Welcome to the forum. 2-strokes are relatively easy to work on compared to their 4-stroke counterparts.
If you're mechanically minded, then there's no reason why you can't undertake the annual maintenance work yourself. If not, find a local marine engineer and entrust the work to them. Look after the engine and it will last years.
This list is not exhaustive, however this would be on my list of things to do:
1/ After each use - flush in fresh water and allow to reach operating temperature.
2/ Ensure you accurately mix the oil/petrol ratio and use fresh fuel each season
3/ Replace impeller every other season (depending on hours)
4/ Replace gear oil annually and check condition of drained oil
5/ Replace spark plug annually and check and adjust gap if neccessary
6/ Check sacrificial anodes and replace if necessary
7/ Remove propeller annually and grease hub (refit new cotter pin)
8/ Grease nipple points (you'll need a grease gun such as Draper using marine grease
9/ Replace starter cord annually or every other season
10/ Check engine nuts and re-torque if necessary
Prior to winter, drain the fuel. Remove spark-plug and spray fogging oil into the cylinder and pull the starter cord a few times to coat the piston bore, etc. Replace spark plug, etc. Store in dry, well ventilated area in a vertical position. Living room comes to mind!
Sula
