When you’re in the market for a new outboard motor for your boat, there are a number of things you should keep in mind. Here are 5 things to consider when you’re looking repower your current vessel.

1. Why did your old motor fail?

Over time, no matter how well maintained, even the best outboard motor will wear out. However, if your motor is giving out before its time, there may be more going on than typical wear and tear. Here are a few factors that can contribute to such a problem.

• Right boat, wrong engine. Be sure your engine’s weight, stroke, output, and power generation are all ideal for your boat. Each of these elements can mean the difference between a decent fishing machine and a great one. The perfect power-to-weight pairing can ensure great fuel economy and a machine that operates at peak.
• It’s just gas. Inexperienced boaters (and some experienced ones) will sometimes wrongly assume that gas is gas. This mistake can cause serious damage to an engine. Check your manual on your new engine to ensure that you’re giving it the proper fuel to maximize its performance.
• The fun can wait. As with any engine, outboard motors require regular maintenance to keep them working at peak conditions. Regularly checking your fuel lines, tanks, fittings, bulbs, and clamps is a key, as are regular oil changes and washing your boat and engine.

For more information about how to properly maintain your boat, stop by Custom Marine and let one of our boating experts talk you through it. Delaying repairs, even small ones can also lead to big problems down the road.

2. Do I need new components?

If you’re looking to repower your boat with a new outboard motor, changing your gauges, throttle, and fuel components may not be essential. However, it’s never a bad idea to consider replacing them for a number of reasons:

• New gauges will ensure that you’re accurately in tune with your motor’s performance, thereby lengthening it’s lifespan. Then there’s the added benefit of being sure that your engine and gauges are properly communicating with one another while you’re having them replaced. With advances in digital technology, today’s instruments are much more capable of keeping a close tab on your motor performance. Of course, shiny new gauges that read easily also simply enhance your boating and fishing experience.
• A new throttle and steering system will help your machine for much the same reasons. You could struggle with a mismatched, dated, and worn-out steering system, but if you’re going to the effort of replacing your motor, why stay frustrated with an old steering system? Talk to the service experts at Custom Marine to get all the information you need to determine the best choice for you and your boat.

3. Should I replace the fuel system?

Replacing the entire fuel system may not be necessary. If you’re staying with the same horsepower and you have recently replaced your fuel hoses, a complete overhaul of the fuel system may not be required. However, many professionals recommend replacing fuel lines with every repower if not more frequently.

In addition, it’s important to make sure that you are working with a 10-micron water-separating fuel filter. If you’re upgrading horsepower, there’s an even greater need to change outlines to ensure that your engine doesn’t sustain damage from insufficient fuel reaching the engine at full throttle.

4. What do I do with this old engine?

There are two types of people in the world. There are those folks who derive untold pleasure from the sale of their unwanted items. For those types of folks, posting and re-posting, bumping, following up, and making the sale is the height of pleasure. Some of us would rather be fishing.

Unless you’re overly excited about selling your boat’s old outboard motor and then hauling or shipping it to the buyer, you might consider working with your dealer on the best way to go about getting it off your hands. Custom Marine makes the process easy, and we are happy to help you resell your boat so you don’t have to wonder, “What now?”

5. How long is this going to take?

Of course, the off-season is the best time to bring your boat into Custom Marine. Whether you need routine maintenance or you’re bringing your rig in for an upgrade, the best time to talk to us is now.

Taking the time now to talk to the boating experts at Custom Marine can ensure your boat is seaworthy as soon as possible so you and your family can make the most of it when the warmer weather arrives.

Your authorized Yamaha Outboard Motor dealer.

If it’s time to repower your boat, call us today, and let the folks at Custom Marine of Statesboro help. As your area-certified Yamaha Outboard Motors dealer, we can get your boat back on the water in no time. Give us a call to learn more about our stock of award-winning Yamaha engines. We are happy to take the time to talk with you to make sure you are getting the best out of your boat so that you can turn the key on a whole new experience!