Service FAQs

❓ Why is preventative maintenance important? 

• Your boat will be ready when you are.
• You will have more hours of trouble-free enjoyment on the water.
• It is easier and costs less to maintain a boat than to repair it. 
• You will preserve your investment with a higher resale value.

❓ Should I use a fuel additive to combat ethanol concerns?  

Yes. Ethanol additive is an inexpensive protection against costly fuel system repairs.

Let us explain. Ethanol is alcohol, and alcohol is "hygroscopic," which means it attracts water molecules. Since nearly all boat fuel tanks are vented to the atmosphere, water can (and will) collect in your fuel. When the concentration of water molecules in your fuel tank reaches just 1⁄2 of 1%, the water molecules will bond with the alcohol and sink to the bottom, where your fuel pick up is. Depending on the amount of water ingested into your engine, this can result in running problems to catastrophic damage.

Ethanol, being alcohol, is also a powerful solvent that can loosen debris in your fuel tank and all the tanks and lines it was in before it got to you. Once in your engine, this debris can cause everything from running issues to a no-start, no-run condition. Today's gasoline can begin to break down in a matter of weeks, not months. Make sure to treat every tank of fuel, not just for extended storage.

❓ What is the preferred cruising RPM? 

The general rule of thumb for cruising speed is about 2/3 throttle. However, each boat and engine combination provides different performance characteristics due to hull design, boat weight, total engine horsepower, propeller style/size, etc. When a boat is equipped with a fuel flow meter, it allows the user to finetune the throttle position to find the best speed and fuel consumption combination to provide the best fuel economy. Many boat manufacturers offer performance bulletins to reference for specific boat and engine performance data.

❓ How often can I run my boat at wide open throttle?

If an engine is properly maintained and equipped with the correct size propeller to keep the engine within its manufacturer's specified RPM range, it is acceptable to run an engine at wide open throttle as long as desired, but not recommended.

Operating at full throttle for extended periods of time dramatically increases the chance of failure due to other factors such as sea conditions. Choppy sea surface conditions may cause the propeller to cavitate (form cavities or bubbles) and allow the engine to over-rev because the engine is already at its limit. If any factors allow the engine to be pushed beyond recommended manufacturer specifications, failure is more likely to occur.

❓ Why do I need to paint the bottom of my boat every year?

Ablative antifouling paint is designed to shed its protective abilities over time. After losing this protection, the paint may get a little rough or slime may begin to grow and your boat will experience speed loss. 
Antifouling marine paint contains biocides that repel these organisms when released at a certain rate in the the water surrounding the hull.

The bottom line (no pun intended)? Proper maintenance practices will ensure that this speed loss is unnoticeable. Fouling organisms can significantly affect the performance and durability of your boat. If left to flourish on your hull, they will also drive up your boat's fuel consumption.

❓ Do I need all the recommended engine maintenance services?

Preventative maintenance is like an oil change for your car. You want to make sure the fluids are good, and all the moving parts are in solid working order. With regular maintenance, you can get the maximum life out of your engine with little problems. Saltwater is extremely corrosive so checking thermostats, water pumps, filters etc, on a regular 2-year/100-hour schedule ensures that any small problems or issues are caught before they turn into major repairs.

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