Your outboard motor is usually designed and manufactured to precise specifications to ensure years of trouble-free operation. This includes the fuel system.

Compared to the outboard motors of years ago, today's outboards are very reliable; however they still require some maintenance to keep them running at their best.

While bad fuel and a dead battery remain the primary reasons, a modern outboard might leave you in the lurch, another area that deserves your frequent mechanical attention is the propeller shaft.

Preventive boat motor maintenance facilitates safe boating can keep your motor reliable for a long time. By following some basic maintenance habits, you can avoid the most-common marine engine issues.

Like anything mechanical, however, an old outboard needs some love. Rubber ages, parts wear, and corrosion runs its course. Read some tips to help your old outboard avoid or overcome the ravages of time.

Although boating in salty water is an exciting experience, the damage saltwater can do to an outboard motor should not be underestimated. Fortunately, there are several preventative care and maintenance precautions outboard motor owners can take to ensure their outboards keep running well for years.