While many people understand the importance of car maintenance, they don’t expect boats to need the same care. After all, we drive cars frequently throughout the day to work, shop, and do other activities. Boats are typical for leisure on evenings and weekends.

Even though we often use boats less than cars, they need regular maintenance. Outboard motors especially need care if you want them to run well and keep your boat cruising all season long. Read on to learn more about the importance of such maintenance.

Reduce Deterioration

Outboard motors need help from motor oil, gear lube, and other liquids to keep the engine running. Unfortunately, salt water and kicked-up sediments can cause parts of the engine to deteriorate. While this may seem minor, you’ll want to reduce it as much as possible. Additionally, stale motor oil can damage prop shaft seals, which can allow water into your engine. Otherwise, your engine may develop problems, and you’ll end up paying for expensive repairs.

Fix Minor Problems Before They Escalate

Sometimes, outboard motors develop minor problems that you can’t detect while they’re in use. You could spend hours gliding around the water without realizing that something is wrong in your engine. Regular maintenance, such as Yamaha’s 20-Hour Service rule, allows technicians to catch minor problems before they worsen. For example, you may not realize your outboard motor is overheating until a professional tells you. Fortunately, they can determine the cause of the issue and fix it so parts of your engine don’t burn.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Outboard Motor

Regular outboard motor maintenance is important because it can extend the lifespan of your outboard motor. It’s a great investment for your boat, so you should take good care of it so it will last as long as possible. Regular maintenance that reduces deterioration and fixes minor problems, like we described, will help your outboard last longer.

If you’ve recently invested in a Yamaha outboard motor, create a regular maintenance schedule to keep it in good shape. RJ Nautical offers Yamaha outboard service so you can easily give your watercraft the maintenance it needs.