The Professional Annual Service

Annual service for an outboard motor in recreational use is generally based on an average rate of 100 engine hours per calendar year or, every other year for outboards with 50 or fewer hours annual operation.

What is included in a professional annual service and how much should it cost?

Here’s an example for a Suzuki 150hp through 200 hp, in-line four cylinder, single engine boat, 25 feet length and under: Spark and compression test, full visual inspection, replace spark plugs, engine operation history report, change engine oil and filter, replace engine thermostats, service engine powerhead external anodes, low-speed filter, high-speed filter, service lower unit water pump, drain and refill lower unit lube and drain plug gaskets, replace lower unit anode(s), pull prop to check for fishing line wrapped on shaft, lube prop shaft and all engine fittings. Remove vapor separator tank to clean and inspect grommets and internal filter.

In addition to the motor, the following is performed on the boat itself: Test and inspect batteries for condition and age, flip all control switches and check for function, replace fuel/water separator filter.

Boat trailer receives full visual inspection, running lights are tested, check tire condition and inflation..

Upon completion of all the above the boat receives an in-water test run, the engine is flushed and the boat is washed.

Average total cost is $1,400 – includes parts $475, and labor $750. This is based 6.0 hours (average) at $125/hour. Taxes and shop supplies not included.

We developed these service guidelines based on 25 years of manufacturer’s specs and the realities of saltwater use. Anything less than described above is not a complete annual service.

Wishing all a safe and prosperous 2023!

Chris Mapp

Coastal Bend Marine | Port O’Connor, TX | Coastalbendmarine.com | 361-983-4841