Can anyone help me with what needs to be done if anything to get my boat ready for the season? I have had it sitting since about June of last year and not sure if anything should be done to prep it for getting back on the water.

Thanks!

Drain all the gasoline in the tank and refill with fresh.

Post what motor you have.

As said above, fresh gas. I would also do new spark plugs, lower unit fluid, filters and water separator too.

Was it stored outside or inside?Replace gas. Ethanol that has been sitting for long periods has separation & condensation problems just waiting to get into your outboard to wreak havoc. EASILY preventable.Walmart in Weatherford has non ethanol 87 octane gasoline if you're close to there. Running ethanol free gas solves a lot of headaches. Install fuel/water seperator filter,you'll be thankful you did in the long run.. Tune up.Sync & link depending on motor. Compression check.Water pump impeller? Has it ever been changed? Worst enemy of an outboard is sitting & not used. Thats harder on them than everyday use.Lower unit oil change.Clean ALL electrical connections & terminals. File all nicks on prop. Check bilge ,aerator,fill& recirculating pumps. Spare fuses as needed. Throw cushion. All required safety equipment Check fire extinguisher. Check wheel bearing seals,grease bearings. Spare plug for bilge? Lights,turn signal,brake lights on trailer,tires & spare.
Tags, boat registration AND REQUIRED registration certificate card on PERSON or boat when in use,fishing license. Im sure I've missed several items. At least check all these items. Trailers prolly all good. All these can be visually checked in about 2-3 hours. Maintenance & preventive maintenance lets you concentrate on fishing & enjoying it. Not a gauranteed no problems but cuts down a lot of annoying problems. Good luck & go for it...

charge batteries for 12+ hours(over night) and test before heading out.

If you can. You might consider to get some of the "Water Muffs" and check it in the back yard. Check your water stream and make sure no Dirt Dobbers built a nest or it is clogged with other bugs.

Get every OZ of that gas out of there, dont run ANY in your engine. Service lower unit, water pump kit, change water seperater filter, new plugs, check all fluids and either drain and refill or top off. Check all battery connections and charge for 24 hrs then test.

Every outboard guy should own a set of muffs to run at home, worst thing you can do is not run them and we are ALL guilty of it to some degree.


Or, if you have the coin, take it to a shop and tell them how long its been sitting and have them recommend. Thing about this is that they may " recommend" some things that you can live without. But try to get a firm # and tell them that is what you are writing the check for upon completion.

Thanks all. The boat has been stored outside in Arlington Texas but is covered. The motor is a Vmax 150 Yamaha. The gas in there now is from Lake Fork and Is ethanol free. Does that mean I should still drain it? Thanks again

Peobably be ok on that gas IF you added a stabilizer to it. I use Stabil 360 Marine. If you didn't I'd drain it. Better safe than sorry over a $75 Tank of gas.

Is this a yearly deal to do with boats or just a every few years thing? i bought this boat 2 years ago in March from Plano Marine. It is a 2005 skeeter with a carburated Vmax 150. i have no clue how to change oil in lower unit or any of the things you all suggested. i did buy the water muffs but don't think i did it correctly as the motor never pissed so to speak but water came out all around where i put the muffs on.

i am a complete noob to this and want to make sure i don't over due it if not necessary, but want to maintain it.

again, thank you all for the feedback.

Where are you located at? I could come change the lower unit oil and check it out for you .

If it ever peed water something is prolly blocked and you need to not run it.

Not sure if already said. Double oil if two stroke by adding some to gas. Could have some corrosion in cylinders from sitting up that long. Treat it a bit like break in and don't drop it in and wot away from ramp.

I've had muffs on that wouldn't get enough water to [censored] but other muffs would. When was the last time the impeller was changed? You want to replace them about every two years.
I have a mechanic who has a shop in south arlington. He's really reasonable if you want to take it in and have him get it ready.

Things like changing lower unit oil is easy. Just youtube it and a video will show you how.

You REALLY need to read the Private message sent to you in your "My Stuff" folder