Be Prepared on the Water
Breaking down on the water is no fun — and most of the time, it's preventable. Keeping a small kit of critical spare parts on board (or in your garage) can save your day and your engine.
Here are the five parts we recommend every boat owner keep on hand:
1. Spare Impeller
The #1 cause of outboard overheating is a failed impeller. These rubber vanes wear out over time and can disintegrate suddenly. Always have a spare kit that matches your engine's water pump. It takes under an hour to swap.
2. Fuel Filter
Dirty or contaminated fuel is more common than you think — especially with ethanol-blended gas. A clogged fuel filter causes rough running and hard starts. Replace annually and keep one spare.
3. Spark Plugs (Full Set)
Fouled plugs are a leading cause of no-start situations. Keep a complete set of the correct plugs for your engine. They're cheap insurance.
4. Thermostat
A stuck-closed thermostat causes overheating. A stuck-open one causes poor performance and fuel economy. They're inexpensive and easy to replace — keep one on hand.
5. Propeller Shear Pin / Cotter Pin
Hit a submerged object and your shear pin will sacrifice itself to protect the prop shaft. Without a spare, you're dead in the water. These are pennies — buy a handful.
Stock Up at Nick Marine
We carry all of these parts for Yamaha, Mercury, Johnson/Evinrude, Sea-Doo, and more. Shop our online catalog or call 623-252-3566 and we'll help you build the right kit for your engine.
Nick Marine — Glendale, AZ — Nick Knows Boat Parts