Center Console Boat Troubleshooting 101

Boat ownership is a truly rewarding experience in many ways, but there are some challenges inherent to it that you just can’t avoid. One of those challenges is trying to figure out what’s wrong with your boat when a given part malfunctions. While some issues can only be addressed by a professional service department, there are many things you can do at home to get your boat repaired and ready to use again.

Jet Ski of Miami is your Florida center console boat dealer and we’re here to help you with all your boat maintenance needs. Here are some common issues that boaters have with their crafts along with the solutions you’ll need to address them.

Issue #1: The Outboard Is Acting Funny

Problem: While cruising along the water like you do every weekend, your outboard motor begins to shake — hard.

Solution: It’s extremely likely that something’s become wrapped around the propeller of your motor, like seaweed or fishing line. Turn off your engine and remove whatever it is that’s wound around the prop. Check to see that nothing has worked up onto the shaft of the propeller and when you get back to shore, you’ll need to make sure your prop seal is still okay. To do this, drain out the lower unit fluid and check for water.

Issue #2: Your Music Is Inaudible

Problem: Your boat has a kickin’ sound system installed, so you stick on your favorite album while you’re cruising. But with the noise from your engine and the wind around you, you can’t hear those top-notch tunes.

Solution: Hook up the speaker on your boat to an external amplified speaker that can make your music audible and clear so you can enjoy every note of that guitar solo.

Issue #3: Salty Spark Plugs

Problem: Your brand-new outboard motor is great, except for the salt that’s crusting up around your spark plugs.

Solution: New outboard motors sometimes have this issue when you’re breaking them in. Get in touch with the service department here at Jet Ski of Miami so we can re-torque your cylinder head bolts.

Issue #4: Foggy Window Blues

Problem: You can’t see anything out of your cabin windows because they’re fogged up. Sure, it’s fun to draw and write in the fog, but what good are windows you can’t see out of?

Solution: If you have air-conditioning running, as you’re wont to do in humid Florida, the temperature difference between a cool cabin and a warm environment can cause condensation to form. Spray some glass cleaner and rub it around the window to create a film that resists condensation formation. Condensation Formation: now you’ve got a name for your rock band.

Issue #5: Dock Damage

Problem: Your center console boat has fenders to prevent the hull from hitting the dock when you’re pulling in, but the marina where you keep your boat uses a non-floating dock. When your fenders pop out, the boat is damaged.

Solution: Invest in fender boards (wood with holes drilled in it) that you can hang horizontally off the side of your boat with some lines and position them so that they’re between your boat fenders and the offending dock.

Remember: if you ever need some professional assistance with your boat, you can always get in touch with the service department here at Jet Ski of Miami. We can make you an appointment with our team of professional mechanics and figure out what’s wrong in no time so you can get back to cruising as soon as possible. 

Looking for center console boats for sale near Miami, FL? Visit our dealership in Miami today to take a look at our vast inventory of new and used center console boats for sale. Jet Ski of Miami proudly serves all of our Florida customers, including those of you coming from Hialeah, FL.