Boat has not been used in several years. Any suggestions?

dm88

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Aug 14, 2011
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5
I have a 89 Bayliner with a 2.3L OMC that has not been used in about 5 years. Before the last time it was used, it was winterized like I always have done. The water was drained (plus there is a fresh water cooling system in it that is filled with antifreeze), battery removed, oil in the outdrive was clean and no signs of water, gas tank full and stabil added, and I coated the carb with fogging oil. It has always been kept covered and the wheels jacked off the ground and I go inside a couple times a year to check to make sure nothing has gotten into it. Taking at look at the engine, I just noticed some small spots of rust which may just be surface rust, and a little bit of rust around a couple of the pulleys. It is getting kind of late in the year and I don't really know if I will get a chance to use it more than once or twice so I don't know if it is worth it to get it licensed for just that, but would like to next year. I am wondering if there is anything I should do before I try to start it up, or should I just try to see if it will start up? And even if I don't use it this year, do you think it is a good idea to just run it and then re-winterize it all again, or am I better off just waiting until next spring?
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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May 19, 2001
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26,097
Re: Boat has not been used in several years. Any suggestions?

Welcome to iboats.

Start it up, change all the fluids and the impellar...... get out on the water and re-winterize
 

dm88

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Aug 14, 2011
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Re: Boat has not been used in several years. Any suggestions?

Oh good, that sounds simple enough. Do you think that gas is ok sitting there for 5 years? I was hoping that keeping it full and treating it would keep it ok. If I don't get out on the water, which is a possibilty because there hasn't been much summer here this year and I don't know if it is worth buying a license for the boat and trailer for one time, would you still recommend changing all the fluids and just trying to start it up on the trailer? Or in that case, am I better off just letting it sit until next year? Thanks again for your help.
 

isleno1

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 29, 2011
Messages
30
Re: Boat has not been used in several years. Any suggestions?

You might need to change some seals here and there since they tend to dry rot over time.
 
Last edited:

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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26,097
Re: Boat has not been used in several years. Any suggestions?

Oh good, that sounds simple enough. Do you think that gas is ok sitting there for 5 years? I was hoping that keeping it full and treating it would keep it ok. If I don't get out on the water, which is a possibilty because there hasn't been much summer here this year and I don't know if it is worth buying a license for the boat and trailer for one time, would you still recommend changing all the fluids and just trying to start it up on the trailer? Or in that case, am I better off just letting it sit until next year? Thanks again for your help.

DUMP the gas!!! Don';t even try it if it is that old. Start it on muffs on the trailer.
 

dm88

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Aug 14, 2011
Messages
5
Re: Boat has not been used in several years. Any suggestions?

Ok sounds good. So to get this straight, I will dump the gas and refill it full. Change the oil, change the crankcase oil, change the fuel filter, impeller, and maybe the belt too because that could be rotten. And see if it fires up on the trailer. Then winterize it with fogging oil again, like I normally do. And if I do all that, and keep the tank full and treat it with stabil, will I be good to go in the spring without having to change the oil and filters again?


As far as replacing seals, do I just basically look for any leaks to determine if any seals need replacing?
 

Silver Eagle

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 16, 2010
Messages
852
Re: Boat has not been used in several years. Any suggestions?

It's only the middle of August, you still have six good weekends to make waves.Enjoy them.
 
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