Hey guys,

Newish boat owner here and would like to hear from you on what "annual" or "yearly" maintenance specifically means to you. I have a yamaha 115 HP 2 stroke and I'm just making sure I have my bases covered. I try and run the boat at least once a month so it doesn't sit for extended periods of time.

Would really appreciate the specific things I need to do, or hire someone to do, for the boat, trailer and motor (yearly or routine suggestions welcome).

Thanks so much!

Good fuel filter and keep full of fuel with stabilizer

-Keep a check on battery water levels if you have water fill batteries.
-Keep batteries charged ever week during the winter months.
-Pull TM prop. often for line inside.
-Pull motor prop also often for line.
-Always use gas treatment for Ethanol and moisture.
-Change inline fuel/water separator filter every year.
-Check livewell pumps every time in the water.
-Change water pump impeller every two years.
-Change water pump every 4 years.
-Check lower unit lube for water getting in every year and change lube every two years.
-New motors get a 20 hour check up after break-in time.
-Have motor serviced every 100 hours with oil change and filters changed.
-Pull trailer wheels and pack with geese every year. New bearing, races and seals every 3 years.
-Keep proper air pressure as on the tires, checking often. Check spare tire.
-Check your bunks in the parking lot after unloading the boat every time. Watch for wear on the runners carpet and change as needed.
-Keep check on both front and back running lights making sure they are ready to go if you need them.
-Keep a took kit in the boat.
-Always use stainless screws and bolts.
-Keep a check on the licences plate. Plastic hangers break.
-Check trailer light every time you hook up.
-Wipe the boat and motor down with vinegar (1 cup per Gal.) and water every time you take it out.
-Wax boat once a year.
-Lids, elect., screws and bolts all work loose over time; fix immediately.

Thanks for the words of wisdom. Any recommendations for a 10 year old motor with 300 or so hours? Anything special I need to pay attention to? I've only had the boat for 2 years so don't really know what kind of maintenance was performed before me.

Thanks again!

If I were you, I would take it to a known excellent Yamaha wrench right now and have him give it a leakdown test and a compression check. Go from there. Dan

Add ringfree to the gas. Get ethanol free gas at the marina if you can.

All good info from Donald. I would add depending on the lake you are on that you do a lime away and muriatic acid rinse every couple of years. Lakes in central Texas have a lot of lime in them. That lime will build up in the water ports and clog them over time. it can cause you to blow engine, found out the hard way. Can be done at home if you have large enough barrel to get lower unit into. If not take it to a dealer. Takes about 45 minutes of running to do right.

Let your motor warm up every time you put it in the water even if its hot out.Don't be a hot dog and run the [censored] out of it.Ring Free is great but I would also use Sea Foam in it every other tank.If its an older OX the sensor is sensitive to carbon. Additives are a must. Have the fuel pumps checked every year or two. You can do it if you want.

If I wanted to learn how to do some of this myself, would anyone be willing to coach me? Water pumps, fuel pumps, etc.

Frog, I am in the same situation. Can anybody recommend a good Yamaha mechanic we can establish a trusting relationship with? I have 2009 VMax 150 on my Skeeter.

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