Troubleshooting the Most Common Boat Problems
Struggling to understand why your boat isn’t working properly? Understanding the most common issues and what causes them can simplify the troubleshooting process. At Boat Masters Marine, we can assist by inspecting your boat and repairing any issues it is experiencing. For more information, visit our location in Akron, serving Youngstown and Cleveland.
Boat Won’t Start or Dies Suddenly
Few issues can be more troubling that finding your boat won’t start or having it suddenly die when you’re out on the water. Luckily, it is usually easy to diagnose the cause and repair this problem. Generally, if your boat won’t start, the cause is related to the electrical system, such as a loose or faulty kill switch or starter switch. The kill switch or starter switch can also cause the engine to die unexpectedly. Alternatively, the culprit might be a bad battery or poor connection if the engine makes noises, but won’t turn over.
Boat Won’t Shift Into Gear
Finding that your boat won’t shift out of neutral can also leave you stuck. In this situation, the problem is almost assuredly related to the gearbox. Detached transmission housing cables or a cable that is gummed up by dirt or rust can both cause this issue, and these problems are both fairly easy to fix on your own. However, if you don’t see either of these problems when inspecting your gearbox, it may be that your transmission unit is broken or faulty and thus needs to be replaced.
Boat Won’t Steer Properly
Losing your steering while out on the water can be extremely dangerous. Should this happen, the first thing you should check is to see whether there is enough hydraulic fluid. If you’re not low on hydraulic fluid, the next step is to check for any loose connections around the steering arm. If none are visible, then this usually indicates that the steering system has a mechanical failure and will require replacement parts.
Engine Sputters or Loses Power
The engine losing power occasionally is another common problem and also one that is usually fairly easy to fix. In most cases, this issue is related to either the fuel filter or spark plugs. Cleaning or replacing your in-line fuel filter is one possible solution. You’ll also want to check the spark plugs to make sure that they aren’t damaged or gummed up.
Engine Overheats
If your engine keeps overheating, it indicates that the cooling system is likely having water flow issues. In this situation, the first thing is to check to make sure that the cooling loop is free from blockages. Typically, flushing the cooling loop out is enough to overcome most overheating issues.
Boat Is Taking on Water
If your boat is taking on water, the problem could be something as simple as forgetting to put the transom plug in. If this isn’t the case, then you’re likely dealing with either a damaged hull, malfunctioning bilge pump or a burst cooling hose.
Some boat problems are fairly simple to fix. However, many other common issues require the help of an experienced professional like Boat Masters Marine. For more information on boat repairs and troubleshooting, stop by our location in Akron, serving Youngstown and Cleveland.