When do I need a Service?

When and how often should I have my outboard engine serviced?
Always refer to your manufacturer’s handbook for recommended service periods.
Generally as a rule you should have your outboard serviced as follows:

PLEASE SEE LINK  OF PERIODIC TABLE

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To service, or not to service?

I’m often asked this question,… How often should I have my boat motor serviced.

In general, Servicing has always been carried out at either 12 months or 100 hours, which ever comes First!
So many people have a hard time coming to terms with the 100 hour time frame, and all to often end in misery
for their decision.
!00 hours for a keen boat owner can be achieved in a very short time, Less than 2 months, while other boat owners wont clock up 100 hours of use in 10 years!

“They look at it like this”
In the past 12 months since the last service, I’ve only used my boat for 5 hours.
It’s pointless having my boat serviced again?

Now if your boat has only ever been used in ( Fresh Water ) That goes for your boat’s entire life,
Then your chances for mechanical failure is far less than a boat used in ( Salt Water ).
” HOW EVER “?????
There are many reasons for engine failure.
There are two reasons which will be picked up on a 12 monthly service, before it can cause major engine damage.

1st reason: Water on spark plug electrodes, which tells your mechanic, you have a leaking head gasket, or a leaking coolant passage, or both, And Needs to be Fixed Now……..
If the water on your spark plugs goes unnoticed, because you didn’t have the 12 month service, and your boat is unused over the next 3, 6 ,or 10 months, Then there’s a very good chance you will have a seized engine by the next time you go to use your boat?.
If your boat is Fresh Water use only, Your motor will need a rebuild with not to many new parts,
still lots of  €€€€€€€€€€€€€.
If your boat was last used in Salt Water, Be prepared for a complete new bloke, as it’s often cheaper than trying to rebuild a rusted, corroded, mess!.

No 2 reason: Coolant pumps, which keep your engine at the correct operating temperature, are a huge reason for engine failure.
Your coolant pump/water pump, suffer greatly from lack of use, the rubber impeller, through sitting for long periods of time with out being serviced, can stick firmly to the water pump housing, the next time you start your motor, the water pump drive shaft rips the center of the impeller, causing low to no water cooling at all.
If this quick rise in engine temperature goes unnoticed by the operator, then within minutes you can have a major engine melt down.

If your one of the many that seldom use your boat, get your self into the habit of starting your boat motor for about 5 minutes, once every 2 weeks, And NEVER EVER start your boat engine without water flowing through your engines cooling system.

I see people doing just that, No water connected, All I think is Gee you must have a lot of money to waste?

There is a lot of money to be made through boat engine repairs, Don’t give the repairers more reasons to take your hard earned cash.

No matter how you look at servicing,
The relative small price to have your boat serviced, Wins Hands Down.
So 12 months or 100 hours, Do yourself a favor, and use both.

Your Boat is your freedom to dream.
Have a wonderful time on the water, Not stuck in repair shops through poor judgment.

If you have any questions, or would like a particular topic looked into. please feel free to leave a comment below, or join my Email above, and i will try getting back to you ASAP.

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