Aside from getting rid of the old fuel, what other things should I check out or watch closely once I get new gas and batteries in?

It is a 540 with dual carbs.

Yeah, yeah, I know - if I used it more, I wouldn't be asking this question.

Thanks-

Make sure pistons are not seized by cranking over by hand. go thru the carbs and check to make sure the oil pump is priming. Also replace the raw water pump.

Replace raw water impeller. Pull the spark plugs & spray some fogging oil in each cyl & turn over by hand. Reinstall plugs & disconnect coil. Use starter to turn over & build oil pressure. This is the procedure I use each spring. After running it for a few mins replace the fuel filters.

Fresh oil, and maby let the fogging oil
sit in the cylinders a few days before spinning the engine over.

You'll have it running by next week ?

How big is the cam?? May wanna test valve spring seat/open pressures to be sure the open ones aren't weak.

I seriously doubt it..................

I would squirt a little marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and let it sit.

Been hustling my azz off for the road trip myself. Everything I touch turns into a can of worms. Went to rotate & balance tires on the dually...sidewalls were dry rotted. Converted to elec/hyd & was servicing the wheel brg's yesterday..have to replace every single brg & possible a spindle. I still have not got my boat wet.