Should I change my oil?
 

I had my oil and yearly service done last season but only used my boat 3 times this past season. And when I did, I had my 2 and 4 year old sticking at cruising speed. Does oil go bad? Can I get buy this season? Its a 27' V bottom w/ 650 pfaff motor. All serviced at Paul Pfaff's shop.

In Cali you probably can, but someone on here that is an oil expert might think otherwise.

Here in MI I change mine every year regardless of hours because I figure being frozen all winter can't be good for it, but I doubt you have that problem.

No freezing weather here at the Beach. Just got a little cold. I just don't know if oil starts to break down when not ran for approx. 6 months

Check it at the dipstick at least and make sure it's not milky. Oil can pick up moisture from the ambient air. I would change it anyway, just in case.

+1

an oil change is cheap insurance.

I agree with the cheap insurance aspect but in your case no, sounds like you have under 10 hours. I go 25 hours on my stroker, sometimes it gets 2-3 changes a season if I have just changed it and it is time to winterize I leave it and will get my 25 on it next season. I am fresh water cooled so my oil stays extremely clean with -0- signs of moisture, it comes out as clean as it goes in.

just like on your road vehicles........ 3mo or 3000 miles
a boat is no different much worse actually
i do 25 to 30 hr changes religiously and i also use synthetic after break in period
dirty or old oil is excatly what it is....... dirty and old
regardless

LETS SEE,OIL&FILTER CHANGE 100.DOLLARS.YOUR ENGINES COST 18,000.DOLLARS.CHANGE THE OIL.:party-smiley-004:

Thanks for the resposnes. Just picked up a jabsco pump. I agree better safe then sorry. For some reason I can't get past the oil just sitting for 6 months even though it probably only has 6 hours on it.

Well i think youll be fine, sure better safe than sorry. And changing oils or oil brands are like you know what everybody has one. But as long as you stick to what the manufacture says. check the oil to make sure there is nothing in it and store. Mechanics have gotten everybody in this mode to change oil every so many hours or miles and lately its coming out you dont need it as often as what was previously thought. I mean i got the 2010 camaro, mechanics say change it every 3000mi, the car tells me about every 5-6. Not bashing anyone, and im sure some have engine who really eat through oil, its just that changing oil as frequent as some say is not neccessary