Brand new boat coming up on the 20 hour service. Question please.

[BKSinAZ]

I have a new Reinell 204FNS fish and ski with a Volvo-Penta V8 engine (looks like a big chevy engine). The dealer stated that I need to bring it in for it's first servicing at around 20 hours of usage.<br /><br />The problem is that the dealer wants to charge me $375.00 and states that just the oils (engine and lower end) needs to be changed. And they "Claim" that they will check THIS and THAT..wink wink. I am screwed as this place is the only one in Tucson that works on Volvo-Penta<br /><br />Is that all that needs to be done with a first service? $375 to do that?? What should be done if that is not all? Please give me a list as I will request that it all gets done correctly. If simple enough, I might even do it myself as I easily work on most cars.

 

[Don S]

Re: Brand new boat coming up on the 20 hour service. Question please.

The 20 hour service is NOT required by Volvo, or Mercruiser anymore. While it is a nice thing to do for your engine and drive, it's not a requirement nor will it void your warranty if it's not done. I could be wrong, but I don't think Volvo or Merc either one even has a 20 hour service listed anymore. <br />Look in your owners manual. If you have questions, look in your warranty manual and give Volvo a call.<br />To re-answer your question, NO, you do not have to take it in for a $375 service.<br />On a brand new boat, there is nothing wrong with doing an oil change, and a gear lube change at 20 hours. Pulling the drive and checking the alignment on a BRAND NEW Boat is also a good thing, along with checking belt tensions, hose clamps and in general looking over the engine/drive package and looking for any problems.<br />It's all new, and nothing wrong with a shake down inspection...... But, it's not required.