Houston Outboard Motor Repair

Found 85 results

Best Outboard Motor Service by Town in Houston

Outboard Motor Repair in Houston

How much do outboard motor repairs cost?

When it comes to the costs associated with boat maintenance, things can get expensive. Repairing your outboard motor can run you anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand if you need a full rebuild. A large portion of what you’re paying for is labor when you go to a shop, so whatever you can learn to do yourself can save you a lot of money in the long run. Also, whatever parts you’re able to find yourself will save you from marked up charges you might receive if the service shop purchases them for you. At the end of the day though, most likely there will be services and repairs that you need professional help with. To limit how many repairs that is, it’s important to know how to properly maintain your outboard motor so you can save the most money possible.

How to save money on outboard motor repairs

In order to save the most money on outboard motor repairs, it is vital to keep your motor in the best condition possible. This can be done in a number of simple ways.

  • Flush out the engine after outings, especially after saltwater excursions, to avoid clogging and corrosion.
  • Frequently check the water pump, make sure it has a strong even flow.
  • Lubricate all moving parts often, such as the shift, throttle cables, and carburetor valves.
  • Always use fresh fuel and drain all fuel if storing your boat for any longer period of time.
  • Examine the fuel line often for cracks or wear.
  • Wipe everything down and spray with an anti-corrosive after an outing.

How to find the best outboard motor repair shops in Houston

Houston is home to many service repair shops, the trick is finding the one best suited for your outboard motor needs. This will differ depending on the service you need and the budget you have. Once you have established these two factors, you can begin narrowing down which shop will be best for you. Shops located on Trinity and Galveston Bay will tend to be slightly more expensive and specialized for saltwater engines. If more of your boating activities consist of freshwater outings in places like Lake Houston, visit a service shop up there. The general rule of thumb is professional shops with better service and more experience will be more expensive. In the end, however, it’s worth it to spend a little more than go to a poor mechanic and end up back in the shop a week later. Marine Exchange is a great place to see what different service shops offer as well as customer reviews, so you aren’t shooting in the dark. Also, if you are new to the boating scene don’t be afraid to ask a friend or just someone along the docs for their advice. Chances are someone else has been in your exact situation and most likely will be more than willing to help.