Hi everybody...
 

Hi everybody...

Just a quick introduction....I've been a Mariah owner for 6 years now and I just came across this site for the first time while researching a few questions about getting my boat ready for the season. I have a 2004 SX18 bowrider and I've had 6 great seasons on it so far. Hopefully going to get working on it today and have it seaworthy in a week or two. In the past I've always had the maintenance done at the dealer...but in the interest of saving a few $$$ I winterized it myself (with the help of a friend who is a mechanic) and I plan on doing the rest of the maintenance myself as well. If all goes as planned I'll have to repack the bearings, change the oil, change the gear lube, clean it up, and be ready to go (insert pic of crossed fingers here).

Good times...and happy boating!

Rick

Re: Hi everybody...
 

Welcome aboard Rick. Sounds like you have a bit of work ahead of you but summer's coming and you dont want to miss it. ;)

Re: Hi everybody...
 

Welcome aboard and good luck getting your ride ready. With some drive, a little patience and willingness to read and learn nothing about taking care of one yourself is hard.

Re: Hi everybody...
 

Thanks Guys. I went out and bought everything that I needed yesterday at BassPro...but wasn't able to get started on the projects. Will hopefully get started one night this week after work. I found a few tutorials online for the things that I need to do. So far the only thing that I have done myself was last year I replaced the starter and that was pretty straight forward. Can't wait to get on the water!

Rick

Re: Hi everybody...
 

Update on progress. So I repacked the bearings the other night and everything went well on the left side...but the right side bearings are shot. At the end of last season the grease cap somehow came off...and I have no idea how long it was off for...but I replaced it as soon as I noticed it. Anyway...the saltwater must have got in there and messed it up. Gonna install new bearing's on the right side this weekend.

I got it fired up for the first time this season and changed the oil last night, and am planning on doing the ger lube change and power washing this weekend. If all goes well I'll be on the water by next weekend.

Can't wait!