Black Friday Sale-Save $25 at US Boatworks

Our Black Friday coupon begins today and runs through midnight, Friday 11/24. Save $25 when you spend $100 or more in our online store.  Use code 25off100 at checkout to receive your discount. Shop reliable, quality boat parts from Mercury, Mercruiser, Evinrude, Johnson, OMC and Volvo-Penta.  US Boatworks stocks over 2 million boat parts so they are ready to ship out quickly to you.  We also specialize in NLA hard to find boat parts. Chances are we have what you are looking for. Shop for boat parts NOW!!!

Boat Motor Tune Up Instructions

Judging by the huge quantity of duck boats we have in our repair shop for tune-ups right now, it is clear that duck season in our area is underway. To be sure your first duck hunting trip this year goes smoothly, make sure your outboard motor is running in top shape.

The first order of business is to tune up your motor.  There are many steps involved in tuning up your motor, the first of which is to decide if you are going to do it yourself or leave it to the professionals.  If you are leaving it to the professionals, get your boat to the shop asap to ensure your motor is running smoothly. Trusted Kansas City boat repair shops will have a lot of winterizations to do at this time of year so don’t put this off until the last minute.

If you are doing an outboard motor tune up yourself, your first order of business is to pull out your boat owners manual.  If you can’t locate your owners manual, call our come down to our store in Kansas City to get one. Once you have your owners manual, check guidelines for recommended procedures, lubes, oils and replacement parts.  Failure to use manufacturer required brands can void your warranty and may cause you further headaches down the road.

Start with a visual inspection of your motor starting at the bottom.  Look for signs of leaking lubricant that may run down the propeller.   This could be a signal that seals have gone bad.  If this may be the case, bring your boat in for service. Next check the propeller for signs of damage.  Cracks in the blades by the hub, large chips or bent blades call for repair or replacement of your prop.

As you move up the motor, check and fix missing or loose screws, nuts or bolts on the lower unit.  Lubricate the grease fittings at the transom bracket, swivel bracket, and transom clamp screw as directed in your owner’s manual. The throttle control should be inspected and lubricated per your manual.

Next up is to replace the spark plugs and fuel filter. Then it’s on to the lower unit. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended frequency of lubricant changes for your outboard motor’s lower unit. Begin by removing the unit’s top and bottom fill plugs and allow the lube to drain into a container of your choice. Replace the lubricant with the manufacturer recommended product by filling lubricant into the bottom fill hole until lubricant reaches the top fill hole. Once filled, replace the top plug, remove the applicator nozzle and replace the bottom plug then wipe clean.

Last but not least, get all your hunting gear out.  Clean, inspect and replace as necessary then get out there and have fun.

US Boatworks closed on Saturdays for the Winter

It’s sad but true, US Boatworks is now closed on Saturdays through March 2018.  While we may be open shorter hours, we will still be hard at work for our customers.  Our lot is still packed with boats to winterize and we already have some big winter projects for a few individuals. A big chunk of our time will be spent getting ready for next spring as well.

If you haven’t already taken care of winterizing, be sure your boat is in a warm garage or storage facility.  If you need tips and help, check out our winterization page and our blog.

Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Month

October has been declared National Hunting and Fishing Month by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.  Zinke is a proponent of hunting and fishing and looks to expand these activities in our National Parks. He notes in an article on the Kansas Wildlife Federation Website, that hunters and anglers play a huge part in conservation by contributing billions of dollars to protect our wildlife. It’s his opinion that the more people out there fishing and hunting, the better.

So all you hunters and fishers, get out there and enjoy the outdoors but do it within the law and with safety in mind.  Rules and regulations around hunting and fishing can be complex.  The Kansas Outdoors Website is a great resource for the do-es and don’ts of both fishing and duck/bird hunting in Kansas.

To be sure your first duck hunting trip this year goes smoothly, we strongly suggest your outboard motor is running in top shape.  Tuning up your motor is the first order of business.  There are many steps involved in tuning up your motor  & the first is to decide if you are going to do it yourself or leave it to the professionals.  If you are leaving it to the professionals, get your boat into the shop asap to insure your motor is running smoothly. Trusted Kansas City boat repair shops will have a lot of winterizations to do at this time of year so don’t put this off until the last minute.

If you are doing an outboard motor tune up yourself, your first order of business is to pull out your boat owners manual.  If you can’t locate your owners manual, call our come down to our marine store in Kansas City to get one. Once you have your owners manual, check guidelines for recommended procedures, lubes, oils and replacement parts.  Failure to use manufacturer required brands can void your warranty and may cause you further headaches down the road.

Start with a visual inspection of your motor starting at the bottom.  Look for signs of leaking lubricant that may run down the propeller.   This could be a signal that seals have gone bad.  If this may be the case, bring your boat in for service. Next check the propeller for signs of damage.  Cracks in the blades by the hub, large chips or bent blades call for repair or replacement of your prop.

As you move up the motor, check and fix missing or loose screws, nuts or bolts on the lower unit.  Lubricate the grease fittings at the transom bracket, swivel bracket, and transom clamp screw as directed in your owner’s manual. The throttle control should be inspected and lubricated per your manual.

Next up is to replace the spark plugs and fuel filter. Then it’s on to the lower unit. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended frequency of lubricant changes for your outboard motor’s lower unit. Begin by removing the unit’s top and bottom fill plugs and allow the lube to drain into a container of your choice. Replace the lubricant with the manufacturer recommended product by filling lubricant into the bottom fill hole until lubricant reaches the top fill hole. Once filled, replace the top plug, remove the applicator nozzle and replace the bottom plug then wipe clean.

Last but not least, get all your hunting gear out.  Clean, inspect and replace as necessary then get out there and have fun.

DIY Boat Winterization Supply Guide

Winterizing tips for do-it-yourselfers:

This week daytime temperatures are dipping into the 60's and it finally feels like fall outside.  Enjoy these cooler temperatures by taking your boat out for a quick drive while you can.  Traffic on the lake will be at a minimum; you may have the lake all to yourself.  It may be a little chilly for water skiing and tubing, but it’s a delightful time for a nice drive on the lake or even spending the day fishing.

While you are enjoying the last few weeks on the lake, keep in mind that the task of winterizing your outboard or sterndrive is around the corner.  Winterization must be completed before the first hard freeze.

What is a responsible boat owner to do? You have two choices:

1. Have your boat engine winterized by certified mechanics
Our blog next week will cover tips on having your boat repair shop complete your winterization. If you want to get ahead of the rush, bring your boat into our shop now while the wait is minimal.

2. Winterize your motor on your own.
For the DIY boat mechanic, preparation is key in winterizing your boat.  Having the correct marine grade oil, lube and fuel stabilizer is important to prevent potential damage down the road.  Picking this up at the auto store or large discount chain is not the way to go.  If you are saving money by doing the task yourself, put some of that savings towards genuine Mercury Marine, Evinrude, Johnson or Volvo-Penta oils and lubes.   Below is a list of what you need before you begin winterization.  Stay tuned for more winterizing tips on this blog or search our archives for tips from previous seasons.

US Boatworks customers can enjoy 10% off your winterization items below when mentioning this blog- carry out only.

Outboard:
2 Stroke
Gear Lube
Fogging Oil
Fuel Stabilizer

4 Stroke
Anti-freeze
Fogging Oil
Fuel Stabilizer
Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Gear Lube

Sterndrive:
Antifreeze
Fogging Oil
Fuel Stabilizer
Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Gear Lube

WaterFire KC 2017- US Boatworks Saves the Night

This past weekend was the annual WaterFire event on the Plaza in Kansas City.  WaterFire is a unique experience of sparkling bonfires on the water, live music from boats along Brush Creek, and performances from the shore & the boats.  The event employs three boats with 25 hp Mercury outboards to move performers up and down the creek.

The week of the show, organizers came to US Boatworks with two non-working Mercury outboards.  They arrived on Wednesday & our team immediately took to action to get the motors in working order.  On Thursday the first outboard was repaired and was quickly back on the water to practice for the upcoming show.  Then on Friday, the day before the show, we finished up the second repair.  Within just a couple of days, we had both boats back on the creek, the performances would go on!

I was lucky to be able to attend the 2017 WaterFire event on Saturday. It was a wonderful show with something for everyone. If you have a chance, be sure to check out. More exciting events are planned for next year.

Fall Into Savings

Ways to Save at US Boatworks 

This fall season opportunities abound for savings at US Boatworks.  Currently we have two ways to save.  First, when you order boat parts online, you can reduce your shipping costs to $7.95 when you order $100 or more.  Using coupon code 7dollarship at check out.  (Some exclusions apply)

Next up is our Mercury outboards rebate program.  Now through December 15, 2017, when you buy a new Mercury Marine Outboard you can receive a rebate of up to $1000.  It’s a great time to buy a new Mercury outboard since our new 2018 models are out on the floor. Qualifying motors are shown below:

Mercury Outboards Eligible
Horsepower	Rebate
9.9 ProKicker	$135
30	$200
40 – 65	$335
75 – 125	$500
135 – 175	$670
200 – 350	$1,000

If great financing options are what you are looking for, Mercury is offering 0 down, 0% interest and 0 payments for six months when you choose this option instead of the rebate. You will be heading into spring without paying a penny on your new outboard. Call us now about your power needs and we will take good care of you. Our knowledgable staff has plenty of experience to get you in the right motor for your needs.