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Need your boat, motor or watercraft serviced?

Browse our 10 most asked questions about Service and Maintenance and find out the answers below.

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10 common questions when it comes to your Boat & Motor

1. What does it cost for an engine service?

Refer to our servicing costs.



2. How often am I meant to service my motor?

If you have purchased a new, or near new Motor we suggest you check with the manufactures service guidelines, as all new engines come with factory warranty. Some offer longer warranties than others. To comply with warranty the engine manufacture will supply scheduled interval times. Four stroke engines usually come with the following service intervals • 3 months or 20 hours (whatever comes first) • 1 Year or 100 hours (whatever comes first) • 1 Year or 200 hours • 1 year or 300 hours and so on. In most cases to comply with factory warranty, under the warranty period, authorised service agents should be used. Please refer to your manufacture guidelines.



3. How do I know I’m not buying a lemon?

It is recommended that a pre-purchase inspection is performed by an Authorised Service Agent. An inspection will provide an overall condition report on the craft.



4. What happens if my outboard has taken on water?

Depending on how the water has been introduced into the engine, but the first thing to check is the fuel tank/tanks. Most cases of water in fuel related issues are due to water finding its way into the fuel tanks. If this is the case, the water will need to be decanted from the fuel, in which it is suggested fresh fuel is replaced into the fuel tank. Depending on the volume of water which has been introduced, fuel lines to the engine may also need to be bleed, which we recommend your Authorised Service Agent is booked for this procedure. It is a very common procedure for underfloor tanks to have a fuel separator filter installed between the fuel tank and the engine which will catch traces of water. Portable fuel tanks too can have this filter installed.



5. If I lose my keys to my motor how do I get a replacement set?

Most keys have a number on the key itself, so it always pays to have this number noted, the number can be given to your local Authorised Dealer for a replacement. If you can’t find a number, or you don’t have the keys, the barrel of the ignition may need to be removed in which case there will be an identification number there for a replacement key.



7. What is the most common cause of breakdowns?

Believe it or not, the majority of failures are introduced to your vessels motor. Common failures are things such as battery failure, bad wiring/faulty connectors, bad fuel quality, water in fuel, or engines which haven’t had regular maintenance. All of the above are all routine checks carried out at servicing intervals.



6. Why can’t I service my engine myself?

While a lot of minor maintenance can be done at home there are many aspects like computer diagnostics that a non-authorised agent won’t have access too. Authorised Agents have trained technicians which have many years’ experience specifically unique to servicing engines.



8. How important is flushing my motor?

Unfortunately, salt water is a very destructive environment. Whilst different manufactures specify different methods, the end goal is the same, to remove the salt from the cooling system. Always flush your motor with fresh water. Please see your manufacture guidelines for correct flushing procedures.



9. How can I protect my investment?

You can create yourself a pre-checklist. You can have a visual inspection of the vessel You can check the Oil levels You can check that the batteries charged? If you are going on a road trip, does the trailer have a current WOF, do the lights work, and are the wheel bearings in good condition. DON’T leave servicing to 2 Days before Christmas, as by chance you will not be able to get a booking as most marine companies will be in fully booked out weeks in advance at this time of year.



10. How reliable are modern day Engines?

Well maintained vessels are as reliable as your car.



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10 common questions when it comes to your Watercraft

1. What does it cost for an engine service?

10 common questions when it comes to your Watercraft 1. What does it cost for an engine service? Servicing costs will vary between manufacturers however, annual servicing, or every 50 hour (whatever comes first) services average around $500. First services may be slightly cheaper.



2. How often should I service my Watercraft?

For any other than Sea-Doo please refer to your manufacturer’s specifications for service intervals. For Sea-Doo please see Woodbine Marine’s recommendations. First Service – 25 hours, or 1 year, whatever comes first. Annual Service – 50 hours, or one year. In most cases, to comply with factory warranty under the warranty period, authorised service agents should be used. Please refer to your manufacturer guidelines.



3. Can I tow my Watercraft?

Other than Sea-Doo, please refer to your manufacturer’s specifications for towing guidelines. For Sea-Doo, special precautions should be taken when towing a Sea-Doo Watercraft in water. The maximum recommended towing speed is 24kph or 15mph. This will prevent the exhaust system from filling with water, which may lead to water being injected into and filling the engine. Without the engine running, there isn’t any exhaust pressure to push the water out of the exhaust outlet.



4. What do I do if I fill my Watercraft with water?

If the Watercraft has been capsized for more than 5 minutes do not attempt to crank the engine to avoid water ingestion that would damage the engine. See an authorised Sea-Doo dealer as soon as possible for a check-up.



5. How do I flush my Watercraft and do I need to flush it every time I use it?

Flushing your Watercraft is different to what most people think, for other brands than Sea-Doo, please refer to your Authorised Service Agent. For Sea-Doo Watercraft follow these steps for SALT water use. • Start the Watercraft. • Apply the water to the flush unit at the back of the craft (flush points will vary depending on model and age of craft). • Run the Watercraft for 1.5 to 2 minutes, and no longer. • Remove water from flush point. • Give 3 quick revs of the throttle (not on the RPM limiter) to remove water from the exhaust. • Turn the Watercraft off.



7. What do I do if I think I’ve sucked up something into my Jet Pump?

Weeds, shells, rocks and debris can get caught in your Jet Pump. In most cases this is due to the Watercraft being started in too-shallow water. Signs of this problem will be a lack of power or a vibration coming through the Watercraft. If there’s a chance to remove the debris, it will need to be removed from either the back of the jet pump or through the intake grate. Failing this, we recommend the Watercraft is taken to your local Sea-Doo agent in which the Jet Pump will be removed and the debris cleaned out.



6. How do I know if I’m buying a Lemon?

It is recommended that a pre-purchase inspection is performed by an Authorised Service Agent. An inspection will provide an overall condition report on the craft.



8. What do I do if I think I’ve sucked up a ski rope?

If you have run over a rope the chances are you have sucked the rope in through the Intake Grate and around the Drive Shaft. If this is the case, stop the Watercraft immediately, as the more you drive it – the more damage can be done. To remove the rope the intake grate will need to be removed, and possibly the Jet Pump. We recommend the craft is looked over by your Authorised Sea-Doo Agent to assure no further damage has been caused.



9. Do I need to winterise my ski?

If you are not using your Personal Watercraft for more than 2-3 months it is recommended a winterisation is performed. • We suggest to run and flush the engine (follow the flushing questions from question 5). • Once the flushing procedure is performed, make sure the Engine Bay is clean and Dry. Spray Seadoo XPS Anti Corrosive spray (part number 293600016) over engine to prevent corrosion. • Leave seat off for a day, once a month if possible, to prevent condensation build up. A Battery Maintenance charger can be used to maintain the battery life. Enquire today about our Pre-Winter service specials.



10. I haven’t used my ski for a few months and now it won’t start?

In most cases this will be due to a dead or low battery. Connect a battery charger to the battery and charge for a good period of time. If the Watercraft still doesn’t start, you may need to replace the battery with a new one. Failing this, we suggest the craft is looked at by your Authorised Service Agent.