Keeping your boat shipshape!

DIY Library

Clear, step-by-step repairs and maintenance you can do yourself — with gear you already have.

Starter guides. When in doubt, or for anything involving gas, high voltage, or lift points, see a marine professional.

Replace the impeller

  1. Remove the lower unit.
  2. Pull the old impeller and note the key orientation.
  3. Grease the new one lightly and install the same way.
  4. Reassemble — never run it dry.

Small gelcoat chip repair

  1. Sand the chip with 220 grit.
  2. Clean with acetone.
  3. Apply gelcoat paste and let it cure.
  4. Sand 400→1200 and polish to blend.

Change lower-unit gear oil

  1. Drain the lower unit (check for milky oil = water).
  2. Fill from the bottom vent until oil appears at the top.
  3. Replace washers and reinstall screws.

Repack trailer bearings

  1. Jack and remove the wheel.
  2. Pull the hub and bearings.
  3. Clean, inspect, repack with marine grease.
  4. Reinstall with proper torque.

Install a bilge pump

  1. Mount the pump in the lowest bilge point.
  2. Wire through a fuse to the battery (auto-float switch recommended).
  3. Route the hose above the waterline.
  4. Test with water.

Fix a slow cranking battery setup

  1. Clean terminals and check voltage (12.6 V+ charged).
  2. Test with a load.
  3. Check the charging system at speed.
  4. Consider a dual-battery switch.

Winterize a small outboard

  1. Run with stabilizer, then disconnect fuel.
  2. Fog the carb.
  3. Drain water, change lower-unit oil.
  4. Store upright with the battery on a maintainer.

Deep-clean and condition vinyl seats

  1. Vacuum and brush.
  2. Clean with vinyl-safe cleaner.
  3. Condition with UV protectant.
  4. Cover when not in use.