New Used Boat Preventative Maintenance - Help With My Checklist (5.0 MPI/Bravo 3)

[onewhippedpuppy]

About a month ago I purchased a new (to me) 2004 Monterey 23', engine is a Merc 5.0 MPI with a Bravo 3 drive. Approximately 200 hours on it (freshwater), the previous owner replaced the impeller 3 years ago, idle control valve 2 years ago, did oil changes on both the drive and motor (last done in July 2013), and winterized yearly. That's it. He bought it from a friend's boat dealership and stated that they "went through it" before his purchase, but no receipts means it never happened. Before boating season I'm going to do preventative maintenance, with the goal being to cover everything that may/may not have been done over the last 9 years. So without further ado, here's my list:

Engine oil/filter change
Drive oil change
Impeller
Spark plugs
Fuel filters - inline and water separating canister
Check bellows and replace if they look dry/cracked
Lube gimbal bearing
Lube steering (not sure if there are zerks there or not)
Lube throttle shafts at motor
Lube prop shaft
Load check batteries (I believe 2 of 3 are bad)
Serpentine belt
Thermostat
Check bilge operation
Good thorough inspection - I've already found some sketchy stereo wiring that I want to remedy
Detail like crazy
Pray for hot weather

The boat runs great, I'd just like to insure that our summer is as trouble free as possible. Trailer is already sorted with an alignment, new bearings, and new tires. So, what am I missing?

 

[agallant80]

Re: New Used Boat Preventative Maintenance - Help With My Checklist (5.0 MPI/Bravo 3)

I would change out the impeller if it has not been done in 3 years.
Don't ignore the trailer. Check the breaks, tires, hubs etc. I know more people that never made it to the lake then who made it there and had an issue.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: New Used Boat Preventative Maintenance - Help With My Checklist (5.0 MPI/Bravo 3)

I think your list looks good, it's very similar to my list (similar boat too).

I also have on my list to start carrying more spare stuff, so the belt I replace will get wrapped up and stowed for a spare, also I'm going to carry a spare fuel filter/separator canister this year. And of course the tools to replace said items.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: New Used Boat Preventative Maintenance - Help With My Checklist (5.0 MPI/Bravo 3)

I would change out the impeller if it has not been done in 3 years.
Don't ignore the trailer. Check the breaks, tires, hubs etc. I know more people that never made it to the lake then who made it there and had an issue.

Impeller is definitely getting done. Since I bought the boat I've done new trailer tires/spare, new bearings, new spring shackles, and a trailer alignment. So it should be squared away.

I think your list looks good, it's very similar to my list (similar boat too).

I also have on my list to start carrying more spare stuff, so the belt I replace will get wrapped up and stowed for a spare, also I'm going to carry a spare fuel filter/separator canister this year. And of course the tools to replace said items.

Good idea for the spare parts. I personally picked up a mechanic's tool set with plastic case from Walmart a few years ago, I just keep it in the boat in a plastic dry bag. I also threw in a good set of water pump pliers, electrical tape, electrical test light, duct tape, and zip ties. I figure if I can't fix it right, I'll just duct tape and zip tie it back together.