Those of you who follow this column know I have represented Mercury Marine throughout my entire 50-year career. And from time to time, I’ve written about the care and maintenance of their outboards.
When I first started competing, we ran 2-stroke engines. Back then, B.A.S.S. restricted us to a maximum of 150 horsepower. But our boats were much shorter then, averaging in lengths of 17 to 18 feet. As boat sizes increased, larger engines were needed to propel them. And, so, B.A.S.S. changed its stance and raised the max rating to 250 horsepower.
Since the early 2000s, 4-stroke engines have gradually become the norm. Nowadays, every pro on tour is running a 4-stroke outboard. Instead of mixing oil with the fuel, large outboards now operate more like vehicle engines. And like vehicle engines, that oil must be changed from time to time.
Likewise, the filters and lower unit lubricant must also be changed.
By the book
For their big-block, Pro-XS outboards, Mercury Marine prescribes these tune-ups at every 100 hours of operation, and they offer their own brand of certified parts and lubricants to do the job. I use them religiously. In fact, I don’t wait for 100 hours to lapse. I usually change filters and lubricants between 50 and 60 hours of operation.
Former Mercury National Service Tech, Scott Beattie recommended this to me years ago. Now working with his two sons at their Fort Lauderdale dealership — Preferred Marine — he still preaches preventive maintenance … as do the current service techs that travel with us on the Bassmaster Elite Series.
They see, firsthand, the wear and tear pro anglers put on their outboards, and they continually remind us to follow regular maintenance protocol. They know those who abide by the guidelines are far less likely to experience mechanical problems, and most pros willingly comply.
Getting it done
When it’s time for a tune up, I rely on my Caymas/Mercury dealer — Black Label Marine of Ocala, Fla. They’re the largest Caymas dealer in the country, with stores in Ocala, Clearwater and Punta Gorda.
Their techs regularly attend Mercury Marine training schools to stay up with the latest developments, so I trust them with all of my maintenance and repairs. They use Mercury Marine certified parts and lubricants exclusively, which are recommended in the owner’s manual.
Having a short break in the Elite Series schedule, I dropped my tournament boat off to get a 100-hour tune up … albeit it was at 60 hours. This gives me piece of mind heading into the latter part of our tournament schedule — events that are far from home, in Oklahoma, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The service department at Black label Marine in Ocala is headed up by Madi Martin — an absolute dynamo in the shop. She oversees their rigging, prep and repairs, and no job is ever too big. Working alongside her mechanics, they knock out each job as a team … quickly and efficiently.
I feel fortunate to have such a crack crew working on my equipment. My boat is always ready for battle when they’re finished, and that gives me added confidence.
Do it yourselfers
For those who are more mechanically inclined, Mercury Marine offers 100- and 300-hour tune-up kits with a series of instructional videos that show you, step-by-step, how to replace your filters and change your engine lubricants. Any certified Mercury dealer should have the necessary parts in stock or you can order them online, and they are much more affordable than you might think.
Whether you use a dealer to keep up with your engine’s maintenance or decide to do it yourself, do so regularly and you are far less likely to experience any major issues down the road. And that goes for any make of outboard.
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