Boat maintenance questions

Hello all,

I’ve got a new-to-me 2012 Alumacraft Trophy just waiting for softwater. Problem is, the boat hasn’t been used since 2017. It’s got a full tank of gas, which I plan to pump out, but is there anything else I should do/be aware of before firing it up (it’s got a 115 Yamaha on it if that matters)? It was professionally winterized before being put in the garage, but it hasn’t been on the water since July 2017.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Carmike

Yes, pump the gas tank out and either have the fuel “polished” or dispose of it. I would not try to run fuel that old, it’s just asking for problems. Put some clean, fresh fuel in it.

Change the fuel filter, the engine oil/filter, and I would give a shot of fogging oil to each cylinder just to prevent a dry startup. Also check and gap the plugs when you have them out to apply the fogging oil. Check the lower unit oil or just change it to be sure it’s good.

The battery is probably shot or on its last legs. Have it tested and replace if necessary or even just for peace of mind.

Then I would personally want to put the “water muffs” on the engine, hook up a hose, and try to dry dock start it in the driveway. Where you go from there depends a lot on what happens, but my guess is that your engine will take right off and be good to go.

Once its started, I’d do a voltage test to make sure the alternator is working properly.

Congrats and good luck.

Grouse

I was going to recommend checking whatever batteries might still be in it too. You could test them and try doing a slow trickle charge if they’re still OK otherwise they’ll need replacing.

Do you know if the boat sat outside during that time? Primer bulbs can go bad quickly if left out in the elements. Once you change all the fuel and filters, check to see if the bulbs will pump gas and hold pressure.

Take the boat out and trailer it around for 30 miles. Get the gas sloshing around in the tank before pumping it out. Stir up some of that sediment.

CHECK THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
date stamped on bottom of bottle. Plus all your other required safety items – signaling, and so on

Treat it like the person before you didn’t do a dang thing. I would go over everything front to back/top to bottom regardless if it was “professionally” or not. Many things get missed or over looked. That way YOU know its done and done right

+1 one starting it in your driveway with the earmuffs. That is going to tell you everything you need to know about that OB in about 3 cranks… If it was stored properly it should fire right up. I’d replace all your fluids and filters. The only other things I can think of would be to make sure the impeller is circulating water well. Check all your pumps too. Bilge, Livewell, Circulater(sp) and so on. And check your float switch if you have one. Also +1 on the fire extinguisher too. I’d double check all your lights too to be sure there were no mice issues.

and above all.. enjoy the your new to you boat!!!!

Thanks, all. I’m actually excited to get working on it (that’s not normal for me, but then again, I can’t actually get it on the water, so monkeying on it is the next best thing).

Carmike
GO OVER THE HULL
Put it in the water and check your bilge.
Double check transom aswell. My 2012 alumacraft tunnel and transom required maintaince
Good luck

1st trip should be someplace close-exciting.