Engine Maintenance

Inspect prop, skeg, and zincs every month in season

Dings, fishing line, and depleted anodes are cheap to fix early and expensive when ignored.

Why this matters

Dings, fishing line, and depleted anodes are cheap to fix early and expensive when ignored.

No regrets: Fishing line on the prop shaft can destroy a seal in one season — always look before you launch.

When DIY is not enough

Hard vibration, persistent leaks at the lower unit, or anode depletion in weeks (not months) warrants a mechanical inspection. Our 200-hour service includes full lower-unit and anode review.

DIY steps

  • Remove the prop when safe and check for line wrapped behind the hub.
  • Look for bent blades, missing pieces, or excessive play in the hub.
  • Inspect sacrificial anodes — replace when more than 50% consumed.
  • Note vibration at cruise; even small nicks change performance and fuel burn.

Related FTM services

  • 200-Hour Service
  • Mechanical Repair

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Common questions

Inspect prop, skeg, and zincs every month in season

Dings, fishing line, and depleted anodes are cheap to fix early and expensive when ignored. Fishing line on the prop shaft can destroy a seal in one season — always look before you launch.

When should I call a professional instead?

Hard vibration, persistent leaks at the lower unit, or anode depletion in weeks (not months) warrants a mechanical inspection. Our 200-hour service includes full lower-unit and anode review.

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Engine Maintenance

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