Getting ready for boating season

[Tski17]

Guys,

Bought my boat last summer, so this is the first time I am breaking it out of winter hibernation on my own. I am hoping someone can give me some pointers and let me know all the things I should be doing (fluids, things to check, etc) to make sure I'm running smooth all season long. Any help is greatly appreciated. The boat is a Zt240 with 496/Bravo 1. Also, I replaced my hub last week (I have a Bravo One 24p 4 Blade) and saw that the sleeve that was on there is metal and the one I am replacing it with is a hard plastic. Is this plastic really strong enough, especially when I will be pulling tubes and often have several people on the boat with me? Appreciate any help guys, still trying to learn the ropes.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Big Red]

I run a solid hub on mine I feel thats the best way to go.

Change the

engine oil
drive oil
water impeller
fuel filter
grease gimble bearing and other available fittings
spark plugs depending on the last time changed
first time out keep a close eye on the engine for water leaks

 

[bigsbetter]

I run the plastic hub. I check mine every now and then, a couple times a year and when I see the cracks I replace it for 20.00. The plastic ones are sopposed to be good to 400-425 horsepower. I'm over that and it works for me in my 251 Convincor w26P Bravo 1.

 

[happy]

I'd leave the plugs alone, they are extended life, expensive, and 99.9% of the time there's nothing wrong with them until you use the wrong socket to pull them out and crack the plug. You'll need a thin-wall-swivel 5/8 spark plug socket and a 3" extension and a slim line wratchet makes that plug removal a snap ! keep your metal prop sleeve for a spare.

 

[bigsbetter]

The truth is...the metal prop sleeve will without a doubt handle more horsepower... but the plastic prop sleeve wil handle ALOT of power and will give...just a little when and if you hit something....a log or a rock or whatever...to save your outdrive/prop shaft.. it's up to you ...each has their place. If i RAN on the ocean..I'd run a metal sleeve...but I run on the river, so I'll run a "safety" plastic sleeve,

 

[safetynut]

Have to agree...

I run the plastic sleeve and it is designed to "break free" if you hit something or run aground in the shallows which is one hell of alot better than "not breaking free" and losing the shaft or the lower unit.

I have not had any problem running the hard plastic sleeve. I just bought a new labbed prop and prop kit for mine and the old sleeve had wear but help up fine.