of manufacture is what matters.

I change plugs on condition. I don’t replace unless they’re worn out or I’m feeling guilty because I can’t remember the last time I changed them.

I’d say every 2 to 3 years tops for me.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If you have plastic thru-hull fittings, change them before they crack and fail

 

[Kubaat3lover]

I dont know, how to check it?
Regarding Bellows, I havent touched it yet but I think it looks descent so far

 

[poconojoe]

I dont know, how to check it?
Regarding Bellows, I havent touched it yet but I think it looks descent so far

Check those bellows. You don't know how old they are or if they were treated correctly. The drive should kept down during storage so the bellows are not being constantly stretched.

As stated, a torn or cracked bellows can sink your boat.

I keep my drive down during winter storage and also in my driveway in the summer between days of boating. (I trailer my boat, it's not in a slip)
Basically, whenever the boat is on it's trailer and parked, my drive is kept down.

Another tip:
Never run your engine when the drive is in trailer (all the way up) position. Running the engine when the drive's u-joints are at extreme angles can damage those u-joints.
Whenever the engine is running, that shaft with the u-joints is turning.

 

[Kubaat3lover]

Yes I keep my drive always down, only for trailering to the water but it takes 20 minutes only I also spray silicone on the bellows for the winter .

 

[poconojoe]

Yes I keep my drive always down, only for trailering to the water but it takes 20 minutes only I also spray silicone on the bellows for the winter .

Yeah, I wondered about spraying something on the bellows to help preserve them.