Hutch’s Marine Re-Power

Extend the life of your boat with an engine repower. 

Boats are designed to take a beating. A boat’s engine is not. A well-designed hull can last for decades, well past when most engines begin to fade out. If you love your boat but the engine’s a goner, repowering is an affordable option.

  Evaluate Repower Options

Good Reasons to Repower

Top of the list: You already love your boat, and it's completely acceptable to feel nostalgic. Maybe you once enjoyed how the boat handled and performed, you've rigged and accessorized it to work well for you, and perhaps you've simply had a lot of fun or adventure in this boat. A high-quality boat, especially one that has been well-maintained, will nearly always outlive its engines. Many believe the best boats produced right now, if maintained, will even outlive the owner.
 

Here are a few of the most common reasons for repowering:

 

Serviceability: For a number of reasons, many authorized dealers simply won't undertake service on motors older than 10 years old, and we know many dealers that refuse to accept motors manufactured before 1995. Older motors are unfamiliar to technicians, and it can be challenging to find replacement components which can slow down repair time. Also, older motors may be so unreliable that it is challenging to maintain customer satisfaction. In addition, many new engines are vastly improved when it comes to self-service items and access which makes self-maintenance much easier.

 

Modern technology can enhance your experience and make your boat feel brand new. Examples include digital controls, power steering, digital instruments and data displays, auto trim, and other exciting features that weren't available when your old motor was constructed. Top-of-the-line features on new motors and control systems include mobile app integrations that add functionality and convenience to your ownership experience. 

 

Better Economy: In today’s world, there are few things more critical than fuel economy. Upgrading to new outboards can increase fuel economy (and range) by 25 to 30 percent if you are still using carbureted or EFI two-stroke outboards. New motors are almost certainly cleaner and quieter as well.

 

Better Performance: Repowering gives you a chance to upgrade your choice in engines up to the rating of your boat. Also, newer engines tend to be lighter, offer better economy, are quieter, and cause fewer vibrations than their predecessors of the same size and hp rating. The overall performance and effect can be impressive! Newer engines offer smoother shifting, and a quieter, more pleasant audible experience while running.

 

New Boats Are More Expensive: The realization that a new boat will cost three times as much as their present boat did when it was new ten years ago is a major factor in why many boat owners elect to repower. The motors wear out long before the useful life of the boat. A repower looks like a better choice all of a sudden. It is also an easier decision if you know you are going to keep your boat for another 10 years but you want to be sure you enjoy that time. Also, boats are frequently repowered for customers who want to sell them. In some cases, if the boat is in demand but the motor is worn out, spending $20,000 on a repower can increase the boat's worth by $30,000 to $40,000 because you can now sell the boat with reliable power and a warranty on the new motor. 

 

Reliability: If your existing motor isn’t very reliable, it may have even left you stranded at the dock or in the water. You may wish to prevent these old-age problems altogether and decide to repower. Many boaters replace their outboard motors every three to five years, or after 1,000 to 1,500 hours of use to avoid these issues and have a better, more reliable experience. This is especially true for boaters who use their boats during valuable vacations and holidays. Nobody wants to spend valuable family time dealing with boat repairs or missing out on boating altogether. 
 

Rejuvenate/Rebuild Your Boat's Engine!

Repowering is exactly what it sounds like – getting a new and better power source behind your boat. You can choose to rebuild your existing engine or get a new one. Either way, this cost-efficient option is a great alternative to buying a new boat or continuing expensive maintenance on an aging engine. Best of all, you get a more powerful and/or fuel-efficient engine.
 

Repower Questions? We’re Ready

Our knowledgeable and trained service team members are ready to help you weigh repowering options. The result will be a better boating experience, and our focus is helping you make the right decision. If it’s Springtime, consider repowering while performing seasonal service. This will save time, get you on the water faster, and improve your performance.

Let's Talk Engines!

We'll get you in touch with an expert who can guide you through the repower process.