Thread: Some general questions.

Change oil in lower unit once a year ( in the fall before cold weather) Change plugs once a year, change water pump impellor every two years.

what "G" said x 2. Don't forget to maintain your trailer too.

Got it fellas I will sure do it.

You hit the nail right on the head as the feller said. It all boils down to how well a used rig was taken care of.

Is 300 to 500 hours a lot for a boat motor if well taken care of?

I bought a used boat in '09 and took it to a mechanic for an evaluation. Long story short, they took advantage of me and everything they did had to be re-done within a year. The most important point I'm making is that you have to have a GOOD mechanic to go thru a mechanical AND electronic check. Switchbox, trigger, stator, and other things make a huge difference in the way it runs. Mine electronics were weak and the first guy never checked them. Compression is another thing that needs to be checked by a pro and the results written down. I found another mechanic through some friends and within 30 minutes was on the path to a boat that now is dependable like an old chevy. I don't mean to try to talk bad about used boats or mechanics, just a few things to look for with a new to you boat. If it's a glass boat, know how to check the transom and other concealed wood for rot. If you insist on a tip to the mechanic before laying down the Benjamin's and the seller makes a stink, that speaks volumes about the deal. Good luck with your deal, keep your eyes open, and I hope you get a good one. It's been long road but mine is sweet and I'm into it for about a third of a new one. SHOW PICS!!!

What size motor are we talking about?
I does make a difference on the type of maintance also.

Originally Posted by skeetbum

I bought a used boat in '09 and took it to a mechanic for an evaluation. Long story short, they took advantage of me and everything they did had to be re-done within a year. The most important point I'm making is that you have to have a GOOD mechanic to go thru a mechanical AND electronic check. Switchbox, trigger, stator, and other things make a huge difference in the way it runs. Mine electronics were weak and the first guy never checked them. Compression is another thing that needs to be checked by a pro and the results written down. I found another mechanic through some friends and within 30 minutes was on the path to a boat that now is dependable like an old chevy. I don't mean to try to talk bad about used boats or mechanics, just a few things to look for with a new to you boat. If it's a glass boat, know how to check the transom and other concealed wood for rot. If you insist on a tip to the mechanic before laying down the Benjamin's and the seller makes a stink, that speaks volumes about the deal. Good luck with your deal, keep your eyes open, and I hope you get a good one. It's been long road but mine is sweet and I'm into it for about a third of a new one. SHOW PICS!!!

This was the exact thing I was wondering. I wasn't sure if it was over the top to ask to take it to a marina and have it once over or what. I will definitely have the compression checked, and the electronics checked. I'm definitely going to have someone show me what the wood rot looks like too. Thanks a bunch Skeet.