My boat is at that age

[SmokyMtnGrady]

When stuff needs to be replaced. I have had it new since 2009 and it seems every time I turn around something else needs replacing. I had a good run and now the maintenance life is kicking in. I am getting ready to go to Covid Largo, I mean Key Largo in a few weeks. Just replaced a number of things from the helm, fuel lines scupper hoses and more. On a shakedown lake cruise discovered a pinhole leak in my water line from the washdown pump to the deck fitting. I am likely going to replace it or use a bucket and the sea to wash the deck down when I fish.

I really like the 228 and there is something to be said knowing your boat . One day if I sell her it will be for a Marlin or if I am lucky maybe a 330. Until then I will maintain, fix and repair.

I was telling a friend that I have been boating now with power boats since 02 and I still feel like a novice , especially going in and out of inlets and with repairs. Some of y'all here are truly experts. I repaired my deck lid with a void. But I am not a glass guy. I went to you tube and tried my hand at it and I am thankful it's on corner of a lid not truly seen. The lesson I learned was the heart and head was willing but the body didn't come through. Lol.

This week I am installing a new caliper and bleeding the trailer brakes. Some of you know my tails of years of trailering to Florida and it was like for 4 or 5 years we had hub,wheel bearings and tires blow out along the interstate. Every trip it was something. Hopefully in two weeks it will be age travels. I just bought 4 new good year endurance tires and all my hubs run silent and will be repacked . I envy you guys on the water. No trailer hassles.

Oh,I just bought a new anchor, Forstress claims they are the best. I bent the shank of my galvanized steel one in Bimini a couple years ago. I didn't go anywhere last year so I sat on replacing it. In the keys I normally just tie up to a mooring buoy on the reefs but the anchor is a piece of safety equipment and you never know when you might need it.

 

[seasick]

2009 is young for that boat. All boats need maintenance. If you really like the boat, fix or get fixed what it needs.

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

2009 is young for that boat. All boats need maintenance. If you really like the boat, fix or get fixed what it needs.

Yep, it's a great boat. I work at keeping it nice. Besides, I repowered as you know in 17. Love that 4.2 liter 250 and digital throttle.

 

[Doc Stressor]

I did a bunch of stuff to my boat over the past year. It's the same age as yours. 10 years is the first benchmark for doing serious maintenance. I repowered since after 10 years an outboard is at the point where things start to happen. The new engine wiring harness also prevents a lot of electrical problems that will likely happen after 10 years. I replaced the scupper drain hoses and cockpit drains since the original plastic drains were breaking and one of the hoses was leaking. I replaced the horn 2 years ago and the new ones have already stopped working (I use a hand held air horn anyway since it is more reliable and makes more noise). I replaced the bilge pump float switch with an Ultra a few years back and I'm replacing the aft bilge pump this week. The windshield wiper motor was replaced, which was much harder than I figured it would be. I also got a new SeaStar helm that will go in this week as well. The wheel bushing on the original has gotten loose from hanging onto the helm will bouncing over the waves for 10 years.

The hose on my freshwater washdown (or shower) sprung a leak. I fixed it with duct tape but I probably should get around to replacing the hose.

The last thing I'm worried about is the wiring. I used to replace all of the wiring on my old Gradys every 5 years. Grady doesn't use tinned marine grade wiring or heat shrink connectors. I haven't had any gremlins yet. But as soon as I get the first electrical issue I'm going to re-wire everything.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I did a bunch of stuff to my boat over the past year. It's the same age as yours. 10 years is the first benchmark for doing serious maintenance. I repowered since after 10 years an outboard is at the point where things start to happen. The new engine wiring harness also prevents a lot of electrical problems that will likely happen after 10 years. I replaced the scupper drain hoses and cockpit drains since the original plastic drains were breaking and one of the hoses was leaking. I replaced the horn 2 years ago and the new ones have already stopped working (I use a hand held air horn anyway since it is more reliable and makes more noise). I replaced the bilge pump float switch with an Ultra a few years back and I'm replacing the aft bilge pump this week. The windshield wiper motor was replaced, which was much harder than I figured it would be. I also got a new SeaStar helm that will go in this week as well. The wheel bushing on the original has gotten loose from hanging onto the helm will bouncing over the waves for 10 years.

The hose on my freshwater washdown (or shower) sprung a leak. I fixed it with duct tape but I probably should get around to replacing the hose.

The last thing I'm worried about is the wiring. I used to replace all of the wiring on my old Gradys every 5 years. Grady doesn't use tinned marine grade wiring or heat shrink connectors. I haven't had any gremlins yet. But as soon as I get the first electrical issue I'm going to re-wire everything.

replace the damn red button breaker now!!!!

 

[Doc Stressor]

replace the damn red button breaker now!!!!

Is that a common problem? I've never had one fail.

 

[Blaugrana]

I did a bunch of stuff to my boat over the past year. It's the same age as yours. 10 years is the first benchmark for doing serious maintenance. I repowered since after 10 years an outboard is at the point where things start to happen. The new engine wiring harness also prevents a lot of electrical problems that will likely happen after 10 years. I replaced the scupper drain hoses and cockpit drains since the original plastic drains were breaking and one of the hoses was leaking. I replaced the horn 2 years ago and the new ones have already stopped working (I use a hand held air horn anyway since it is more reliable and makes more noise). I replaced the bilge pump float switch with an Ultra a few years back and I'm replacing the aft bilge pump this week. The windshield wiper motor was replaced, which was much harder than I figured it would be. I also got a new SeaStar helm that will go in this week as well. The wheel bushing on the original has gotten loose from hanging onto the helm will bouncing over the waves for 10 years.

The hose on my freshwater washdown (or shower) sprung a leak. I fixed it with duct tape but I probably should get around to replacing the hose.

The last thing I'm worried about is the wiring. I used to replace all of the wiring on my old Gradys every 5 years. Grady doesn't use tinned marine grade wiring or heat shrink connectors. I haven't had any gremlins yet. But as soon as I get the first electrical issue I'm going to re-wire everything.

Do you have a 228? I plan to replace and/ or add another aft bilge pump this fall but I’m not looking forward to it. Curious if you can share any pics of it in progress as I can’t imagine how I can reach the bottom after removing the live well. Good thing is the joining of the wires are right by the battery rather than down below.

 

[Blaugrana]

BTW...My 228 is 20 years old with all original equipment so I am sure I will be opening my wallet a lot in the next year to replace things on my boat as I learn what works, what doesn’t and what is beyond it’s serviceable years (I.e most hoses are stiff )

thankfully this site exists to help us through all of these repairs. Really appreciate all of the feedback and knowledge...

 

[SkunkBoat]

replace the damn red button breaker now!!!!

Is that a common problem? I've never had one fail.

It sits there with the wires and connections hidden for a decade or two and then you lose all lights, electronics and VHF when your drifting for tuna at midnight 90 miles east of the beach.

 

[wrxhoon]

replace the damn red button breaker now!!!!

Is that a common problem? I've never had one fail.

Can be on saltwater boats especially if you fish offshore with full livewell all the time. Water from the livewell drops under there ( overflowing from the top of the tank) and eventually the breaker corrodes. If you see rust marks under the breaker pull it off and at least inspect but have a proper marine breaker ready to replace it.
I replaced mine on my last boat , in my new boat (2013) is still like new ( surprised ) but I have a new one ready.

 

[seasick]

replace the damn red button breaker now!!!!

Is that a common problem? I've never had one fail.

My little red button is original, 19 years and has never been an issue on my 208. I think the life of that breaker and other below deck parts depends a lot on how wet or dry the bilge normally is. The aft bilge on my 208 is incredible dry ( so far)
Now I put the hex on!

 

[wrxhoon]

I don't know how well protected it is on a 208. You will never get water that far up on the 228 from the bilge , if water came that high it will be half way up the gunnel. Like I stated above if you fish on rough water with full livewell lid open water splashes out on to the seats next to the livewell and a lot will drain in the void , some will splash on the breaker due to rough water . My old boat didn't have the trays under the seats and I always remove the seats as I only use the boat for fishing, I don't want blood on them. My new 228 has trays and a cover so not much water will get under . The breaker GW use is not a marine breaker . The one in the picture is a good marine breaker, that's the one I used in my old boat.

 

[RussGW270]

I just replaced the aft bilge pump, as everyone knows, and found the thing was wired badly AND the red button breaker was bad. I just got a new one in the other day. Klixon 10A . It was like 30 bucks. The 4am was more than the dang 10amp, but ordering a new one of those next month as well. I plan to replace all 4, just not at once. The other two look pretty good, but the 4 and 10 were bad.

I also want a new shield. The clear plastic one that protects that aft panel is cracked on one side.

Will do the entire panel on the dash later.

To @SmokyMtnGrady - I guess I am lucky in that the brakes are solid. I replaced them due to the actuator, the pads at least... but the caliper shields were a royal pain. I wish that Kodiak had the shields for this model that allowed me to remove them without removing the hub.
when I bought the new axle, it came with hubs and I had to remove those to install the old caliper shields. If you get to pick... use the ones that slide over the axle, not the ones that slip over the hubs... will make replacing easier in the future.

Either way, not a hard job or too costly.. and the peace of mind knowing they are new is worth a lot too.

 

[Sdfish]

My 208 is a 1999 model. I bought it used and put a new motor on it. I am also slowly replacing stuff, access hatches, electronics, scupper hoses etc. I recently found a drip from scupper into the bilge, I checked the hoses and they are incredibly durable and look new, I just ended up using boatlife around the on deck scupper and problem solved. I order new scuppers and will replace when I see it re emerge or over the winter.

Your boat is pretty much brand new in my eyes!

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Do you have a 228? I plan to replace and/ or add another aft bilge pump this fall but I’m not looking forward to it. Curious if you can share any pics of it in progress as I can’t imagine how I can reach the bottom after removing the live well. Good thing is the joining of the wires are right by the battery rather than down below.

This fall I am pulling the live well. It's really the only way to access the bilge pump and all that stuff. I would be happy to share that experience. I am a safety freak so I want to replace stuff on the land and not have to use my epirb and sea tow out in the ocean. Lol.

 

[Doc Stressor]

Do you have a 228? I plan to replace and/ or add another aft bilge pump this fall but I’m not looking forward to it. Curious if you can share any pics of it in progress as I can’t imagine how I can reach the bottom after removing the live well. Good thing is the joining of the wires are right by the battery rather than down below.

It's a lot easier on my 226 than on a 228. No live well to remove.

 

[Ky Grady]

BTW...My 228 is 20 years old with all original equipment so I am sure I will be opening my wallet a lot in the next year to replace things on my boat as I learn what works, what doesn’t and what is beyond it’s serviceable years (I.e most hoses are stiff )

thankfully this site exists to help us through all of these repairs. Really appreciate all of the feedback and knowledge...

Mine is 16 years old but when I bought it, felt she deserved a full refresh. I've pretty much replaced everything on her except the motor. Was going to do the repower this fall but decided to be a responsible adult and pay some things off before I repower. Sucks to adult sometimes!! Fingers crossed the F225 will last a season or two more before I make the move to the F250.

Any questions ya'll have on the 228, I feel like I've been there and done that. Some of you use me as a phone a friend for 228 issues, which I'm good with. Easier to talk you through something than to try and explain in a text.

The bilge pump dive is a tough one. I lay a towel along the edge of livewell, and go in head first. It will make you sore the next day, but really no other way to do it.

 

[Blaugrana]

KY - I’ll definitely be reaching out once I finish my research in the Fall of what I want to do. Like you, I’ll have to figure out what I can do within a certain budget or my wife will not let me hear the end of it.
Upgrading to a 250hp would be nice, I’m looking forward to the day but hope I can get about 3-5 yrs before I have to do it.

If anyone does any replacing, definitely share your experiences and pics. I’ll do the same when I do...

 

[wfeagley]

The bilge pump dive is a tough one. I lay a towel along the edge of livewell, and go in head first. It will make you sore the next day, but really no other way to do it.

I recently had to replace the livewell pump on my 1999 228 and the leaning over is a pain. I used a couple of gardening kneeling pads as cushion for my chest. I recommend taking off the road holders from the front of the livewell before you start leaning over as they dig into your chest if you don't.

 

[Pighunter]

I just removed my live well on my 228 I think I spent more time worrying I would not be able to get down there do the work then I needed too. I replaced the bilge pump, all the hoses for live well and wash down pump. Then I installed a through hull transducer, That was the scariest part for me. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get it tight but it all worked out good. I'm 6'3" with long arms so that helped. Oh and a $40 knee pad from Ace hardware.