2022 Mercury Outboards Coming Soon

 As many of our readers know, finding a brand new outboard motor has been very difficult over the last 18 months. An increase in demand has manufacturers scrambling to produce motors as quickly as possible. The demand continues to surge and forecasts are telling us this trend will continue for the next few years.

While an increase in demand is great news for boating, not being able to get a new outboard is not great news but, we are working to solve this problem. US Boatworks presently has 14 new motors coming in from Mercury Marine. We want to get the word out now to allow you to place a deposit on one of these great motors before they are gone.

Our incoming Mercury Marine Outboard Lineup is as follows:

Five of these shiny new Mercury motors for sale come in 9.9 horse power and offer several different options such as electric start, tiller handle, and long or short shaft. Two of these 9.9’s come with the popular Pro Kicker option for superior torque for greater acceleration control.

If you are looking for a little more horse power we have two 15 hp motors and two 20 HP motors all in short shaft with tiller handle on the way. Our 25 hp motor that is coming soon is already sold.

After our 20 hp motors, we jump up a bit to the 60 hp motors. Soon we will have two 60 HP Mercury Motors stocked with Command Thrust. These motors are long shaft and come with electric start and power trim.

Finally, our largest hp motors are both a 90 HP and 115 HP motors. The 90 hp comes in long shaft with electric start and power trim. The 115 HP motor recently sold and is stocked with electric start and power trim as well.

If you want one of these motors, call us now to place a deposit on one so we can hold it for you. We anticipate most of these will be sold before they hit the showroom floor. If you are looking for something else, we are happy to order a motor for you. Orders placed today can take up to 6 months to arrive, so don’t wait. At this point, it could be early spring before you see your new motor.

No matter what you need, don’t miss out – reserve yours today!

 

Boat Maintenance Checklist

Spring is officially here & it’s time to think about dusting that boat off and getting it in top running shape.  The warm weather will be here soon & you want to be ready so you don’t miss a minute out on the water.  Here are some tips on things to check before taking your boat out for the first time this season.  Please be aware, this boat maintenance tips checklist does not represent everything you should check on your boat but merely give suggestions of where you should start.  Please consult a certified marine repair mechanic prior to working on your boat motor also be sure to consult your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions specific to your boat model.

CHECKLIST:

Belts, Cables & Hoses

1. Always check for cracking that occurred during winter storage.
2. Belts should fit tightly around the pulleys to prevent slipping. A worn belt may have a black substance near the pulley & also may fit loosely.
3. Control cables with cracks or swelling on the outer layer may indicate need to replace.  Contact your boat repair center or order cables online to replace yourself.

Electrical Connections

1. Review electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness.  Check for corrosion which is often a sign that the connection may not be safe.  Remove terminals and use a wire brush to clean connections and cable ends.
2. Charge your battery and test it so you can be sure it will hold a charge. Electrical systems should be routinely inspected by a qualified technician.

Fluid Levels
Check all fluid levels including

1. Engine oil- Change the oil if this was not done during winterizing.  Include a new oil filter & change drive lubricants
2. Coolant
3. Power trim reservoir
4. Power Steering Fluid

Propellers & Hulls

1. Inspect propellers for damage.  Verify the propeller is properly secured.
   If you experience unwanted vibration, poor performance and damage to the propulsion system, your prop may be damaged & need to be replaced.
2.  Inspect the Hull – look for cracks & distortions. Clean the outside of your boat using an environmentally-safe cleaner.

Fuel

1. Check your fuel lines for damage. Signs of damaged hoses can be either cracking, hard hoses or very soft hoses. Remember to check fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces.
2. Insure clamps and fitting are secured.
3. Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are also all functioning properly.

Safety Gear

1. Lifejackets need to be in good condition It’s important for passengers to have access to the correct size lifejacket for their body weight.
2. Onboard fire extinguishers must be the correct class for your boat, fully charged.

Trailer

1. Inspect trailer wheels, verify that tires are inflated to proper level.
2. Check that trailer straps are not worn and are holding properly.
3. Verify that your trailer is the proper size for your boat.

For an even more extensive boat inspection checklist, visit www.boatengine.com/boat-maintence-tips/

This gearcase won’t fail you!

Last week discovered more about New Non-OEM Gearcases which tend to be inferior in quality but can save you money in the short term. Next up on our gearcase education tour is the new OEM (original equipment manufacturer) unit.

The new OEM unit is made by your motor manufacturer (ie. Volvo, Mercury, Evinrude…) and will contain original factory parts.  Of course, with new OEM parts and premium factory labor, this product will be the most expensive of the three replacement choices we cover. Quality manufacturing on a OEM gearcase is a guarantee and the unit will come with a nice warranty.  Warranties will vary by manufacturer so please check with a knowledgeable dealer regarding the warranty.

Generally your dealer will not have the exact OEM gearcase you need in stock since they are expensive and as a result do not sell as often. Expect about 4 days to wait for your new OEM lower unit to arrive at your dealership and add time for installation if necessary. Once installed, you should have comfort in knowing you selected the best unit available on the market.

Call us at 913-342-0011 or email us for more information on new OEM gearcases for your boat motor.

 

USGS Crew Relies on US Boatworks During Flood Rescue

Flood waters continue to torment the Midwest and rescuers are relying on US Boatworks to fix their boats quick so they can get back to the job of saving lives.  The US Geological Survey crew has been on hand helping with rescue efforts to the North of Kansas City and when their Mercury Outboards started having problems, the promptly took it to us for repair.  Time was of the essence as flood waters would crest any day leaving more families in need of evacuation aid.  As a Mercury Marine Premier Repair Shop, our team was well equipped to repair the motors in a day so USGS could get back on the water. Our boat parts department which stock over 2 million parts played a big role in the quick turn around as there was no wait to order replacement parts.

So what makes US Boatworks stand out as a preferred boat dealer for our local fire and rescue department? We have poled our customers and choose the top 5 factors that make US Boatworks a superior boat repair shop.

1. Our certified mechanics know your engine inside and out.  Each mechanic has attended many hours of instruction each year.  This education keeps them on top of new technology which rapidly changes each year.
2. Each of our mechanics has over 25 years experience repairing boats.  So, in addition to being educated with the new technology, our staff has experience working on the late model engines as well.
3. Our friendly team is always happy to help.  Step into our humble shop and you will find our experienced team ready to answer your questions and solve your problem.
4. Great pricing: Low overhead keeps our costs down and we pass that savings on to our customers.
5. Over 2 million boat parts in stock.  This means that we should have the parts you need on hand.  This saves a considerable amount of time while your boat is at our shop- no need to wait for parts from the manufacturer. Your repair will be completed as quickly as possible to get you back out on the water.

We hope you choose US Boatworks for your Kansas City Area boat repair needs.  It's hard to put into words how much we truly care about our customers.  Come in and give us a try, let us earn your business as we have done with our local fire and rescue departments.

US Boatworks Now Open 9-Noon Saturdays!

The month of March rolled in like a lion here in the Mid-West so we set our hopes on it going out like a lamb.  We are all looking forward to warm spring weather and the outdoor fun that goes along with it.  With that said, we hope to see our customers early this spring to beat the summer boat service months where you may wait for your favorite mechanic to solve your problem.  We can turn service jobs around fairly quickly in the early spring months but once the weather changes, everyone suddenly starts thinking about boating.  Before you know it you may be waiting a few weeks to get your boat serviced and with our short boating season, you definitely want to be out on the lake as much as possible.

The good news is that US Boatworks just started extended spring/summer hours.  We are now open Saturdays from 9 am – Noon.  The rest of the week our hours are 9 – 5 central time, Monday through Friday. Please stop by and see us early this spring, you will be glad you did.  

Mercury Go with 5 Years Sales Event

Purchase a new 2.5 – 350 hp Mercury Outboard now through March 31, 2019 and receive 2 additional years factory backed coverage for free.  In addition to the standard three-year factory warranty, you will receive an additional 2 year Mercury Product Protection Gold Plan! Hurry in now before this special is gone.

Motors included in this promotion are all 2.5 – 350 hp outboards including Verado, FourStroke, ProXS and OptiMax engines. Check out our Mercury Outboards in stock and view all available outboards from Mercury.  Motors not already on our showroom floor usually arrive from Mercury in 3 business days.

If you want personalized help from our experienced team, call or come down and see us.  We will get you the right motor the first time based on the anticipated usage information you give us.  This help can save you a lot of frustration down the road. We hear countless stories from boaters who purchase their motors from the big stores and end up under powered. Take some extra time and use our knowledge before you buy.

US Boatworks – a Mercury Premier Dealer that truly cares about getting you out on the water enjoying the lake with family and friends.

Outlook 2019

As we say goodbye to 2018, we took a quick look back in time.  A lot has changed since Mercury's small beginnings in 1939 when outboards were ordered from the Montgomery Ward mail order catalog.  Mercury Outboards continue to be a leader in the industry and are even more reliable today.

We at US Boatworks look to be a leader in 2019 by providing the very best boat parts and service dealer in the Midwest.  We will do this by  continuing to provide a superb customer experience by adding value to every customer that reaches our retail store or online shop.  Adding value through customer education, friendly advice and a wide array of products to meet your needs.  Browse our blog for boat repair topics, call or email us with questions about outboard or sterndrives.  We are the best boat parts store and boat repair shop and will continue to improve and grow over the coming year.

Thank you for allowing us to keep you out on the water all season long.

Happy Holidays

Watch Holiday Message

h

Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season.

We sincerely thank you for your business & look forward to serving your boating needs in the new year.

Your Trusted Source for Boat Parts and Repair,

The US Boatworks Team

Mercury’s 6 Year Warranty

Give your loved one a Mercury Outboard this Christmas & double your warranty coverage!

Purchase a new 2.5hp to 25hp Mercury FourStroke outboard tiller handle model between October 25 and December 31, 2018 and get a total of six years of Mercury factory-backed limited coverage!

In addition to the standard three-year factory warranty, you also receive a three-year Mercury Product Protection Gold plan! Hurry in now before year end.

6 Year Warranty on Portable Mercury Outboards

Double your warranty coverage!

Consumers who purchase a new 2.5hp to 25hp Mercury FourStroke outboard tiller handle model between October 25 and December 31, 2018 and get a total of six years of Mercury factory-backed limited coverage! In addition to the standard three-year factory warranty, they will also receive a three-year Mercury Product Protection Gold plan! Hurry in now before the savings pass you by.

Do It Yourself Winterizing

Winterizing tips for the do-it-yourselfer

Winterizing Choices

US Boatworks is proud to help you when it comes to winterizing your sterndrive or outboard motor.  We help by providing two choices for winterizing.  First off you can bring your boat in to be winterized and choose one of the three winterizing packages we offer. Or if you choose to do it yourself, we provide all the quality OEM supplies you need along with these valuable winterizing tips.

Winterizing Outboards and Inboards:

• Remove water from the engine & exhaust manifolds. Water left in the engine cooling system can freeze and crack the engine block.
• Remove water from your fresh water systems & live wells.
• Add fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank using a high-quality fuel stabilizer. Without stabilizer, the fuel can degrade over the winter months.  Make sure the stabilizer you select is for your fuel type & motor type (2 stroke).
• Winterize the cooling system using ethyl-glycol antifreeze (pink RV-type). If water is left behind, it will mix with the antifreeze, which will keep it from freezing.
• Lower unit lubrication should be changed. This eliminates water or contaminants that could harm the unit over the long winter. While you are at it, check for leaks and the condition of your propeller.
• Lock your outboard or outdrive if necessary.  Remove electronics and valuables.
• Check your trailer: Inspect bearings for rust and pitting.  Replace them if necessary.  Bearing seals should be well greased.  Check the tires and trailer brakes.
• ***Always refer to the service manual before performing any service on your motor.***

One more tip — if you winterize your boat on your own, remember most insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by freezing, even if you did your best. Having a high-quality, qualified repair shop winterize your boat limits your responsibility if freezing damage occurs.  If you live in the Kansas City area, call us  at 913-342-0011 to have your boat professionally winterized by our trained marine mechanics.

Not in the Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas area?  We can ship anywhere in the US.  We know what your boat needs and we have excellent prices.  Additionally, we have low shipping rates as we only charge you our cost to ship parts to you.  Call us or send us an email at sales@BoatEngine.com.

Winterize Now!

Temperatures have remained warm for the beginning of fall.  If you are still taking advantage of boating, you have a few more good days out on the water.  Some boaters have already brought their boat in for the winter.  If you have wrapped it up for the season, get here to winterize your boat sooner rather than later.  As soon as news of near freezing temperatures hits, our lot will be over full with winterizes & we hate to turn customers away. Don’t put it off too long!

Loyal customers choose US Boatworks for boat winterization because of our great rates and outstanding reputation. Each winterization is personally performed by one mechanic from beginning to end. Rest assured that your motor will be properly winterized and safe from the upcoming freeze.

Winterization Service Options:

1. Basic Winterization: (4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder)
   Stabilize fuel tank, fog engine, drain and refill block with antifreeze, check engine oil and gear oil.
2. Standard Winterization Service: (4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder)
   Stabilize fuel tank, fog engine, drain and refill block with antifreeze, check engine oil and gear oil. Plus change engine oil and gear lube.
3. Deluxe Engine Winterization: (4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder)
   Stabilize fuel tank, fog engine, drain and refill block with antifreeze, check engine oil and gear oil. Plus pull outdrive to inspect for wear, inspect bellows, grease u-joints, check alignment, grease bearings.

For more information on any of these winterization options send us an email at parts@boatengine.com or call us M-F 9-5 CST  & Saturday 9-12 at 913-342-0011. Tim, Ron or Mike are happy to help you with your boat repair or maintenance needs. We are open a few more Saturdays.  10/27 will be our last Saturday for the season, then we are only open 9-5 Monday through Friday until spring hits.

Happy boating.

Score Some Cash -Send Us Your Core

The busy summer season is dwindling down giving us a chance to remind gearcase customers to cash in on the core refund. Customers who purchase a lower unit from US Boatworks are eligible for a refund when you return a good core back to us.  If you are one of those customers, send your core back to us – we need them! More information on our core program can be found on our core policy page.

As one of the top remanufacturers of gear cases in the US, our technicians continually rebuild gear cases so they are in stock when ordered.  So that we can build all those gear cases, we need good used cores to start the refurbish process. We need your cores! Recycle your housing, save the environment and earn some money in the process.

 
If you have a used Evinrude, Mercury or Volvo-Penta outdrive cores laying around, put some cash in your pocket today.  We buy Mercury cores, Volvo Penta Sterndrive cores and Evinrude cores.  You will be paid based on the condition of the core you send us.

If you have replaced a damaged gear case lately, don’t throw that old lower unit out!  Turn it into cash. $$$$$$

The Trouble with Non-OEM Fuel Lines

We receive many phone calls about boat motors not running properly. If time allows, we may make a few suggestions over the phone.  Doing some of your own troubleshooting up front may save you time and money if you choose to handle some basic tips.

So, when discussing the poor performance complaints, common symptoms include:

-Motor will not start
-The engine runs fine for a while, but then shuts down and will not restart
-Loosing power periodically and then when running on plane

When hearing of these symptoms, we suggest checking for fuel leaks, reviewing all fittings and connectors for leaks and testing the fuel bulb.  We also ask if the fuel lines have been replaced and if so, what brand has been installed? When the answer is the fuel lines have been replaced by lines purchased at a large discount store, we usually suggest purchasing OEM fuel lines and installing them with new fittings.  The life of non-oem fuel lines is very short since they are manufactured with inferior materials to save money.  The quick deterioration of the generic lines can cause boaters more problems than the money saved up front.  Frequent replacing of lines and time lost on the water is far more costly than simply purchasing the OEM lines from the get go.  If fuel lines have never been replaced, they still may need to be changed out with new OEM lines to insure fuel can reach the motor with ease.

Need new OEM fuel lines and fuel related accessories? We can help.  Our online parts storeallows you to select your motor and review the engine diagrams on the screen.  Simply place items from the microfiche drawings in your shopping cart & check out.  We usually ship orders the same day so you receive your order quickly.  Additionally, readers of our blog can enjoy $10 off orders of $50 or more by entering 10save10 coupon code at checkout.

To recap- fuel related problems can sometimes be self diagnosed and fixed at home.  We recommend using OEM parts especially with your fuel lines and connectors.  We are also happy to do the work for you, please call or bring your boat in for Kansas City boat service.  There is nothing better than a fun day out on the water with friends and family.  We take pride in quality workmanship and will get your motor running in top shape.

Osage Theater Circa 1922

Our boat parts and repair shop at 930 Osage, Kansas City, KS has a unique history. In 1922, the newly constructed building opened as the Osage Theater.  Richard Biechelle, owner, built the theater for $50,000 which would seat 1000. Prior to 1922 there had been smaller theater at this same location but I was unable to find details about it. It was destroyed or torn down for this 1922 theater.

The debut movie on February 26, 1922 was “A Sailor-Made Man” staring Harold Lloyd.

The theater ran for close to 30 years in Armourdale. It was a favorite entertainment spot for both kids and adults in this hard working community. I uncovered a Google Book titled, “The Kid from Armourdale” in which Lloyd E Houser describes growing up in Armourdale during the depression.  He mentions finding ways to earn money to go to the Osage Theater on a Friday night.  His young brother, with no money of his own, bawled and bawled his way into going.  Lloyd offered to pay the 1 penny to get Bill into the show as his mom only had 9 cents in her purse. Lloyd’s story of that Friday night is certainly entertaining and can be found here.

In 1948 the theater experienced a roof collapse which injured some customers. The theater was repaired and re-opened for a few more years.

Theater – The Kansas movie theater in the Armourdale community of Kansas City, Kan., was damaged by the 1951 flood. This view shows Kansas Avenue near St. Paul Street. (Photo courtesy of the Wyandotte County Museum)

The 1951 flood of the Armourdale area forced the closing of the theater and it was never to be re-opened.  Apparently repairs were done to the building and the front exterior greatly changed to what it looks like today.  The windows along the side of the building remain the same however.  Inside you can find the projector room and the window through which the movies were shown.  You can even see the arch of the screen curtain and stage. Additionally you can still see water marks on the interior walls where the flood waters crested.

If you stop by during our down time (in the winter) perhaps we can give you a tour.

930 Osage Ave, Home of US Boatworks since 1990.

The projection booth of the Osage Theatre at its opening with Simplex projection

Raise Less Civilized Kids

School is back in session for most of the USA but summer continues to hang on here in the Midwest. We have a many more warm days to enjoy the lake with family and friends! Go tubing, get out the fishing rods, build a bonfire, make s'mores, stay up late! Get out there and make some memories!

 To help get you back on the water while saving money, you can now save over 50% off shipping! Beginning August 17 through the end of the month we are offering $7.95 flat rate shipping* on orders over $100 when you order on-line. Use coupon code 7dollarship at check out.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Boat Engine Maintenance

• Have you been putting off your recommended Mercury outboard maintenance?
• Are you simply not sure of what to do?
• Maybe you are dreading dragging out the engine manual or doing your internet research?
• Can you even find your engine manual?

For anyone who can identify with the above, this article is for you!

Regular engine maintenance is essential to ensuring your engine will provide you with years of trouble-free operation.  You have a choice to do it  yourself or sit back and let the experts handle your maintenance.

If you want the experts to help, Mercury Authorized Dealers have the expertise and training to handle all of your engine maintenance service and needs.  US Boatworks is a Mercury Authorized Premier Dealer with over 30 years experience in repairing and maintaining Mercury Outboard Motors in the Kansas City area.  Please call to schedule your 100 and 300 hour maintenance of your Mercury Outboard. Keeping on top of the recommended procedures is a great way to keep your engine running trouble free for many years to come.

For the do-it-yourselfer, timely, accurate maintenance is important.  The maintenance checklist at the bottom of the page is a great summary of items to be reviewed at both 100 and 300 engine hours.  The second list is a grease chart for fresh water use to insure the proper product is put into your motor.  Always refer to your specific owners manual or call your authorized Mercury Motor dealer before performing these recommended services.

OILS AND LUBRICANTS  

Oils and lubricants are of course key to keeping your motor parts moving properly.  Avoid being tricked into buying generic or multi-purpose oils which are inferior to genuine manufacturer oils. Mercury Oils and Lubricants are specifically engineered for the unique needs of marine engines and rigorously tested to meet high standards. You can get the most out of your engine while having total peace of mind that your engine is being protected when you choose oils manufactured by your engine manufacturer.

GREASE CHART FOR FRESH WATER USE

STEERING SYSTEMS / CABLE, LINKAGES	2-4-C	100 hrs/at least once a yr
THROTTLE AND SHIFT CABLES, LINKAGES	2-4-C	100 hrs
REMOTE CONTROLS	2-4-C	100 hrs/at least once a yr
PROP SHAFT	2-4-C	100hrs/120 days
SWIVEL PINS	2-4-C	100hrs/120 days
TILT LOCK MECHANISM/TILT TUBE	2-4-C	100 days
DRIVE SHAFT SPLINES (ENGINE COUPLERS)	EXTREME	100 hrs/at least once a yr

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST	100 HRS	300 HRS
INSPECT ENGINE AND ACCESSORIES FOR VISIBLE DAMAGE	♦	♦
RUN ENGINE FOR CORRECT OPERATION, CHECK FOR ANY ACTIVE CODES	♦	♦
DRAIN GEAR HOUSING AND REFILL WITH GEAR LUBE	♦	♦
REPLACE GEAR LUBE	♦	♦
SERVICE WATER PUMP	♦
INSPECT THERMOSTATS, REPLACE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦
LUBRICATE DRIVE SHAFT SPLINES	♦	♦
INSPECT PROPELLER SHAFT NUT, TORQUE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦
INSPECT IGNITION COMPONENTS, REPLACE SPARK PLUGS IF NECESSARY	♦
INSPECT FUEL TANK, FUEL LINES AND CONNECTIONS	♦	♦
INSPECT FUEL FILTERS, REPLACE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦
CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND REPLACE OIL FILTER (FOURSTROKE ONLY)	♦	♦
INSPECT HIGH PRESSURE FILTER, REPLACE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦
CHECK AND INSPECT ANODE, REPLACE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦