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Not every boat maintenance task requires a trip to the shop. There are several basic service items most boat owners can safely handle themselves with the right tools, parts, and a little guidance. Staying on top of routine maintenance can help extend the life of your engine and reduce the chances of unexpected problems on the water. The key is knowing which jobs are DIY-friendly and which ones are better left to experienced marine technicians. Changing Engine Oil and Filters Routine oil changes …

What Is Mercury SmartCraft Connect?  If you already have a Garmin, Raymarine, or compatible Simrad display at the helm, you may not need a separate Mercury display to see detailed engine information. Mercury SmartCraft Connect links a compatible Mercury engine to select multifunction displays, allowing you to access the VesselView interface and live engine data on a screen you're already using. That can mean fewer separate gauges and better access to what your engine is doing. What Does S …

One of the most common questions we get is simple: how much does it cost to repower a boat? The honest answer is, it depends. And not in a vague way. The cost of a repower can vary significantly based on your specific boat, how it’s set up, and what you expect out of it. Instead of throwing out unrealistic numbers, here’s what actually affects the cost and what most boat owners don’t realize going into it. It’s Not Just the Engine The biggest misconception is that repowe …

The lower unit, also called the gearcase, is the bottom section of an outboard that sits partially underwater and connects the engine's power to the propeller. When the engine runs, power travels down the driveshaft into the lower unit. Inside the gearcase, gears redirect that rotation to the propshaft, which turns the propeller. In simple terms: Engine → Driveshaft → Gearcase → Propshaft → Propeller But transferring power isn't the lower unit's only job. What's Inside an Ou …

Trim tabs are one of those things a lot of boat owners have heard of, but not everyone fully understands. Once you know what they do, it makes a lot more sense why so many boats have them. At a basic level, trim tabs help control how your boat rides in the water. They Help Your Boat Get on Plane Faster Trim tabs push the stern up and bring the bow down. That helps your boat get on plane quicker, especially if you have a heavy load or passengers. If your boat struggles to plane or feels like it …