Winterizing mercruisers sterndrives??

[mwdgolf]

I realize summer is here but I have questions about winterizing sterndrives. I've always had outboards and I'm sort of new to sterndrives. Bought the boat(1997 330 sundancer) end of last summer. My "new" marina suggested where there wasn't any proper service records about any work done to the outdrives that before I store the boat for the winter I should remove both outdrives and do a basic service to them. Which include remove props and grease the shafts, pressure check and change the gear oil, replaced all the zincs, and check the gear shaft and gimbal. My real question is....most of all the services can be done while still on the boat and does the gear shaft and gimbal (not sure if I'm saying it correctly) needs to be checked every year. Why not every other season. FYI, I don't put a lot of hours on the boat. I ask this question because it cost me about $500 just to remove and reinstall the outdrives. Seems pointless. Some professional advice would be great.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JimG]

Not a professional, but anual should include - change gear lube, inspect anodes... clean/replace as necessary, inspect boots and bellows... replace as necessary, grease coupler, and store in full down position.

 

[Strecker25]

Removing the drives is pretty easy. Bravo's are heavy, so two people would be necessary, but you should check engine alignment, bellows, and grease the gimbal bearing if it's a non sealed type every year. I pull our alpha's and just take them home for the winter. Makes working on them much more pleasant since I can do it at my leisure in a warm basement.