5 Signs That Indicate the Time to Repair Your Outboard
Funding a boat is a substantial financial commitment that requires hours of research and continuous upkeep. Regular maintenance could sound tedious but is worth every penny.
The frequency of service depends on your usage. In general, just like any vehicle, the boat engine runs smoother and better depending on how constant or recurring your use is. It is better to take your boat out on a short spin at least two to three times a week rather than once or twice a month for a lengthy period.
Some of the telltale signs of needing an outboard service are:
1. Hours on the Meter
If you are an avid boater who racks up hundred hours quickly within a year, it is recommended to do an outboard motor service after every 100-hour mark.
For those of you, who use it once in a while, an annual service could do the trick.
Visit the nearest marine services company in Vancouver Island once in a while to learn more about your vessel. Keep the make, type and model in mind to identify the motor range. After checking the hours on the meter, do the service as per the manual.
2. Used Outboards
Interested in used outboard motors for sale in BC? Don’t worry. Often you can find good outboards for low prices in the market if you know where to look for them.
However, buying a used engine does involve a risk element. A bad deal can result in a high maintenance cost on your purchased boat engine. You can get help from a professional before the purchase to avoid scams.
3. Inspect and Inform
Hearing unfamiliar voices while riding your boat is never a good sign. Please take it to the nearest boat repair center to get it checked. Leaving the suspicions as it leads to massive damages at the end of the year.
Replace your spark plugs once after every 75-100 hours for a smoother run.
Inspect the thermostat for cooling temperature. Low water temperature indicates hot piston and thereby damaged engine. Use a simple compression test to see the pressure the piston creates. If the reading shows low pressure or leaks, it could mean that the piston is sticking to the shaft, making trouble for your engine.
Inspect your oil, and make sure the colour is not milky or off.
4. Remove and Replace
To avoid costly stays at the service center, remove any faulty props or equipment as they come.
Refer to the owner manual and replace the oil and fuel filter as recommended concerning the hours on the engine.
Check for debris in the water pump and install a new one if necessary.
5. Annual Service & Winterization
When you carefully read the owner manual, you can easily find this process mentioned there. Even if you find your outboard performing at its best, you should follow its routine service schedule without fail. In most cases, outboards and other types of boat engines like sterndrive and more require service after every hundred hours or twelve months, whichever is earlier.
In the off-boating season, when the weather is freezing outside and the water begins to change to ice, you need to winterize your boat and outboard. You can get the help of the marine service provider in your area who has the required winterization facility and the annual service.
Conclusion
Following the service schedule with the routine checks on your outboard is a rule of thumb to get the most out of it and have a worry-free ride on the water. When you take proper care and maintenance, you can increase the lifespan of the boat engine.
Drop by Alberni Power and Marine for boat repair in Vancouver Island and outboard maintenance queries, where our excellent staff is at your service.