Preventative Maintenance & what to replace

[Captain Quest]

Starting to get more excited about launch day & want to have the boat in perfect shape for the season

Not just cosmetically but under the hatches too

So....I bought 16 new spark plugs, wires & dist caps, am repacking all 4 stuffing boxes on drive shafts & rudder. Put a new water heater in at the end of last season, new window flocking & the oil & filters have been changed & here's where I start saying do I or don't I.....impellers, water pumps, alternators (belts for sure). One of the starter motors is a little slow or tight when the engines are warm so do I replace one, two or none yet ? just want to avoid any trouble this season but don't want to bust the bank either, so how far do some of you go with preventative vs necessary. also if I have missed something of great importance please mention it here.
Once again thanks in advance for all of your most valuable input

 

[Sum Escape]

That's a good start with the electrical components and stuffing boxes. Here are a number of other items "off the top"
- Integrity of all through hulls and hose quality...no cracks or brittle spots. Be sure to check hoses on engines genny and air conditioning systems
- Impellers in genny each year, engine impellers every other year
- Batteries...load test to be sure. 4 or 5 years max on a wll maintained lead/acid wet cell
- Engine "spin on" fuel filters every other year (or sooner if any issue with fuel)
- Clean spark arrestors on carbs
- Coolant change if closed system
- Transmission oil change every other year
- Check all zincs, engine, trim tabs, genny etc
- Inspect bonding / ground system for corrosion and correct any deficiencies
- Lubricate A/C water pump
- Clean all sea strainers
- Lubricate sea cocks
Starters, alternators, cutlass bearing inspection are out of my pay grade but you may want a professional opinion here.
Good luck! C'mon Spring!

 

[Quint4]

The biggest killer of marine engines is water intrusion (usually through neglected exhaust components). Buy two sets of Merc gaskets (not the cheap ones) and pull your Elbows and risers for inspection.
If all is well, torque them back to spec with the new Merc graphite impregnated gaskets in place.