What to have done for summer prep on near new boat

[SkaterRace]

I bought a new glastron GT 185 with the 200HP 4.5L Merc last year and ran it for the season for just under 20 hours. Last fall I had them winterize the boat, that included (according to invoice) shrink wrap, winterization (assume fluid?), changes oil and filter, added fuel stabilizer, changed I/O oil, and anti-freeze.

I am now wondering if I should have them serivce it this spring, told the spring commissioning includes a multi point inspection including belts, drive oil, engine oil, battery levels, "and so on"

Do I tell them to go ahead with the service or not?

Another question related would be if they don't do the service can I just start the engine without doing any work like flushing it out?

Totally new to I/O and newer boats, always had a 70's merc outboard until this new boat.

 

[alldodge]

They should have changed oil and filter, changed drive lube at minimum

The "Multi point inspection" is a gimmick, which means remove the wrap and start the boat. They will look at it and see if something else needs to be done, but they should have done that when winterizing.

Your comment tells me that your not comfortable with doing any work on the motor, so it may be worth letting them do it (depending on what the cost is)

 

[SkaterRace]

They should have changed oil and filter, changed drive lube at minimum

The "Multi point inspection" is a gimmick, which means remove the wrap and start the boat. They will look at it and see if something else needs to be done, but they should have done that when winterizing.

Your comment tells me that your not comfortable with doing any work on the motor, so it may be worth letting them do it (depending on what the cost is)

Yes I believe they changed oil and filter and drive lube as that is on the fall invoice.

You are right I am not comfortable working or an engine, never learned and have little interest to learn much mostly due to limited time for now.

The cost for the spring commissioning is $350 CAD and I have no clue if it's needed. Seems a bit high considering I had them do the work in the fall

 

[alldodge]

Being that high, I would want to know exactly what they do for it. Just ask, they shouldn't have a problem answering

I'm assuming your boat is on a trailer or rack stored

 

[SkaterRace]

Being that high, I would want to know exactly what they do for it. Just ask, they shouldn't have a problem answering

I'm assuming your boat is on a trailer or rack stored

Yeah it is on a trailer stored at the marina year round. That's the full list they gave me so I'm guessing it's not worth it if it's such a short list of things that seem simple to do - not that I'd know lol

 

[ThomW]

Did they store your batteries there on a trickle charge, or did you take them with you? As long as you have good charged batteries and are comfortable with hooking up the batteries I would not pay $350.00 to have them cut off the wrap, hook it up to a hose, and crank it over. Just make sure you connect all the wires back to the batteries. Make sure all connections are clean and rust free. If they did what they billed you for in the fall--oil, filter, gear lube, and pumped anti-freeze you should be fine to start up.

Also--MAKE SURE to either ask them or check yourself to make sure the replaced the drain plugs in the engine block. I would assume they did if you were charged fro anti-freeze. I'd guess they drained it, then pumped it full of anti-freeze, but some places also drain, flush with anti-freeze and leave plugs out til spring.

 

[SkaterRace]

Did they store your batteries there on a trickle charge, or did you take them with you? As long as you have good charged batteries and are comfortable with hooking up the batteries I would not pay $350.00 to have them cut off the wrap, hook it up to a hose, and crank it over. Just make sure you connect all the wires back to the batteries. Make sure all connections are clean and rust free. If they did what they billed you for in the fall--oil, filter, gear lube, and pumped anti-freeze you should be fine to start up.

Also--MAKE SURE to either ask them or check yourself to make sure the replaced the drain plugs in the engine block. I would assume they did if you were charged fro anti-freeze. I'd guess they drained it, then pumped it full of anti-freeze, but some places also drain, flush with anti-freeze and leave plugs out til spring.

I've sent off an email to the actual mechanic instead of the marina manager/owner to see what is included in the $350 and what would be the minimum I'd need to do in order to be summer ready. I didn't include asking about the drain plugs but will make sure I do on the next email. Just out of curiosuity, what would happen if those plugs on the engine were left out? I know if you leave the bilge plug out it is a very bad day but unsure on engine drain plugs.

 

[ThomW]

If they were left out over the winter and motor was drained properly--nothing.

If they were out and you took the boat out on the lake the engine block would not hold in any water, it would spray all over your engine compartment, motor would not cool properly, and probably fry your engine. :grumpy:

 

[SkaterRace]

If they were left out over the winter and motor was drained properly--nothing.

If they were out and you took the boat out on the lake the engine block would not hold in any water, it would spray all over your engine compartment, motor would not cool properly, and probably fry your engine. :grumpy:

Wow thanks good to know will make sure to mention that as well