Boat/Engine Sitting for months?

[RickV1955]

I purchased a 2005 19' Proline Center Console fishing boat with a 2005 115 Mercury Outboard in March (S.W. Florida).
I am not yet a full time resident (although will be upon retiring in 6 months) and parked the boat in March 2009.
I did disconnect the batteries, and put stabilizer in the fuel...boat is "buttoned up"....a cover on the boat and motor.
It hasn't been run since.
When I get down there (likely toward the end of this year), is there anything special I would need to do to assure it will run ok?
Should I take to a mechanic and have it gone over and tuned up?

Looking for advice from you "experienced" boaters......particularly those in SW Florida or warmer climates.

Thanks,

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Boat/Engine Sitting for months?

I guess the only thing I would have done was fog it before I parked it. Since you didn't do this, don't worry about it now.

Here's what I would do:

Pull each plug, place a couple of tablespoons of 2 stroke oil in each cylinder. Might as well clean the plugs while you are at it and gap as per spec.

Charge the batteries.

If the the fuel tank is not full, I would top it up with fresh fuel.

Then put the key, in and start the baby up. Boats should not be unused for a long time. My boat always tells me that I need to take her out more/

 

[lprizman]

Re: Boat/Engine Sitting for months?

Congradulations first and foremost on retiring!!!

If you have the extra $$$ take to a certified Merc dealer and or mechanic to go through,,best piece of mind and attention without getting dirty.

If you want to do it yourself I would do the following;
-charge old batteries(not connected) or replace with new
-drain the lower unit oil and replace with new oil
-if hydraulic steering check the level and steering
-check the operaqtion of your bildge pump if you have one
-remove boat plug(hopefully was not left in) and condition, dry rot may have occured
-give her a good bath
-remove spark plugs 2 short blast of wd 40 in each cylinder(unless previously fogged)
-connect the batteries
-turn engine over for about 10 seconds
-double check all connection, fuel and wiring
-grease any available zirk fittings and wd 40 steering rod
-greese traile bearings, check lights
-put the ears on and turn on water
-re install plugs turn on the gas and fire it up, be patient
-see how it runs and pees, check gauges and for any leaks, let it run up to normal temp, do not over rev without load in the water
-if running fine and peeing fine take it out for a few hours close to shore to burn some of the the existing fuel
-put on your Patriot shorts, Red Sox hat, Celtics sox and Bruins shirt,,
-add new fuel and startron
-bring home alow to cool remove lower unit, install new water pump impeller
-change all fuel filters
-replace spark plugs with new

you should be good to go except for normal PM work

best of luck
Lance

 

[RickV1955]

Re: Boat/Engine Sitting for months?

Thanks guys.........

As a new boat owner, I appreciate all the advice I can get......

Looking forward to getting back out on the water.......retired!!!!

Will certainly wear my Red Sox shirt....Patriots hat...maybe a Celtics Flag....lol.
May, at times wear some of my new "adopted" team stuff "Rays".....lol (will support them unless they are playing the Sox!! lol)