Category Archives: boat lower unit service

Finally, Spring is here. Time to start getting the boat ready.

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The boat has been stored waiting for the first signs of spring. Depending where you live, now might be the time to start preparing for the boating season.  

First let me start with a quick outline of what I think makes a good spring checklist for boat owners. In the next posting I’ll go into more detail.


This is just a very brief overview of the preparation a boat owner needs to go through to get ready for the season.  Each boat will be a little different depending on the specific systems. If any of this seems like something the boat owner doesn’t want to undertake, call the boat service center and have them get the boat ready. 
Before you take the boat to the water
1.     Exterior inspection
a.     Wash, wax and repair
b.     Fitting and cleats
2.     Interior    
a.     Clean and patch  cushions and carpet
b.     Clean and protect wood
c.     Bilges, tanks and through hulls
3.     Systems
a.     Head
b.     Water
c.     Galley
4.     Engines
a.     Oil change
b.     Fuel systems
c.     Cooling systems
d.     Drive units
e.     Propellers
5.     Trailer
a.     Couplers
b.     Tires and wheels
c.     Bearings
d.     Lights
6.     Extras
a.     PFD
b.     Fire protection
c.     Registrations
d.     Insurance

Quick checklist and maintenance for stern drive units.

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Stern drive lower unit maintenance checklist

1.       Inspect for lower unit for chips, leakage, anode and propeller.
2.       Make sure lower unit is in the down position for at least ½ hours before draining gear lube.
3.       Remove bottom drain plug first, the slower draining makes it easy to inspect the used lubricant.
4.       Remove the top drain plug.
5.       Fill with correct gear lube from the bottom up. 
6.       Replace top drain plug when lube overfills then replace lower plug quickly.
7.       Remove propeller and check for fishing line, wire or other items that will damage the seal around the prop shaft.
8.       Repair or replace propeller as needed. If it’s painted, rough the surface with sand paper or abrasive cloth, clean with thinner or acetone to remove grease and repaint propeller before installation.
9.       Remove or sand corrosion and scratches on the lower unit. Clean with thinner or acetone and repaint with appropriate paint.  Some minor corrosion can be removes with the abrasive cloth and a cola product.

10.     Lubricate the tilt hinge and clean the polished struts on the hydraulic tilt unit.  Dirt and scratches can damage the seals in the hydraulic cylinders. If you don’t have a high quality metal polish you can always use a little Crest toothpaste. 
And don’t forget to winterize if you live in the cold weather states.