I own a Merc. 225efi 2000 model and was wondering "What does a tune-up actually include?" I bought my boat used a year ago and I am sure the motor has rarely been tuned. Although all of the fluids: lower unit etc. are always taken care of.

Glad someone asked it because I wanted to know as well--most people I know winterize there boat--thats when I use mine so I never really have down time to take it in?!? How often should it be done? How much am I looking to spend on a 70 yammy?

I think a tune up typically includes changing spark plugs, lower unit oil, and checking compression of my yamaha 115 motor. Did this on my boat the first year and it costs around 130 dollars. Now I do everything, takes about 20 minutes, and it costs about 10 dollars minus the compression check. I think you can do most of the maintenance for your boat at home. Best thing for the motor is to run it year round.

Samarai,
That's good to know. I plan on using mine year 'round as well. I think I will do the lower unit oil change, plugs and water pump change in the spring.

In addition to regular plugs and lower unit fluid, you should change the water pump impellor at least every 3 years.

I have found a tech who will come by the house and do all my maintainance for $40 per hour. I don't even have to move the boat let alone have it at a dealership for a week or so in line for the work.

You live around the Metromess right?

the factory shop manual for my vintage '79 rude says a "major" tune-up includes pulling the cylinder heads & manually cleaning the carbon out the cylinders.

I highly recommend changing your lower unit oil every year in the fall before the first freeze - just in case some water is getting in there, wouldn't want to crack the gearcase.

Thank you everybody!