You love spending weekends out on the lake fishing or tubing with friends and family. In fact, many people do. According to IBISWorld, as of 2022, the revenue for the boat dealership and repair industry was worth over $34 billion. What happens when your outboard motor starts acting up and you need repairs? While it may be tempting to try to fix it yourself, you should avoid that urge. Here are four reasons to leave boating repairs to the outboard dealer professionals.

1. Specialized Tools and Diagnostics

When issues arise with your outboard motor, professional dealers have an arsenal of specialized tools and diagnostics at their disposal to efficiently identify and fix problems. Attempting repairs yourself without these resources increases the likelihood that you misdiagnose problems or unknowingly create new issues. Dealers invest thousands in advanced technology, saving you both time and money.

2. Technical Expertise

Outboard motors are complex machines with elaborate fuel, cooling, ignition, and control systems. Professional technicians complete years of hands-on training to expertly navigate intricate repair procedures. Their depth of technical knowledge vastly exceeds that of an amateur tinkerer. Attempting intricate repairs without sufficient expertise frequently escalates issues.

3. Part Inventory

Time wasted finding or ordering parts can leave your boat out of commission for days or weeks. Professional dealers keep extensive inventories of common wear items, components, and accessories in stock to prevent delays. With quick access to parts, technicians can get in, diagnose issues, complete repairs, and get you back on the water without lengthy downtime.

4. Consequential Safety Factors

Any boating system that fails or operates sub-optimally risks serious detrimental impacts — especially on safety. Small sparks from poor electrical connections, corroded wires, or fuel leaks could spell disaster out on the open water. Similarly, engines rely on stable mounts with no play or give to be navigated precisely. Even issues in the gearcase and shafts can make boats challenging or even impossible to steer properly. Entrusting a professional dealership to conduct mechanical repairs ensures every aspect operates in safe, seaworthy condition.

Regular maintenance extends the lifetime of your motor, but unforeseen issues still occur. When they do, resist the urge to jury-rig temporary fixes and leave involved repairs to seasoned professionals. Dealers provide technical expertise, specialized tools and diagnostics, extensive parts inventories, and practice protocols - assets that facilitate efficient, reliable repairs. If you're looking to work with an outboard dealer to get boat repairs completed, reach out to Vero Marine Center today to schedule an appointment.