Wanting to take my boat in the get everything looked out and just make sure everything is in tip top shape. What do you define as regular maintenance or a "tune up"? Is there something I should be getting done annually or semi annually? First used boat I have purchased and just want it to last! Thanks for the help.

Drain and change the oil in the lower unit of your engine at least annually.
Oh yeah, make sure you lubricate/grease your trailer wheel bearings at least annually as well.
Don't skimp on the amount of required oil required to run the engine. Sure don't want to burn that puppy up. Good luck and have fun,
God Bless

Tune-up for me would be checking the plugs, checking the fuel filter, running a can of seafoam through it, and changing the lower unit oil.

Lower unit oil can be done yourself pretty easily. You can youtube it I'm sure. It's fairly similar for most outboards.

Agree with Lee - also grease the wheel bearings, check the 2-stroke oil and check the brakes on the trailer if you have them.

Almost forgot. Start NOW, find yourself a good/reputable marine mechanic. Sooner or later your going to need one.
If you haven't had one go over that engine, do it ASAP. Could save you $$$
God Bless

I can't believe all these people leaving out the most important item.

Replace the water pump impeller annually!

I was curious as I've heard this alot, but I've also been told by numerous reputable people that's it's overkill and a waste of money. Most say maybe every 3 years, but not every year.

A dab of grease on the bearing surface ends of your power tilt/trim pistons is something I do routinely. A mercury mechanic showed me this and recommended it.

It's $50 annual Maintanance that is well worth it. If you crank or idle in shallow water you are sucking up sand, mud and debris through you intake and it take a toll on the impeller. It sucks to have to idle for miles and risk the chance of over heating the motor.

Also check battery water levels
Pumps livewell and bilge
Onboard chargers
Fuel and oil lines
Electrical connections

These are just a few to check not only annually but often. I go through my boat about every other month to keep up on it. It's an older boat (2001 Nitro 929 CDX). But if caught early can be fixed a lot cheaper than replacing.

On modern engines checking the fuel oil and air filters/screens now and again can't hurt either. Inspecing lines for leaks, cracks and the inside liner of fuel lines for deterioration from ethenol is cheap insurance as well.

Also don't over look the hull inspect all bolts screws and other things. Any aged out or cracking sealant needs changed asap water intrusion is bad stuff.

I agree, but it's significantly more costly if you don't have the ability or tools to replace it yourself. Most shops I have called locally wanted $200-300 to replace the impeller.

I will say, I am not the most mechanically inclined. However, last weekend my uncle helped me with the maintenance on my boat, new spark plugs, fuel filter, gear lube, and water pump impeller... taking apart the lower unit to access and change the impeller is actually fairly simple. It's definitely a two man job, but that's only for the ease of lifting the shaft back up into the engine smoothly and getting the bolts tightened to hold it in place. Watch a few Youtube videos on how to do it and I'm sure you can do it! (I have a 2005 Mercury Optimax 150) Not the newest engine, but still easy enough to work on.

Water pump is an easy job on freshwater motors. Always buy the kit. I usually buy the housing to keep on hand incase I do not need it. Boats.net is a good source to order parts along with your local shop. Use quality synthetic lower unit oil. And re check it after running it. A weak grade brake cleaner makes clean up easy. Grease all fittings and check all bolts. Check battery connections. Check trolling motor mount. Pull plastics off and check torque on fortrex mount. Check cable play. I check my trolling motor after most rough water tournaments.

Just tell 'em you to do the "annual", and have him call you if the bill is getting over your limit. Expect just under $500 some yrs, higher others. Some things can wait beyond the recommend, others can't. A well seasoned mech should take it from there, and work to your best intrest on whats needed, not what you want to hear. Best rule is: Take care of your boat, it will take care of you. Nickle and diming it will cost you in thew long run.

I dont change the water pump until I notice the water preasure falling off. Other than that I do exactly what the service manuels call for yearly or hours wise.

Lots of good info previously stated, but in addition to just "doing maintenance", run the motor! Take your boat out! USE IT!!!! I believe letting them sit up for extended periods is NO BUENO.
I don't know if it was covered already, but check your trailer tire pressure. Running low tires is NOT good........and inspect your tires. Check for dry rot, and other abnormalities. Having flats anytime is NEVER fun! Been there.....Arrrrghhhh!