As you know, taking good care of your boat and motor is key to having a smooth, stress-free time out on the water. But how do you know when it's time to get your motor looked at by a professional? Here are four signs that you may need boat motor service.

1. Your Motor Is Hard to Start

One of the most obvious signs of potential issues is difficulty starting your outboard or inboard motor. If you find yourself needing to crank and crank before the engine finally turns over, that's a red flag. Likewise, if the starter seems to be straining more than normal to get the motor running, it could mean there's an underlying problem. Don't ignore hard starting. It's better to get it checked out right away before things get worse.

2. You Notice Unusual Noises

Your boat motor should run relatively quietly and smoothly when everything is working properly. So if you start hearing odd noises like knocking, squeaking, grinding, or whining, pay attention. Unusual sounds can signify problems like low oil, issues with the cooling system, a faulty starter, or more. It's best to have a mechanic investigate so you can identify and address the cause.

3. You're Experiencing Loss of Power

You should be able to achieve and maintain decent speed on your boat without the motor feeling like it's bogging down. But a lack of power can happen when there's an issue with the fuel system, a damaged propeller, a buildup in the carburetor, or more. Loss of power makes boating less fun and could leave you stranded if it gets bad enough. Don't take chances - have a boat motor service performed.

4. Performance Issues Persist After Maintenance

It's smart to perform regular maintenance like oil changes and spark plug replacements. But if you're still noticing problems with how your motor runs even after a tune-up, that indicates a problem. Intermittent issues, surging, trouble idling, poor performance at high speeds and more could signal underlying issues. Time for an expert diagnosis. Remember, according to Marine Depot Direct, the annual U.S. marine industry expenditure for boats and related services was $56.7 billion in 2021. With Americans shelling out that much for boating every year, it pays to keep your motor in good shape.

Boat ownership and time on the water should be fun and carefree. By keeping your engine well-maintained and addressing problems promptly, you can have peace of mind knowing your motor is always ready to cruise. If you need boat motor service, bring your boat to us for professional service at Hot Headz Marine.