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Mercury vs. Quicksilver Parts: What's the Difference? If you've shopped for marine parts before, you've probably noticed that some products carry the Mercury name while others are branded Quicksilver. It's a common question we hear from boat owners: Are they the same, and does it matter which one I buy? The short answer is yes, they're closely related, but there are a few important differences that can help you choose the right part for your engine. The Same Company, Different Purpose Both Merc …

Hurricane Preparation for Boat Owners: How to Protect Your Boat Before the Storm For boat owners, hurricane season means more than stocking up on supplies. A little preparation before a storm can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your boat and help you get back on the water more quickly afterward. While every storm is different, having a plan before watches and warnings are issued gives you the best chance of protecting your investment. Don't Wait Until the Last Minute One of the bigge …

Milky Lower Unit Oil: What It Means and What to Do Next Draining your lower unit oil is one of the simplest ways to check the health of your gearcase. If the gear lube comes out looking creamy, gray, or milky instead of its normal color, it's a sign that water has entered the lower unit. While finding milky oil isn't something to ignore, it also doesn't automatically mean you need a new lower unit. The important thing is understanding why it happened and addressing the problem before more seriou …

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 …

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 Is Guardian Mode? Guardian Mode monitors vario …