Timely boat service and maintenance are well worth the time, money, and effort that you put into it. This will keep your boat in pristine condition so it runs efficiently, will avoid breakdowns out on the water, and will extend the lifespan of your engine to maximize your investment. All boat owners should know the early signs of trouble so they can take their vehicle to a mechanic right away.

When to Schedule Immediate Boat Service and Maintenance

1. Difficulty Steering

Your engine should respond immediately and appropriately when you turn the wheel. If the wheel becomes suddenly very hard to turn or will not move at all, it could create a few issues. You may need to top off your hydraulic fluid or, more seriously, there may be a leak in the hydraulic fuel lines for the steering system.

2. Sputtering

A sputtering engine is often the precursor to an engine that won’t turn on at all. This could be a problem with the in-line fuel filter or the spark plugs. You should be able to avoid both of these problems with routine boat service and maintenance, but it’s always a good idea to carry spare spark plugs just in case.

3. Overheating

An overheating engine is likely a problem with the cooling loop, which uses the water around it to cool down the engine. Any debris blocking the loop will need to be cleared out. If it isn’t this simple solution, you might have a compromised drive belt, hose, impeller, or corrosion in the engine.

A good mechanic can keep you on your boat service and maintenance schedule, which should help avoid the need for emergency repairs. For over 30 years, Pickensville Marine & Sports shop has been the experienced crew serving boaters across Pickens County, AL, and the surrounding area. They carry a wide selection of boat parts on-site to handle your engine work in a timely manner. If you want to upgrade your ride, they also have a wide inventory of used boats and new boats for sale. See their inventory online or call (205) 373-6372 to request a free quote for repair work.