spring boat tasks

[Star Song]

Hi there, I am very happy to have found this site. Great amount of experience being shared among AS fans.
I unfortunately have very little to contribute, as this is my first boat.
I would like some advice on what routine tasks  should be done in order to get a boat out of winter storage and ready for a fun safe boating season.
Thanks in advance!

[Straight A's]

I see you have an IO/OB.  Part of it depends on what was done in the winter.  Here is what I typically do:

Put lower unit back on the boat, and replace water pump every 2 years.
Drain oil in lower unit replace, every spring
Pain outdrive with outdrive antifoul paint (after sanding)
Replace thermostat in the engine every 2 years.
Start motor and watch all the smoke go (put on rabbit ears of course)
Wash and apply a really good coat of wax.
Put her in and have fun.
After the first or second tank of gas you can change plugs if you want.
Change oil.
I think that is it.....I might of forgot something.

If this is your first boat and it is an IB/OB........Find out when the last time the bellows were changed along with the reisers and manifolds.  It is important to keep an eye on these key items.

Have fun!

[Star Song]

Thanks for your reply Straight A's.  A boat shop winterized my boat, so I assume everything that needed to be done, was done.  I am making a checklist for myself. Thanks for helping!

[JimCt]

Star Song, welcome!

Can you post some pictures of your 240?  I have a '74 240 I'm restoring and am most interested in seeing sisterships.  You can see pix of my boat in the rebuilds forum.

[Star Song]

JimCt,  thanks for the welcome!
I have a few pictures from when I first bought my boat and I will try to post them.  I have not started any restoration yet, just covered the seats temporarily and put on some fresh bottom paint.
I have enjoyed following your restoration thread.

[Star Song]

[Straight A's]

Nice looking set up.  Looking her over I have a few other suggestions if you don't mind.

The teak.......I just refurbished my teak with Cytol Marine and it really really worked wonders and cuts down on the maintenance.

I always keep my oudrive in down position except for trailering...it is better for the bellow and joints that way (so they say).....

Trailer, keep some extra bearings and tools with ya if you are going to trailer.  

That is a great looking boat....you are gonna love it.

[Star Song]

S.A,  I will gladly accept any suggestions.  This is my first boat, and I have a lot to learn and am eager to do so.  I have always loved Aquasports, and was THRILLED to find this one. She has the exact layout I was hoping for, and came with so many things that I will not have to purchase anytime soon, such as a good anchor and chain, trailer, fully enclosed canvas(most of it never used), stereo, porta-p(new,thank you!), PFD's, antenaes, manual, previous owner's log, swim ladder.

I took a chance and bought it at a charity auction and although I have not had a great deal of time to use it, when I have I am all smiles and so are my kids. I was fortunate to have a good friend fire up the motor and get it going for me.

Thanks for the suggestions. I know absolutely nada about motors and outdrives. All I can do is worry about the cosmetics.  I will attack the teak and hire the seats out....I think that may be less expensive than buying new?
I do have a question though.....what the heck are stringers and how do I know if mine are ok?
thanks

[Straight A's]

Do a search on here or classicmako.  Stringers are, in some boats, wood encased in fiberglass laid lengthwise as a structure for the hull and floor.  They meet the transom.  The only way to know if they are rotten is to tear into them. I would not worry about unless you are having transom rot problems (you can peck on the hull and find out).  If you have transome mount transducers I would pull them off inspect, shoot epoxy in the screw holes and remount.  One boat I bought the previous owner didn't even put any sealant in when he put the ducers on.  I wet slip, and found out the hard way. I just assumed he would have used 4200.