Good post
One thing I would add is to check all cables (especially remote steering and throttle cables). My 8hp yam snapped a throttle cable on the bench when I was flushing out after removing the bouat from yhe harbour in November.
As steering rod stiffness has cropped up a few times in recent posts, It might be worth doing a bit of preventitive maintainence there to prevent problems.
It was ChrisP I think? That originally posted this good tip and I now do the following procedure regularly:
This is assuming you don't have a grease nipple fitted on your steering ferrule to give a squirt with the grease gun now and again!
Turn the wheel and fully extend the rod on full lock and grease the rod liberally. Retract the rod on opposite full lock to get the grease in to the female tube. Then do the whole process over again a few times.
If you are leaving the boat for any length of time slap a big dollop round where the rod exits to prevent moisure getting in over a period of time. Don't forget to grease the linkage to the motor as well while you are in the area.
Your steering will then remain sound and ready for use without any worries if you follow the above procedure.
Prevention is better than cure as they say.
Chris also mentioned waxing your motor for storage and leaving it unpolished. Waxoyl as already mentioned works even better. Just brush or spray it on and it it soaks in and when dry leaves a thick wax waterproof coating.
