Winterization Qn

[tgator96]

Hi, all. We purchased a 2012 230 in May and are taking it to the dealer for winterization. It has about 90 hours on it. I of course plan to change oil and filter along with winterizing the engine, V-Drive, Ballast and heater.

Dealer is suggesting I also service the transmission, lube steering, replace impeller and winterize the trailer. Are these items necessary (or at least suggested) for a 5-month-old boat with 90 hours?

Thanks

[Quinner]

Not a V-Drive expert, on a DD I always change out the trans fluid, pretty easy if you have a pump, DD uses DexMerc fluid. Trans + motor oil & filter should be changed every 50hrs. If you have a Zerk fitting in or around the stern to lube the rudder hit that for sure. Remove the Impeller and inspect it, properly cared for they will last many many years, I would keep a spare on hand though. No idea what winterizing a trailer would entail, lol. If you have oil bath hubs check for moisture and proper fluid level.

If the boat is accessible during layup it will help extend the life of the steering cable if you crank the wheel back and forth several times every month or so, also bounce sheets in the boat supposedly deters rodents.

[AirTool]

, lube steering

Lube the steering? wtf? I hope he means the rudder as quinner suggested.

putting lube in a lubeless cable ruins the polymer. Plus it makes a mess.

Don't change your impeller until the spring...or take it out now and re-use it in the spring.

[countiemountie]

Lube the steering? wtf? I hope he means the rudder as quinner suggested.

putting lube in a lubeless cable ruins the polymer. Plus it makes a mess.

Don't change your impeller until the spring...or take it out now and re-use it in the spring.

Question: I thought trans fluid in a car is generally good for 100k miles? Changing it every year seem like overkill...

Question #2 : What if you fill the engine block with anti-freeze with the impeller still in?? When I first got a boat, I changed it at the end of the season and noticed no wear with this method. Now I'm up to a 3 year inspection. Still no wear.

Question #3: The manual says to change the Fcc? fuel filter every year (at $40 at pop). I was talking to a well know FLA ski instructor that says changing it out like that isn't necessary if I'm putting it good gas and change out the in-line filter every year. Your opinion and feedback

[AirTool]

Question: I thought trans fluid in a car is generally good for 100k miles? Changing it every year seem like overkill...

Question #2 : What if you fill the engine block with anti-freeze with the impeller still in?? When I first got a boat, I changed it at the end of the season and noticed no wear with this method. Now I'm up to a 3 year inspection. Still no wear.

Question #3: The manual says to change the Fcc? fuel filter every year (at $40 at pop). I was talking to a well know FLA ski instructor that says changing it out like that isn't necessary if I'm putting it good gas and change out the in-line filter every year. Your opinion and feedback

1. Yep. Every time I change my tranny fluid, it looked exactly like the new I put in. Maybe I'm wasting 8 bucks and 15 minutes / year.

2. The impeller takes a set. The life of an impeller is as follows (length of life) 1: out of the pump 2: in the pump and running 3:in the pump and not running. Also, be careful about "wear"...as that is not always the problem. Sometimes the just lose effectiveness because of the "set". Sometimes blades are fatigued and just peel off. Visual inspection may not help. Impellers can last for many years....or not.

3. There are several of us on the board that went more than a year w/o an FCC filter change...and were surprised/alarmed at its condition. Note that I don't have the inline filter and don't want one. If you do have an in-line filter your are changing, you still need to change the FCC filter at some point. Things soaking in gasoline don't last forever even if they are clean.

[iguana92]

I assume the fuel filter can be picked up locally at an AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts? I have not pulled the old one yet and do not have a part number/brand. I've got a 2006 PCM 330 Ex.

[jmo]

... and winterize the trailer.

Thats a new one, what exactly is the dealer doing to the trailer to "winterize" it? Granted maintaining the trailer is important: make sure your bearings are full with clean grease, seals are still intact, making sure the brakes are still working, etc. I assume they really mean just annual items to check, which should take very little time unless something needs to be fixed.

[AirTool]

I assume the fuel filter can be picked up locally at an AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts? I have not pulled the old one yet and do not have a part number/brand. I've got a 2006 PCM 330 Ex.

I don't think so....get it from here: http://www.nautiqueparts.com/fuelfilter-pcmfcc.aspx

Use code PND to save 10%

To optimize freight, order some boat babes and some Zcare while you're at it. ....maybe an impeller, too.

http://www.nautiqueparts.com/zcarevinylcleaner.aspx

[countiemountie]

I believe some maintenance should be done like clockwork, like changing the oil. I also believe that some folks are a bit too anal retentive, i.e. changing the plugs every year, measuring the trans fluid coming out with a measuring cup so they can put the EXACT amount back in, changing the oil in the fall AND spring...

You would think changing out an impeller every year would be advisable as it's recommended by PCM; however, my experience of examining an impeller at the end of the season and it's still looking new may be the result of me filling the whole block with anti freeze (thus the impeller is sitting in AF while in storage). Dealers don't to that. BTW, I have read of folks dropping in a new impeller only to have it immediately fail.

[AirTool]

I believe some maintenance should be done like clockwork, like changing the oil. I also believe that some folks are a bit too anal retentive, i.e. changing the plugs every year, measuring the trans fluid coming out with a measuring cup so they can put the EXACT amount back in, changing the oil in the fall AND spring...

You would think changing out an impeller every year would be advisable as it's recommended by PCM; however, my experience of examining an impeller at the end of the season and it's still looking new may be the result of me filling the whole block with anti freeze (thus the impeller is sitting in AF while in storage). Dealers don't to that. BTW, I have read of folks dropping in a new impeller only to have it immediately fail.

No more soup for you !! ...come back, one year !!