2002 merc optimax question

[steelhead99]

This is my first year of bringing a boat out in the spring after its been winterized. Do I have to take the boat back to a shop so they can de-winterize or do I just charge batteries, bleed out the anti-freeze from the pumps at home, take it to the lake and turn the key? Like I said it's a 2002 135HP Mercury optimax outboard.

[MCF]

Get the boat ready like you would for a trip in the middle of summer, it does not need to be summerized.

[dewey123]

you can just drop it in the water and start it up. I just let it warm up real good and listen for anything not running right and turn on the bilge if there is any water in the boat to get it out and i like to take it for a good long ride and burn up the gas. I gradually ease it to full throttle and run wide open for a bit and work the steering wheel back and forth to make sure it is working good.

[NitroMusky]

I beg to differ. I have the EXACT same motor and year. You absolutely should be replacing your water pump impeller now. This is something that has to be done annually and especially after sitting for the winter the fins take a set and not work properly at low speeds (or high for that matter). These motors are already known for poor idle speed pressure without the added challenge of a bad impeller.

Since you have to do it every year, best to get in the cycle of spring replacement. You might get away with the old one right now since the water is still cold, but if it's missing a fin, you're asking for an overheat. That air pump is a grand if you seize it due to an overheat...an impeller is $15.

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