Your outboard motor is one of the most costly investments you'll make in equipping your boat. It is important to protect your outboard motor - not only by keeping up with regular maintenance, but also to help keep it looking like new. It is also a good idea to take theft-prevention measures for your outboard motor. Keep reading to find out best practices and our recommendations for complete outboard protection.
Protecting Your Outboard Motor From a Crash
While the TurboSwing is a great addition for your outboard motor for watersports purposes, it also provides a protective barrier for your motor. Your outboard motor can still be trimmed all the way up and down, but the TurboSwing will act as a ring of protection in case of a crash.
Keep Your Outboard Motor Looking New
While having a protective barrier will help prevent significant damage from impact, there are also some other steps you can take to ensure your outboard motor stays looking new and free from dings, scratches, and other minor surface damage. We recommend that you:
- Wipe down your outboard motor with soapy water and a microfiber towel after each use.
- Use a spray wax after every wash down to help prevent corrosion.
- Coat your outboard motor with a thick paste wax every three months to protect your motor and help prevent corrosion.
Another thing that will help keep your outboard motor looking new is to cover it when it is not in use. Westland makes motor hood covers designed to custom fit your motor that help protect it from the harsh elements of the environment while your motor is not in use. These motor hood covers are quick and easy to put on, and are made out of premium Sharkskin® and Sunbrella® marine fabrics.
Keep Your Outboard Motor Running Like New
While it is important to keep your outboard motor looking fresh and like new, it is even more important to keep up with the maintenance in order to keep your motor running like new. Best practices for keeping your outboard motor functioning properly include certain maintenance tasks that should be completed every 100 hours, as well as some steps you can take after every use.
After every use:
- Flush out your engine
- Ensure your water pump has good water flow while flushing out your engine
- Turn the battery switch off
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Spray with an anti-corrosive (such as WD-40)
Every 100 hours:
- Check fuel line to ensure there aren't any worn out spots or cracks
- Check the fuel tanks in case of damage
- Ensure the tank vent is ventilating properly
- Make sure there is not water in the fuel
- Ensure the fuel tank clamps are not corroded
- Ensure the fuel primer bulb is not damaged
- Ensure the fuel-line fittings do not leak and fit properly
Theft Prevention Tips for Your Outboard Motor
Unfortunately, it is fairly common for outboard motors to be stolen. In order to help prevent this from happening to your outboard motor, there are some security systems that can be put in place.
- Padlocks: These work for smaller engines being stored, but offer minimal protection
- Safety nuts: On outboard motors of 25 hp or more, boaters can replace the nut securing the outboard motor to the stern of the boat with safety nuts
- Anti-theft bar: Connects to the outboard motor's mounting brackets to make them inaccessible and can be locked with a key or padlock
- Smartlock anti-theft device: Similar to the anti-theft bar, this two-part cube attaches to the stern of the boat and the motor's mounting brackets and locks with a key
- Waterproof GPS tracker: Installing a tracker under the hood can help track your outboard motor down if it is stolen
Overall, it is extremely important to keep up with maintenance as well as keep your outboard motor clean in order for it to stay in the best condition. It’s also strongly recommended that you have a security device on your outboard motor to prevent theft. Now that you know how to best protect your outboard motor, you can keep yours looking new and running like new!
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