Winter Checklist

[II Lucky]

First season with our 97 Maxum 2700SCR which we store here on the farm under cover. Besides changing the engine oil, and outdrive oil is there any other recommendations of maintenance that should be done prior to spring cruising. Do you need to replace the impeller every season. The boat has a BII drive. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

[coolchange]

make sure the boat is completly covered..leaves, soot, dust all land and are a bit#h to get cleaned up.

make sure the tarp can drain and not form pockets (ponds), besure to remove the bilge plug and tip boat rearward. some say to take some weight off the tires by jacking the trailer onto stands. (ask Gene for the cheap trick....for that matter ask Gene how my boat is..I miss it and it is not coming home for the un-named holiday)

make sure the cabin can breath and air is circulating to some extent...keep mold and mildew at bay

in the past I have removed all food items, propped open the fridge, removed bedding and cushions, taken anchor and dock lines inside (mold/mildew) and cleaned (soak in downy or other fabric softner then rinse)

spray wd 40 where there may be corrosion

If your neighborhood has security issues buy a trailer lock, or remove a tire or two, a prop and kicker can walk away easily also..... :shock: :shock:

[Fred P]

You hit on some of the big ones. Out drive needs to be down to drain, or the pump will freeze or has. A fan and or a heater in the boat. Is your boat fresh or raw water cooled? How about your water tank? Put blocks under the back of the trailer to keep the out drive out of the dirt if a tire goes flat. Tape over the engine vents. Full fuel tank and fuel treatment. Change oil and filter. These are just a few of the things on the list.

Fred P......

[II Lucky]

The boat is winterized, covered, heated etc. It is a good thing since we here in the Willamette Valley have had a couple of weeks now of mid 20's at night. I am more interested in what routine maintenance you would do during the lay up time. Engine oil, drive oil, for sure but what about impellers, ?? other items that may need care. Do you change your impeller annually. I just realized that I should have posted this under the tech thread. oops. thanks again for the input.
p.s. good advice on the blocking of the trailer. I did have a tire go down and the boat ended up resting on the drive. I have had a problem since getting the trailer with the galvanized wheels not holding a good bead. I have since put jack stands under the frame just in case this should happen again.

[SomeSailor]

Impellors are a touchy one. I don't personally see any need to change them annually if you're doing the work yourself. On the other hand, if you're paying a mechanic to inspect the alignment annually, and change the fluids and do pressure vacuum check... you might as well spring for the $30 impeller blade.

I think with average use, you should get several years out of one. I changed mine once in the 5 years I had my 2355. Never had a hint of a problem. It's an easy job though.

[sunnydude2]

Here is a question regarding "breathing". I have posted of our boats condensation issues on the front hatch. Doing some research came across an idea of constructing a wooden box cover with hard insulation in it that you place over the hatch but enables you to have some airflow by leaving the hatch opened a bit.

Is this a good idea?

[coolchange]

IMHO its the damp stagnant air that is a problem and any device that will allow some airflow and no water/critter intrusion would be a benefit. Note: its an opinion based on my experience and others may have a different take.

The only time I ever close the vent windows is in rough water. I also tip my cushions on edge so the storage areas can breath and the underside of the cushions have access to light and fresh air. I do not have a mold problem inside the boat. :D

[coolchange]

IMHO its the damp stagnant air that is a problem and any device that will allow some airflow and no water/critter intrusion would be a benefit. Note: its an opinion based on my experience and others may have a different take.

The only time I ever close the vent windows is in rough water. I also tip my cushions on edge so the storage areas can breath and the underside of the cushions have access to light and fresh air. I do not have a mold problem inside the boat. :D

[Go Aweigh2452]

you can say that again!

But really, I agree, any air that circulates and or keeps the interior dry is good!