Category Archives:Uncategorized

Even when a battery is disconnected and sits for several months, it loses power by self-discharge.

Check voltage: With all the power off and the battery disconnected, check the voltage level. Readings of 12.70 – 12.80 volts or higher mean the battery should be close to or at full charge. If it is below 12.60 volts, it needs to be charged. A battery at 12.75 volts is about 50% and below 12 volts is 100% discharged.

Make sure connections are clean: Your batteries may look good, but oxidation can attack where you can’t see. Anything that comes between your battery’s terminals and your engine’s cables needs to be cleaned off. Baking soda and water work well to neutralize acid. Use distilled water to clean and use a terminal protector spray.

Water level: Skip this step if you have a sealed or absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. With flooded or wet cell batteries, remove the vent caps and check electrolyte levels. If the level is below the plates, refill with distilled water until the plates are covered – about half inch. Do not overfill – max level is about a quarter inch below the vent well.

Recharge: Make sure the charger you’re using is designed for the type of battery you have. The following chart offers general guidelines:

As an authorized dealer and service center for Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki outboards, and servicing customers in and around the Chesapeake Bay Region, we deal with our share of corrosion. One thing is for certain; no outboard engine is impervious to corrosion if neglected.  It is very important to do what you can to prevent corrosion from affecting your investment.

A severely corroded outboard engine that would not be in this state if the anodes had been replaced regularly.

Some things to be aware of:

Sacrificial Anodes – Most outboards today have sacrificial anodes both external and internal that require inspection and /or replacement. In salt water, especially in cases where the engine cannot be properly flushed with fresh water, these anodes should be checked frequently. In most cases, they’ll need replacing annually. Remember these anodes are in place to protect your engine from corrosion. Once they are gone, the corrosion starts to attack vital components and can become very costly quickly.

Prop Care – Don’t forget the propeller—it should be removed periodically (at least once a season). Check, clean and grease the shaft. Also check for and remove any old fishing line which can cut into prop shaft seals. When a propeller is not removed and its left for years, it is likely it won’t come off.