Answers
Boat Repair FAQ — Florida Marine Outfitters LLC
We've organized the questions we hear most at our Englewood shop by topic. Find the service or system you're dealing with and get straight answers below.
Can a fiberglass hull repair be done while the boat is in the water?
Below-waterline repairs require the boat to be hauled and dry. Above-waterline damage can sometimes be assessed at the dock, but the actual repair work generally needs the hull accessible and clean.
How do I know if my engine needs a rebuild or just a repair?
A proper compression test and leak-down test will tell you whether internal wear is the issue. Most overheating, starting, and fuel problems are repairs.
How often should the impeller be replaced?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the impeller every one to two years or every 100 hours, whichever comes first.
Can I just add a second battery to fix my battery drain problem?
A second battery won't fix a parasitic draw or a bad charging system. It just gives the drain more capacity to work through.
Can oxidation always be removed by polishing?
Not always. Compounding removes oxidized material by cutting the surface.
How do I know if my bottom paint is still working?
Look at the hull below the waterline after the boat has been in the water for a few weeks.
Is it worth repairing an aluminum prop or should I just buy a new one?
It depends on the damage. Minor bends and dings on aluminum are almost always worth repairing.
Can you service both carbureted and fuel-injected outboards?
Yes. We work on both carbureted engines and electronic fuel injection systems, including direct and port injection setups on current-generation outboards.
Can you match my existing canvas color and style?
In most cases, yes. Bring in a sample of the original fabric or the boat itself.
Can you install electronics on any type of boat?
Most hull types and console configurations can be worked with.
Do boats in Florida really need to be winterized?
Yes, though the scope differs from colder climates. Freeze protection is rarely the main concern here.
Does annual service apply to outboards, or just inboards?
Both. The specific items vary by engine type, but outboards, inboard/outboard, and sterndrive setups all have annual service requirements covering fluids, impellers, and wear components.
How often should boat trailer bearings be repacked?
Once a year is the standard recommendation for trailers used in saltwater. If the trailer sees heavy ramp use or goes into the water frequently, checking them every six months is reasonable.
How do I know if my bilge pump is actually working?
Put a small amount of water in the bilge and watch for the pump to kick on automatically. If it doesn't cycle within a few inches of water, the float switch may be stuck or the circuit may be dead.
How do I know if my transom needs to be replaced or just repaired?
A transom that flexes noticeably when you run the motor or feels soft across a wide area typically needs full core replacement. Small isolated soft spots sometimes allow a localized repair.
Can you remove waterline staining from running in the backcountry?
Yes. Tannin staining from brackish water and the dark waterline buildup from boat traffic are common here.
Can I keep running if the temperature gauge spikes briefly and then drops?
No. A spike that recovers can mean partial blockage, an intermittent impeller failure, or a thermostat that is starting to stick.
Does the seller have to be present for the inspection?
No, but they need to provide access to the boat. It's common for the buyer to arrange access through the seller or a marina.
Can you add a sound system to any boat?
In most cases, yes. The main constraints are available space for mounting, access for running wire, and battery capacity to support the added load.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help — reach out and we'll get right back to you.