Oil

Marine engines sometime have two strikes against them before they leave the factory. First, when they are run, they generally are run at or near peak RPM for extended periods of time under heavy load conditions. Every time they are asked to plow through a wave or boat wake, the engine strains to keep RPM constant. This would be the equivalent of having your car attached to a giant bungee cord, adding drag and releasing it over and over all day long, something we would never dream of doing. Secondly, extended periods of time between uses is common on marine engines, allowing potentially damaging corrosion to build up quickly.

The key to fighting these damaging realities is proper care and maintenance of your engine through proper lubrication. The proper outboard oil will reduce friction and leave the cylinder walls properly coated to eliminate corrosion between uses. Changing the crankcase oil frequently will prolong the life of inboard engines. The proper fuel additives will keep your fuel fresh all season, and remove water build up due to condensation in the tank. Other important additives can boost octane levels of the fuel and clean the injectors, all in the name of increased fuel economy.

The bottom line is, don't treat your boat as if it's a car. Make sure you have the proper marine products to extend the life of your engine.