Best 7 Tips to Make Your Outboard Last for Longer
As a boater, you always wish for that thrill of going rapidly fast on the waters. And there are a few ways that can help you make your vessel faster with excellent manoeuvrability. Here we will look at some of the best among them.
Since buying and maintaining a vessel is a financial commitment, it is always best to save a few bucks by extending its lifetime. You can use these savings in the propeller upgrade, buying valuable marine electronics, and other areas.
The saying better safe than sorry is applicable in many boat-related situations. Doing some simple and small yet consequential steps might help increase your boat's performance in a more extended period.
1. Hose down after every trip
It might sound tedious and repetitive, childish even, but washing down your vessel after every outing is crucial in maintaining its surface as well as engine. Clean water will help in eliminating any debris or flora accumulated over the course. Preventing corrosion from the saltwater is just a bonus.
2. Propellor check
Making sure proper propellor condition is essential. Each damaged propellor can result in violent vibrations and thereby extra stress on the bearings.
You can try out different propellors to maximize the performance of your engine. Experienced boaters often experiment with different combinations to find the perfect one.
If you are a rookie boater in BC, visiting the nearest boat dealer in Port Alberni is advised before purchasing any propellors or types of equipment for performance enhancement.
3. Modification trouble
Before jumping on the bandwagon and modifying your engine just like your neighbour, take a step back and go through the manufacturer's manual.
Most warranties are null and void once the specification is altered. Other than that, modification reduces reliability. Trimming your boat might make it look prettier and slimmer but is disadvantageous in the long run.
4. Replace and rejuvenate
Replacing the oil and oil filters is compulsory if you have long-term plans for your boats. Do this frequently. Outboard engines often run on higher RPM, and keeping fresh oil is critical for a four-stroke engine. Replacing the filter once in a while helps in easy filtering of the oil.
The advanced FourStroke engines from Mercury Marine are much more economical as oil filtering is not as essential in them as it is for their competitors.
5. Compulsory coolant
Do not start your fishing boat without coolant, even if it is just once. Those seconds you dry started can create considerable impeller damage.
Marine engines demand water, and hence starting the engine without confirming proper cooling water circulation is a disaster in waiting.
6. Fuel treatment
We also recommend checking and refuelling before you stow it away for winter. It will help in evading internal corrosion.
Ethanol gas, due to the phase separation, is a known trouble maker for the engines. Further, leaving your tanks partially filled can also decrease your fuel quality and can result in limiting the engine from performing at its peak.
7. Use your outboard
Living your engine idle for a more extended period without proper storage measures in hand can pave the way for motor deterioration.
Keep in mind to take out your boat for a spin once in a while. Underusing your engine can lead to rust and flora formation.
Conclusion
Taking good care of your boat's engine is sure to show significant results in the future. Even used motors can outperform their deadlines, considering they undergo proper maintenance. To help you in your quest for the best boat motor for sale in British Columbia, you can always visit us at Alberni Power and Marine, where our excellent array of staff is at your service.