Outboard Water Pumps.....

[Duffman]

When you guys replacing them? Just curious?

I typically run 70-80 hours per season. Last did the pump spring 2017. Had a little “mishap” in GKH 🤣 last year in the fall and sucked up sand.

Pulled it all apart yesterday to get a new kit in. Old stuff was pristine. Rubber pliable and housing and all other components looked good.

[Flygaff]

I replace my water pumps every three years. I have never had a pump issue

[Gfedor]

I've been blessed with a family friend who is a boat mech, every 2 years for me, I know overkill, but better safe then sorry. A guy I work with just did his after 5 yrs, he said all looked good and was still working great, go figure

[Capt. Debbie]

Funny. I must be blessed. KNOCK ON WOOD. I have never changed a factory water pump out of any of the three O/B's I've had. All Mercs of different sizes. 9.9, 20, and 25hps

The longest rum was a Mercury 20hp carb job from purchased new in the mid 1980's I sold in 2007. That O/B had over 20 seasons and I average about 55 hours per year. SO that's a 1000 hour motor.

Garage kept off season flushed religiously every time.

Maybe I'm lucky? Or they just run longer on smaller O/B's

[Foul Hook]

I understand your anguish. Impeller is still flexible but you have it apart and bought new kits , you kinda feel stuck. I usually go 3 yrs as long as its pissing good. Used after market pumps last year and when we went in this year to change seals we had to cut impellers off the shafts with a grinder. Lesson learned. Good luck.

[hammer4reel]

Very 2 years .
It’s worth the price of the kit to just do it and grease the shafts so they come apart easy .