Learn to Care for Your Outboards

In this Clean-N-Simple Tip, Capt. Sam McGinley goes over several methods of maintaining a "like-new" appearance for your outboard motors. While mechanical maintenance is always important, keeping your engines cosmetically appealing will keep their resale value high and add to the overall appearance of the boat in a big way. 

One of the first things to remember when detailing your outboards during a standard wash is to use a quality soap that won't strip your wax, like our Britewash. Be sure to avoid caustic chemicals like bleach or muriatic acids, as they will destroy the paint of modern outboards. Additionally, be sure to use our Soft or Extra Soft Deck Brush during your wash. These brushes won't effect the soft paint of the engines and avoid the micro-scratches that a stiffer brush might leave. 

After you are done washing, be sure to take the time and dry the motors with a high quality chamois like our Deluxe Water Sprite Towel. Your outboards run very hot compared to the rest of the boat and have a tendency to "bake" water spots in much easier. That's why it's so important to remove the water and prevent the mineral deposits from forming. Taking the time to do this after every trip will prevent you from having to buff the motors with a corrective compound at a later date.

Finally, and most importantly, you should take the time to wax your outboards every few months. A layer of Pro Polish will keep your engines protected from the ravages of salt, grime, exhaust smoke and more. It acts as a sacrificial barrier and prevents those environmental effects from damaging the paint. It's easy to apply with a clean mircorfiber towel, so you don't have to worry about damaging any graphics with a buffing machine. 

Following these steps ensures that your outboard motors will look just as good as they day they were first installed for years to come. If you have any other questions about cosmetic engine maintenance, just reach out to us. Until next time, we're here to help keep your boat Clean-N-Simple.