maintenance schedule

[aggie_boater]

Hello all,

I am a new 195 sport owner. What is the best maintenence schedule to keep the engine and stern drive in great shape? I bought it new and had the break in service done last summer. I had it winterized in November and I am sitting at about 58 hours now.

We love the boat and being a newbie I thought it best to ask others. Thanks in advance for the help.

AB

 

[skibum]

Get your drive serviced yearly (lube changed yearly, alignment checked at least bi-annually, gimbal greased, coupler lubed, and re-torque steering arm U bolt).

Change your engine oil, filter, and fuel filters every year. Check plugs to see if she's running right. Check / change sea water pump impeller at least every other year, maybe more if you hang out in shallow water near sand.

That'll get you started. I'm sure others will tell you what I missed.

 

[ZZ13]

Regarding the gimbal grease fitting - can one just use the same grease in the gun used for the bearing buddy wheel bearings? Or is there some special marine gimbal bearing grease to use?

 

[TexasA&M]

Where on Lake Travis are you? That is where I prefer to hang out, but with the water so low this year, we haven't been out there since early May.

As far as maintenance, I used to take the boat in for the yearly service, but I've done it myself the last couple of years. I have just changed the oil, filters, and outdrive oil. I will probably take it in this winter to have the outdrive fully serviced as it's been a couple of years now.

I also changed my impeller a couple of years ago, and at 4 years old at the time with 250hrs on it, and was basically brand new. I changed it anyway because once you tear it apart to check it, you might as well change it. I don't think I will check it again for another couple of years.

The only winterizing I do is draining the block before I put her up for the winter (other than the standard stuff discussed above). I crank her up every 6 weeks or so during the winter to help keep everything lubed up. My last trip is usually in November, and I put her back in the water in March, so she doesn't sit for too long, compared to other parts of the country.

 

[aggie_boater]

we keep the boat at VIP marina in Volente. Since we are in a slip we have been out on the lake almost every weekend. With the water so low not many places to put a boat in this summer.

Thanks for the info!!