TitanTn
Active Member
- Jul 12, 2015
- 386
- Boat Info
- 1986 Saltare, 1998 400 Express
- Engines
- 454 direct drive; twin 3116TA
Well, I'm not going to hit you over the head too hard with a maintenance list. Everyone has a slightly different opinion as to what's important, so I'm just going to comment on some of your specific questions.
Gimbal bearings don't need replacing on a certain schedule like you should do with impellers. They shouldn't be ignored however. They can be greased every year, but you only need to replace when you hear them going bad. Personally I believe in the idea that impellers should be replaced every other year, but some people go for a long time between changes. It's up to you. Bellows should be inspected every year, but you don't do anything until you see them close to failing. With proper care they can last for many years. The best thing you can do for your bellows is to store the outdrive in the down position. Leaving the drive up stretches the rubber and will lead to a shorter life-span.
The basics include what you know. Changing fluids, filters, and just inspecting as much of every system as possible. The bottom paint shouldn't need attention for several more years, but now is a good time to consider either cleaning what you can in the water or pulling it for a proper pressure wash.
I hope that helps some. To me, it really doesn't need to be overwhelming. Take care of the basic things and while you're doing it, just inspect and observe. You'll learn a lot, feel more confident about your boat systems, and save some money in the process.
Gimbal bearings don't need replacing on a certain schedule like you should do with impellers. They shouldn't be ignored however. They can be greased every year, but you only need to replace when you hear them going bad. Personally I believe in the idea that impellers should be replaced every other year, but some people go for a long time between changes. It's up to you. Bellows should be inspected every year, but you don't do anything until you see them close to failing. With proper care they can last for many years. The best thing you can do for your bellows is to store the outdrive in the down position. Leaving the drive up stretches the rubber and will lead to a shorter life-span.
The basics include what you know. Changing fluids, filters, and just inspecting as much of every system as possible. The bottom paint shouldn't need attention for several more years, but now is a good time to consider either cleaning what you can in the water or pulling it for a proper pressure wash.
I hope that helps some. To me, it really doesn't need to be overwhelming. Take care of the basic things and while you're doing it, just inspect and observe. You'll learn a lot, feel more confident about your boat systems, and save some money in the process.
