Don’t Let Downtime Get You Down

Happy New Year! Would you like to go the entire year of 2017 with zero breakdowns or missed time on the water due to mechanical or electrical failure? This can be a reality; let me share with you how we can help you accomplish it.

Did you know 99% of all breakdowns are preventable? Today's engines are built with the greatest precision and durability in mind by the manufacturers including powerheads, gearcases, electrical components, lubricants and accessories including propellers. Though these are all more durable than ever before, there are still factors we must take into consideration to prevent disappointing and annoying downtime.

The most obvious and overlooked the internal combustion engine, two or four stroke, is basically a self-consuming product. Every stroke of the engine borrows against its longevity due to friction and the heat of combustion.

The second factor or element is salt. When we say salt, as in seawater, what we are describing is a combination of dissolved minerals that combine to form corrosive compounds. There is nothing I can think of that salt cannot destroy when left unchecked.

The third is another element you have no control over and this is sunlight. Though we love being in it, UV rays can destroy many of the materials our boats are made from; fiberglass, plastics, rubber, and even gelcoat.

The fourth, and another uncontrollable element, is what we run in. Sand, mud, oyster shell and a mixture of all three. Our water on the Coastal Bend is not Lake Tahoe always blue and deep.

The good news is we have the expert knowledge to prevent and maintain electrical and mechanical issues as well as products to keep the engine clean and well lubricated. Proper preventive maintenance can keep the sand, silt and salt exposure to a minimum or remove it altogether. There are also great products available today to shield against the effects of UV light.

The annual service visit to a well-trained service center is the first step to identifying and preventing issues before they develop into expensive downtime events. Our technicians are factory-trained in Evinrude, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Mercury, MinnKota and Motor Guide products.

Have a great New Year and get your boat in for service early. Thank you for your business.

Chris Mapp