Post-ride maintenance will help ensure that your boat is ready the next time you want to ride. This is even more important if your boat has been used in salt water environments. Flushing the engine(s) is very important.
Flush your Boat
With the boat sitting level, attach the flush hose connector to the engine. A valve installed on the hose will make turning the water on and off much easier.
Start the engine and then turn on the water. Run the engine for about three minutes and then turn off the water slowly. Rev the engine slowly a few times to clear the exhaust of water and stop the engine. It is essential to follow the steps in this order; if not engine damage can occur.
Open the stern drain valves and thoroughly rinse the bilge engine and jet unit. Be sure and look for any damage while you do. Yamalube Bilge Cleaner is an excellent way to keep the interior of your boat clean. Your local Yamaha dealer also sells a Yamalube Marine Detail Kit. This kit contains everything you will need to keep the exterior paint and interior of your boat looking their best for years to come.
Let it Drain
Next, you want to raise the bow to allow all the water to drain out and will enable the unit to dry. Spray the engine liberally with Yamalube Silicone Spray.
This step will help keep the external rubber parts of your engine from drying out over time and help prevent salt corrosion on the engine. This is important even in freshwater environments.
If your boat is going to be stored for an extended period, be sure to remove the cleanout plug(s); disconnect the battery and preferably remove it from the unit and keep it on a trickle charger; top off the fuel tank and add Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner; one ounce to three gallons for normal use.
If the unit is not going to be used in the next 60 days, change the ratio to one ounce to one gallon. This will help keep your fuel fresh and potent. Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner Plus is designed to work specifically with ethanol fuels.
If this is the end of your riding season, you should have your Yamaha dealer change your engine oil and use Yamaha Fogging Oil before you put it into storage.
The simple post-ride routine will keep your boat ready to ride.