Can you service my MerCruiser?

Yes we are a MerCruiser certified service centre and specialise in servicing MerCruiser engines and sterndrives.

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Will I get any surprises when I receive my bill?

All our logbook services are charged at a flat labour rate. Parts can vary from job to job depending on the condition of the engine and when certain items were last replaced. If you have any major issues come up we will always call you and provide an estimate. You are also welcome to drop by our workshop so we can explain things in person and also while looking at your boat.

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How often should I service my MerCruiser?

The short answer is at a minimum interval of every 12 months. Most customers with boats usually kept in the water elect for us to look after all their annual maintenance. We arrange a lift time with The Boat Works, and once lifted we can arrange antifoul and polishing or detail services in tandem with you engine services.

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How long does a MerCruiser service take?

Most services including antifoul take a minimum of 5 days, this allows for time to remove and clean the drives before reinstallation and antifoul.

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Do you offer a trailer for smaller boats?

Subject to availability to we lift boats less than 20 feet on or workshop trailer to minimise lift costs.

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Do you offer Pre-Purchase or Insurance inspections?

Yes we can provide pre-purchase inspections and Club Marine inspection reports.

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Do you offer mobile services?

Yes we have a full mobile service available. Please consider that most services involve servicing your sterndrive unit which can only be achieved whilst the boat is out of the water and on even ground.

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How often should my exhaust manifolds and risers be checked and/or replaced?

On a MerCruiser we find that on average the manifolds and risers last 7 to 9 years dor dry joint systems. There are cases where they can last much shorter or longer time periods. We usually recommend replacement if your system is more than 7 to 9 years old or much earlier for wet joint systems. The cost to inspect your manifold and elbow can cost in the hundreds of dollars due to expensive stainless steel gaskets, and labour costs to refinish the mating surfaces, hence we usually work off a time based schedule rather than one based on inspections. Inspection value for dry joint manifolds is also limited. As severe engine damage can occur if your manifold and elbow have failed, we recommend keeping on top of these maintenance items. It is important to keep written service history for these items.

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My transom shield is corroded, is there an inexpensive way to fix this?

We find on average that MerCruiser transom shields can last 15 to 20 years. In some cases they may last longer or shorter times than this. The main cause of failure is corrosion around the top of the transom shield around the steering pin and arm. You can usually see white corrosion and water dripping around the steering arm inside your engine bay at the transom shield. Previously we may have cut through the exterior of the shield to replace seals in this area then reseal the external unit, however we no longer undertake this repair. We recommend removal of the engine and replacement of the entire transom shield once they have reached their end of life.

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My engine compressions were checked and they are low or varied, what can I do?

Most mechanic's gauges can vary when it comes to the compression data recorded. The main thing to check is the variance between cylinders. At the very least, major variances, or variances of more than 20% (typically) warrant further investigation. Other questions to ask are whether there has been a recent overheat or unusual events (eg running aground), or water found in the cylinders (spark plugs). Upon cylinder head removal, we may find you require a new engine (worst case) or in some cases the cylinder heads can be removed for servicing, or there may be some other issue that is the cause.