The frequency you need to bring your boat in for a boat service isn’t always straightforward. Does your engine need servicing every 100 hours? Once a year? Does skipping a service even matter? In this article, we answer all these questions and more!
Where do I find the service schedule for my specific boat?
Many boat engines have slightly different service schedules. To find out the service schedule recommended for your specific boat, you’ll want to refer to your engine’s owner’s manual. Its generally located in the new boat bag with manuals for most components. For example, here is the link to download the owner’s manuals for Yamaha’s outboard engines.
Does my boat need to be serviced more than once a year?
Oftentimes, servicing your boat once a year is completely reasonable. However, you should also keep in mind how many hours you have run your boat this year when determining when to schedule your boat service. You’ll want to service your boat more frequently if you are using it consistently. For example, a good general rule of thumb is to service your boat every 100 hours of use. We hear a lot of comparisons of outboard engines to cars. Outboards run at higher RPMs for longer periods and with that extra workload, maintenance intervals are different. However, for specific boat serving scheduling guidelines, you’ll want to refer to the service schedule in your engine’s owner’s manual.
What happens if I don’t service my boat engine frequently?
It’s not worth putting off your boat service, preventative maintenance is best for the longevity of your outboard. Not only is boat servicing an effective way to uncover hidden engine damage, but it’s also important to make sure your engine has the correct amount of good, clean oil. The longer you go past the recommended servicing your outboard could see costly repairs. This can cause severe damage to head gaskets, pistons, and other important parts of your engine that keep it running smoothly.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my boat service?
Fish Tale Boats can generally squeeze you in for a boat service within a matter of weeks. However, it’s generally a good idea to schedule your boat service well in advance so you aren’t scrambling to get your boat in for service before getting out on the water. Scheduling your boat service is quick and easy— just fill out the appointment form on the Fish Tale website and we’ll be in touch with you shortly to fit you in!