Servicing your Inboard Motor
The distinct obstacles of the marine environment mean that routine engine servicing is essential for any boat owner. Owning a boat implies preparing for the upcoming season, carrying out routine upkeep treatments during the season, and winterising at the end of the season. These steps may sound mundane, but they are vital to maximise the lifespan of the boat and ensure safe operation every time that you take it out. Regular maintenance also helps reduce wear and tear, prevent issues from becoming major repairs, and extend the longevity of your boat’s engine.
Follow Instructions in the Operator's Manual
By following the service recommendations in the operator's manual, you can help prevent unnecessary wear and repair work, while maximising both performance and lifespan. The operator's manual provided with your inboard engine defines the essential service intervals and the quality of fuel, oils, and coolant that ought to be used for your engine and transmission. Keeping on top of oil changes, spark plugs, and filters will also improve reliability and efficiency.
Download the Service Protocol
The service procedure consists of the necessary maintenance points for your engine in a single document. The service procedure complements the operator's manual and is available for diesel engines produced after 2006. For gas and older diesel engines, the service protocol is included in the operator's manual. This process is crucial for boat owners looking to keep their boat’s engine in top condition throughout the boating season.
Register your Engine
An effectively maintained and regularly serviced inboard boat engine adds significant value to your vessel. The service book supplied with your engine is a practical method to document all maintenance and service carried out. Supplementing this record with invoices and receipts provides proof of proper care, reassuring future buyers and ensuring warranty claims are supported. Keeping your service records updated is an essential step for both safety and resale value.
Keep your Service Records
An effectively maintained and regularly serviced inboard boat engine adds significant value to your vessel. The service book supplied with your engine is a practical method to document all maintenance and service carried out. Supplementing this record with invoices and receipts provides proof of proper care, reassuring future buyers and ensuring warranty claims are supported. Keeping your service records updated is an essential step for both safety and resale value.
Routine Checks and Seasonal Care
Every year, and ideally every 100 hours of use, you should carry out a series of checks and maintenance tasks to ensure the smooth running of your boat’s engine. These include:
- Engine oil and filters – Replace at recommended intervals to maintain lubrication and prevent damage.
- Cooling system – Flush and replace coolant or antifreeze to prevent overheating and corrosion.
- Fuel system – Inspect hoses and fuel filters, replacing as needed to prevent leaks and keep the fuel system clean.
- Belts and hoses – Check for cracks, wear, and tension; replace before failure occurs.
- Battery and electrical system – Inspect terminals for corrosion and ensure the battery holds charge.
- Propeller and shaft – Inspect for damage, cracks, or corrosion; keeping them in good condition avoids loss of power and efficiency.
- Making sure these steps are followed will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your boat ready to start at any time.
Storage and Winterising
Proper storage is as important as regular servicing. At the end of the boating season, winterising your inboard engine protects it against freezing temperatures, saltwater damage, and long-term storage issues. This includes:
- Adding antifreeze to the cooling system.
- Running stabiliser through the fuel system.
- Draining and cleaning water from the engine.
- Disconnecting and properly storing the battery.
- By taking these precautions, you ensure that when it’s time to get back on the water, your engine is ready to run without issues.
Inspecting for Damage and Corrosion
Saltwater, weather, and time can all lead to corrosion and damage on inboard engines and hull fittings. It’s important to inspect regularly for signs of wear, leaks, or cracks. Checking seals, gaskets, and hoses helps prevent small problems from becoming major failures. Cleaning and applying protective sprays or greases will also help extend the life of your engine.
Safety and Boating Performance
Engine maintenance is not just about reliability; it also plays a key role in safety. An engine that fails at sea can put the crew, passengers, and the boat at risk. Regular servicing ensures your vessel runs smoothly, prevents overheating, and allows you to enjoy the water without worry. Maintaining the transmission, cooling system, and propeller performance all contribute to safer and more efficient boating.
Professional Servicing and Support
Motive Marine’s thoroughly equipped outboard/inboard engine servicing and engineering workshop at Southampton have all the required crew training, on-line systems, maintenance equipment, special tooling, and manufacturers’ computerised diagnostic software to check, service, repair, and test all engine types and sizes.
Whether you use your boat commercially or for leisure, we understand that you’ve invested both money and time in your vessel. You want it ready and reliable every season. Our engineers take the utmost care and consideration when onboard your craft, with the goal of leaving your boat exactly as we found it, only better maintained.
Are you looking for boat repair and servicing in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Poole, Worthing or Brighton? Follow the link below for inboard engine servicing and marine maintenance near you.