Maximizing Your Outboard’s Life: Tips for Long-Term Performance

Your outboard motor is a big investment – not just in terms of money, but in time spent on the water doing the things you love. To make the most of every boating moment, there are a few steps you should take to keep your outboard running smoothly.

Think of it this way. You don’t just skip your car’s oil changes or your HVAC system’s regular checkups. You wouldn’t just ignore weird noises from the engine or furnace. The same basic principle applies to your outboard.

With routine maintenance of your outboard motor, you’ll spend less money on repairs, extend motor life, and make every boat trip more enjoyable!

How Long Do Outboard Motors Last?

The exact number of hours in the life of an outboard motor depends on a few factors, but especially routine maintenance and care.

Other factors affecting your outboard’s lifespan and performance include:

• Brand and model
• How often and how hard you run the outboard
• Storage/winterization
• Saltwater or freshwater usage (saltwater is more corrosive)

Generally speaking, modern 4-stroke outboards will provide more than 4,000 hours of life with proper use and maintenance, compared to about 1,500 hours for older 2-stroke outboards. With regular battery replacement and maintenance, electric motors can last tens of thousands of hours!

Freshwater Flushes Are Your Friend

If you're boating in saltwater, this is a must. Salt is a corrosive monster that loves to eat away at your outboard’s internal components. Even if you're primarily taking your motor out in fresh water, a regular flush is still helpful.

After each outing, hook up your outboard to a flushing device and run fresh water through it for a few minutes. This washes away salt, sand, and debris that can build up on your outboard and cause damage over time.

Oil Changes: Give It the Good Stuff

Check your owner's manual for the recommended intervals. Generally speaking, it's a good idea to change the oil at least once a season or after a certain number of hours, depending on usage.

Motor oil lubricates, cools, and cleans the motor, so make sure you’re using the right oil type. Don't skimp on quality. Premium oil is a small price to pay for your outboard’s long-term performance.

Fuel System Maintenance

Modern fuels, especially those with ethanol, can cause problems if left sitting in your tank. Use a fuel stabilizer, especially during periods of inactivity, to prevent gum and varnish buildup. This can clog fuel lines and carburetors.

Speaking of fuel lines, check them regularly for cracks and leaks. In addition to increasing the risk of damage to your outboard, a leaking fuel line is a serious safety hazard.

Winterize Wisely

Proper winterization is critical, especially if you live in a region with freezing temperatures. Drain the water from the cooling system, lubricate fittings with marine grease, fog the engine cylinders, and disconnect the battery. Then cover and store the outboard in an upright position. Failing to winterize can lead to cracked engine blocks and other expensive repairs.

Regular Inspections: Catch Problems Early

Check your motor for signs of wear and tear, like corrosion, loose connections, or leaks. Listen for unusual noises when you start and run your outboard. Check the propeller for dings, bends, and nicks. Inspect your outboard regularly to spot small issues instead of waiting for something to break.

Investing a little time and effort into maintaining your outboard will pay off in the long run. After all, routine maintenance is always less expensive than a major repair, and you'll benefit from improved performance and fuel efficiency. Also, if you decide to sell your outboard, routine maintenance will help maintain its value.

By following these simple tips, you can maximize your motor's lifespan and enjoy years of worry-free boating! If you have any questions, reach out  to our team today.