The perks of living in South Florida come with warmer weather, which means enjoying more outdoor activities at your leisure. From swinging at the golf range to catching snook while fishing offshore, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. From strolls along the beautiful beaches to exploring vibrant parks and waterways, South Florida truly provides a lifestyle that celebrates outdoor living, especially for boaters.
Florida's blue waters can elevate feelings of happiness, and being out on the open water helps one unwind and escape the stresses of life. The salty breeze and the thrill of exploring the coastline can make boating a cherished pastime, but maintaining your outboard engine is essential to keep these experiences stress-free.
Prevent Costly Damage to Your Outboard Engine in Florida's Climate
When your outboard engine sits unused for an extended period—usually more than a few months—it may not fire up. In fact, leaving it sitting for too long can actually lead to several problems, such as fuel degradation, corrosion, and the buildup of deposits that can clog important components. To avoid costly repairs and ensure your outboard engine is ready for your next adventure, it's essential to either routinely use your engine or follow proper storage practices.
5 Potential Consequences of Leaving Your Outboard Unused in Florida
Degradation of Fuel:
If you leave your engine unused for a long time, be aware that leftover gasoline in the tank can break down. This may lead to varnish or gum forming, which can block the fuel lines, injectors, or carburetor. Ethanol-blended fuel is especially good at absorbing moisture, causing phase separation and possibly reducing engine performance. Taking steps to fix these problems can help your engine run better.
Battery Drain:
Next, leaving your outboard engine sitting for extended periods can also lead to your battery dying. This gradual drain can ultimately leave you stranded, unable to start your engine when you finally decide to head out on the water. It's crucial to regularly check and maintain your battery to ensure reliable performance whenever you need it.
Internal Condensation:
When your outboard motor remains unused, especially in the hot and humid climate of South Florida, moisture can build up within the fuel system and engine. This condensation provides ideal conditions for water to infiltrate your fuel, potentially causing significant internal damage. While this won't happen overnight, the buildup of moisture can cause water contamination in the fuel and internal parts, leading to corrosion, reduced performance, and possible engine damage.
As a boat owner, it's important you are mindful of this problem, as ignoring it could lead to expensive repairs and diminished engine performance.
Water Pump Damage and Seal Deterioration:
Your impeller circulates cooling water, but if your engine is not routinely started it can actually dry out and crack because it loses its flexibility. Without having the water circulating and essentially lubricating your impeller, your water pump won’t be able to properly circulate cooling water through the engine, leading to overheating, potential internal damage, and costly repairs.
Routinely running your engine (and replacing your impeller during your 300 hour service) can help prevent this issue.
Marine Growth
Florida is a subtropical state and is no stranger to a humid atmosphere and diverse marine ecosystem. Marine growth, like algae and barnacles, can cause a multitude of problems. Your engine is not immune to it, especially if you keep your boat in the water. This puts it at risk for algae and barnacles to clog your water intake system or grow on your engine's surface. Both of these instances can cause your engine to fail from overheating and corrosion. Regularly running your engine, rinsing with fresh water, and preventative are important so you can ensure your engine runs in optimal condition.
Prolong the Life of Your Outboard Engine
Keep your outboard engine in optimal condition is important, so remember to either use it regularly or adhere to proper storage practices. Letting your engine sit can result in various issues, including fuel degradation, corrosion, and deposit buildup, which can hinder performance and lead to expensive repairs. By taking these preventative measures, you can ensure that your outboard engine will be ready for your next adventure, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water without worry.
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