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10 Fishing Boat Upgrades That Are Actually Worth the Money There are countless accessories you can add to a fishing boat, but not every upgrade delivers the same value. Some improve convenience, while others completely change the way you fish. Whether you spend your weekends chasing redfish on the flats, trolling offshore, or simply enjoying time on the water with family, these upgrades can make your boat more capable, more enjoyable, and in many cases, even more valuable. Here are ten upgrades …

Lower Unit Noise: Bearings, Gears, or Something Else? If your outboard is making unusual noise, especially from the lower unit, it is not something to ignore. What starts as a small sound can quickly turn into a major repair if left unchecked. The key is understanding what the noise might be telling you. Grinding or Growling Noise A grinding or deep growling sound is one of the most serious warning signs. This is often related to worn or failing bearings or internal gear damage. Common causes: …

7 Ways to Improve Your Boat's Fuel Efficiency Fuel economy is something every boat owner cares about, especially with today's fuel prices. Many people assume poor fuel efficiency means there is something wrong with the engine, but that is not always the case. In reality, fuel consumption is affected by dozens of factors, including propeller selection, engine trim, boat weight, maintenance, and even how the boat is loaded. Small changes in setup, maintenance, and operating habits can make a notic …

What Does Mercury VesselView Actually Do? If your Mercury already has a tachometer, fuel gauge, and chartplotter, adding another engine display might seem unnecessary. But Mercury VesselView isn't simply a digital gauge. It gives you access to information the engine's SmartCraft system already knows, including engine RPM, temperature, fuel flow, fuel efficiency, trim, speed, and more. Depending on your setup, VesselView can also display engine warnings and provide access to compatible SmartCraft …

Mercury Guardian Mode Explained If your Mercury outboard suddenly loses power, will not accelerate, or begins sounding an alarm, your engine may have entered Guardian Mode. Guardian Mode is Mercury's built-in engine protection system. It is designed to help prevent serious damage by reducing engine performance when certain problems are detected. While it can be frustrating, Guardian Mode is actually doing its job by helping protect your engine. What Causes Mercury Guardian Mode? Guardian Mode is …