By Mark Raudenbush
We get calls here at Wolcott Marine almost daily from customers looking to repower their boats. Before we quote those jobs I always have a series of questions for the boat owner. Questions about the boat itself, about how the customer uses their boat, the condition and age of the boat, the history of the boat and what the owner plans to do with the boat after the repower.
After those questions and in most cases after a brief survey of the boat, weâll make the suggestions as to, if in our opinion, a repower is the right choice. In some cases where the boat is a good quality craft and in good condition repower is the absolute right choice. In other cases, where the boat itself isnât likely to support the value of a repower, it might be best to liquidate the boat and to move on to something new.
After Hurricane Irma we saw lots of boats that had sunk during the storm. Most of these, if there wasnât any other damage, were good candidates for repower. Boats that are used alot by professional guides or by avid fisherman, that put a high volume of hours per year, are another good candidate. Boats that have been well-kept but are still sporting older two- stroke outboards, might benefit from the efficiency of a modern four-stroke outboard. Often times however when looking at older boats that have been left to deteriorate, itâs time to move on to a new or a newer boat.
Some of the advantages of a new boat include worry free operation of all of the boatâs systems. Not just the engines. Todayâs boats are built of modern composites and better materials than were used in the past. New boats will be factory system matched boat and motors which are tested for operation. In a repower the weights of newer engines are probably different than the older unit. Four-stroke engines have different torque curves than do the old two strokes. Letâs just say âItâs Complicatedâ
So, if you are thinking about repowering your boat, give us a call, be ready for twenty or so questions. Then weâll be glad to help you understand if repower is indeed your best option or if itâs time to look for a new boat.
Either way, there is a path to getting on the water, conveniently, safely and dependably. Thatâs what weâre all after.
Wolcott Marine is located at 854 River Point Drive, Naples, FL 34102, phone: 239-417-2896. Stop in and say âHiâ to Mark and become part of the Wolcott Marine Family where top quality boats, exceptional service, and happiness is guaranteed is their business!